Lost keys... options?

[Homerr]

I may go look at a 71 Imerial this weekend and the seller says the keys are lost. The car is currently non-op so it's not like I would be able to drive it anyway. Can locksmiths make a key on site, or remove cylinder(s) and take to locksmith to make keys? Send them off to Chrysler specialist?

What keys would be the same? Door and trunk same, and ignition separate? Are Imperials the standard pentastar and round key types?

 

[Big_John]

Door and ignition the same (square head). Glove box/console and trunk lock the same (round head).

Probably the easiest way is to pull a door lock and trunk lock and take them to a good lock smith. Chances are you have a power lock on the trunk, so you won't have to crawl through the trunk.

If you need to move the car before you get a key, you can disconnect the steering wheel lock by pulling the steering wheel and taking it apart. A FSM will help you there. Pull the ignition lock at the same time if you go that way and use that for the lock smith.

 

[saforwardlook]

Many locksmiths will go to the car and fit a key to the door or ignition lock. Probably the easiest and cleanest way to go most of the time.

 

[twostick]

If you can get the numbers from the tumbler sets a locksmith should be able to look it up on a master list and cut you new keys.

I saw it done at a dealer many years ago. They had a tool that they put the key code into. They put a soft aluminum key blank in and there were levers on it that when you squeezed them cut the notches in the blank. You then transferred the cut blank to a key cutter and used it for a template to cut "real" keys.

Kevin

 

[65sporty]

Any good locksmith should be able to help you, the guy I use made many keys from just having the cylinders we supplied.

 

[Homerr]

Thanks everyone!

I'm going to go look at the car in a few hours. It is unlocked at least so I can see the interior and under the hood. The trunk may be an issue until a battery is hooked up, the car has sat for decades now. But since the glovebox and trunk share a key I could also get a key made for that cylinder.

Oh yeah - the ignition lock - duh! It's in a garage off an alley, four flats, and my garage is a similar deal to flatbed it in to. Maybe I'll bring my floor jack to slew it around for a better angle on the tow if I buy it, I think this will go fast if it goes and I don't think the seller will necessarily want me disassembling the steering column in his garage.

 

[Dobalovr]

If you can get the numbers from the tumbler sets a locksmith should be able to look it up on a master list and cut you new keys.

I saw it done at a dealer many years ago. They had a tool that they put the key code into. They put a soft aluminum key blank in and there were levers on it that when you squeezed them cut the notches in the blank. You then transferred the cut blank to a key cutter and used it for a template to cut "real" keys.

Kevin

Yes we have such a tool but it requires a known key code that we cross reference against the master list which only goes back to the 90's so far. It's actually kinda cool you take a code like M3468 and it converts to cut depths like 24323314 which we use to place the cutting levers accordingly. First lever depth 2 second lever depth 4 etc. i can look up the key codes to any modern mopar btw so be careful where you park your metric 300

 

[Big_John]

Just happened to think... Does a 71 Imperial have a electric trunk lock or a vacuum lock?

 

[65sporty]

Yes we have such a tool but it requires a known key code that we cross reference against the master list which only goes back to the 90's so far. It's actually kinda cool you take a code like M3468 and it converts to cut depths like 24323314 which we use to place the cutting levers accordingly. First lever depth 2 second lever depth 4 etc. i can look up the key codes to any modern mopar btw so be careful where you park your metric 300

A young guy was working at the auto parts and one of the guy's I worked with took the Vin of his Grand Prix and got a key made from our local GM dealer and moved the car just too screw with him I think this was in about 2002, the dealer is a little more picky about making keys now a days wanting to see we have the car in our shop or possession. Keys have really gone up in price also kind of expensive for a joke.

 

[Homerr]

Any idea on the cost to get keys made if I bring a cylinder to a locksmith?

 

[Homerr]

1971 had electric hidden headlights. Trunk release is described as "power", not sure if electric. But the button is inside the glovebox.

 

[tallhair]

Any idea on the cost to get keys made if I bring a cylinder to a locksmith?

My guess $25 - $35

Probably $50-$60 if you get a lock smith to come to the car and do it the impression way

 

[Big_John]

Probably $50-$60 if you get a lock smith to come to the car and do it the impression way

Rich Little doing Johnny Carson trying out different keys is the image I have....

 

[tallhair]

Rich Little doing Johnny Carson trying out different keys is the image I have....

Whatever. It's a thing and can be done

 

[Big_John]

1971 had electric hidden headlights. Trunk release is described as "power", not sure if electric. But the button is inside the glovebox.

I looked in my 70/71 parts manual and it lists a vacuum actuator for 71 Imperial.

I'd try using something like a mighty-vac or similar hand held vacuum pump. Most likely, you could just pull the vacuum hose from the carb and pump it down to draw a vacuum and then hit the button. Alternatively, you might be able to get at the vacuum line to the trunk at the switch in the glove box.

 

[polara71]

My vacuum canister for my trunk release holds air perpetually. Not sure about other cars but it may still be holding air

 

[Dobalovr]

My 70 300 is vacuum operated however it does not currently operate properly. I'm going to wire in the electric release from a later model as soon as I can using the same switch location. Does this system require a vacuum resovoir? I don't see one on mine but.....

 

[polara71]

Yes, under the right fender top, next to the horns

 

[Homerr]

My guess $25 - $35

Probably $50-$60 if you get a lock smith to come to the car and do it the impression way

The seller and buyer worked it out for a locksmith to come to the car. I saw the receipt and it was 5x your house call estimate, I was flabbergasted. I'm not sure I've ever been flabbergasted before. And just for one pair of door/ignition keys! Still no trunk key. I post as a FYI/warning to those looking this up in the future, cities are expensive!

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

My vacuum canister for my trunk release holds not-air perpetually. Not sure about other cars but it may still be holding not-air

Fixed it for ya!