No keys for my 56

[stans56]

I have no keys for my 56. I can't remove the ignition switch without a key to find the lock number . I understand a lock smith can may key with this lock number. On a 56 is the door key the same as the ignition key? What about the trunk? Thanks, Stan

[Rick_L]

If all locks are original, you can get the code from the door locks or trunk lock.

If you can find an old locksmith, he may have a key that will work well enough to remove the ignition lock cylinder. Reputedly, back in the day, dealers had a set of 14 or 15 master keys that would unlock anything.

[markm]

When I got my 56 in the early 70s it took two keys. I got all locks and a matching key from a 56 at junkyard. Fast forward 35 years to my 55 no keys, I removed all locks and had them keyed to same key as my 56.

[busterwivell]

I did the same, had all locks re-keyed, now one key does it all.

[Dragsix]

I know this is an old thread but I just got here. Can anyone walk me through how to post photos from my iPad. I have some nice photos of Code cutting a key using a Curtis key cutter.

[BamaNomad]

Mike, posting photos here is a little bit different that the other site, but not drastically different. You have more *options* for that if you Go Advanced (down below the message area - just click it and the options expand). I think I did a detailed run thru for someone recently if I can find that post I'll link it..

[Dragsix]

So for anyone who may not know, our Trifives were delivered with all the locks actuated by a single key. So ignition, glove box, doors and trunk all used the same key. The style of this key is commonly known in the locksmith community as a B-10 style key.

To get replacement keys, You could go to the dealer and they would “code cut” you a new key. What this meant is that the dealer had a Curtis code cutter, code book, and if he had your code could cut you a key without needing you original key.

This is a Curtis code cutter and Curtis code book.

[Dragsix]

The code cutter uses Various combinations of cams and carriages to cut various types of automotive keys. This is the cam and carriage for the GM B-10 style of keys.

[Dragsix]

The door locks and ignition lock all have a four digit code stamped on them. This is a door lock (sedan). You look up the four digit code in the Curtis book and you get a corresponding six digit code.

[Dragsix]

You then insert the blank key, use the thumb knob to move the carriage into the start position, squeeze the handle and the tool clips one part of the key. You then use the knob to rotate one place forward, squeeze, and repeat until all of the digits are cut.

[Dragsix]

Now you have a nice sharp code cut key For your car. Now, for those who have mismatched sets, and want to get them back to a single key, if your door keys all match, then you can take your ignition lock to a locksmith, and using the four digit code on the door lock, he can key the ignition lock the same. So there it is, code cutting a trifive key.

[BamaNomad]

Very nice Mike! :) Did my posting help any for posting your photos?? Or did you figure it out on your own? :)

I thought for sure you were going to offer your services for any of us wanting to get 'correct' keys for our rides!~ :) Do you have the correct original B10 blanks? If not, I know some folks to have pretty large stocks of them (or at least they did).. although Rodney Brockman was one of them and he passed away a few months ago, but I bet his wife knows where his key blanks are.. :)

[Dragsix]

Your posting did help me. Turns out posting is similar to the stovebolt forum.

As for the key cutter, truth be told, I spent the best part of a year Researching the code cutting thing because those that had them kept the information pretty close to the vest. I was having trouble with my own keys, which were probably 20 generations from the key my dad gave me when I was 16.

I then started picking up the correct bits and pieces to get the cutter in good shape, then finally got a code book and taught myself how to do it. Starting to get harder to find a local guy that can do it so I wanted to make sure I could do it for myself.

I picked up a sun 404 distributor machine and rebuilt that machine for the same reason, so I could rebuild my distributors as all the older guys who did them are retiring. So I have this stuff Really for my own use. That being said, I have cut keys for a couple of guys on the other site who were having problems finding someone local. Life is short, I like this hobby, and truth be told, I really enjoy the people I have met on line (Mostly anyhow, lol), and Especially at the nationals, so I do my best to help when I can. Otherwise, it’s just a discouragement to others To stay in the hobby and why do that. So if someone is really in a bind, I can assist.

[Dragsix]

As to your inquiry re key blanks, I only have about 20 blanks in my own stash so I may very well be interested in obtaining some key blanks but only if you know Mrs. Brockman well enough to ask. I am not looking to make any business out of this, I just like to lend a hand when I can.

[Chevy Chase]

Curtis Key cutters have shown up on eBay along with blanks, books, dealership key rings (jigglers) with scores of keys.

Funny story: I was sitting in a chair next to my '56 DelRay at Pleasanton Goodguys Show. I heard a guy showing his trifive nearby cussing. Asked, What's Up? He said, he locked the keys in his car. Hmmm. Let me see if my key will work. Sure enough, unlocked his door. Told him original keys are so worn from use they will sometimes unlock other cars.