Ignition switches

[pflaming]

I've got two ignition switches but no keys. I think the one I'm holding is for earlier model trucks. Is one preferred and can a good locksmith make me keys? Oh, and are the key sets in the ignition the same as in the passenger door?

Edited December 26, 2017 by pflaming

[MBF]

The one your holding could be an aftermarket replacement, the one in the dash appears to be an original. A good locksmith should be able to make a key for you, but I can't tell you what that would cost. When I took mine to get a copy made, he told me my key was very worn to make a copy from, but he'd give it a shot. He only had one blank for my switch in his shop, but could get more if needed. He said that if it didn't work with some minor adjustments it was going to be more than a copy cost. We lucked out and it worked! Good luck. Mike

[B1B Keven]

Ignition and door keys are different.

I found a new ignition cylinder and keys on e-Bay for $50.

The keys have the pentastar stamped on them.

You can have this one for the price of shipping.

Even has a Hurd key. However, the switch will work with the key up or down.

Edited April 4, 2012 by B1B Keven

[B1B Keven]

You can have this one for the price of shipping.

Even has a Hurd key. However, the switch will work with the key up or down.

[Merle Coggins]

Ignition and door should use the same key unless someone has changed out one of them.

[B1B Keven]

Ignition and door should use the same key unless someone has changed out one of them.

Mine must have been changed out on both trucks.

In fact, the first door key I had said 'Ford' on it.

[Young Ed]

Thats not an earlier truck ignition. Looks aftermarket. The 39-47 trucks and I suspect the pre 39 ones also have a firewall mounted coil and the ignition has an armored cable that runs to the coil and gets attached right to it.

[Desotodav]

My truck/s have been like yours Kevin. I have found the ignition key to be much slimmer (and different) than the door lock key.

Desotodav

[HanksB3B]

Paul,

This is what the original ignition and door lock look like:

This is the correct tumbler and Ilco Key (they're out there)

Or if it were a door lock you were after, you could get lucky on eBay and find something like this:

You never know,

Hank

I have a couple of aftermarket ones I'll try to find and photograph you are welcome to your choice of them. The only trouble with using aftermarket ones is that they lack a little square keyway that fits into the punched out square slot in the factory dash. The keyway is designed to restrict any rotation of the lock assembly. This can only be accomplished on the aftermarket ones by tighterning the heck out of the non-stock aluminum bezel.

Edited April 4, 2012 by HanksB3B

[B1B Keven]

Paul,

This is the correct tumbler and Ilco Key (they're out there)

You never know,

Hank

That looks like what came out of my truck. The replacement cylinder also looks like that but has the Pentastar stamped keys.

[HanksB3B]

Not sure when Pentastar appeared in the Chrysler line, but if it works..hey.

Hank

[B1B Keven]

Not sure when Pentastar appeared in the Chrysler line, but if it works..hey.

Hank

Me either.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Mopar-2510742-IGNITION-SWITCH-TUMBLER-1948-68-Dodge-/330710646950?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cffe400a6

[B1B Keven]

The part Hank showed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-MoPar-48-68-Dodge-Truck-Ignition-Lock-Cyl-Keys-Pkg-/330509568419?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cf3e7c9a3

[HanksB3B]

Good find but ouch! Looks like the same tumbler was used from 1948-1968 so the Pentastar blank is correct after a certain year and not just some local locksmiths handiwork.

Hank

Edited April 4, 2012 by HanksB3B

[4852dodge]

My trucks and the parts truck used the same key for ign and door.