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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 1947 ford coupe with broken key in lock

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Posted By Discussion Topic: 1947 ford coupe with broken key in lock -- page: 1 2 3     stangfan 01-31-2018 @ 11:47 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 7 Joined: Jan 2018 customer called me to remove broken key in steering lock on column with a switch as well. I'm a locksmith and my customer told me to check if I could remove a broken key from the steering wheel lock that also blocks a push button switch to start the engine. The key is in the vertical position with the cuts facing downwards. It doesn't seem to turn either way (clockwise or couterclockwise) and the key pulls out very slightly as if it was turned halfway and snapped at the shoulder. Can anyone confirm which way the key should be and if the lock can be dismantled with a broken key in it ? Thank you for your time cliftford 01-31-2018 @ 3:26 PM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 845 Joined: Jan 2014 I'm no locksmith, but on my '47 when the key is in that position, it is unlocked, and the part that unlocks the steering is out about 1/4"past the lock body. maybe someone else will chime in. rg130 02-02-2018 @ 9:43 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 23 Joined: Oct 2009 I have a 47 Ford and have had my ignition lock/switch apart. I'm not a locksmith. The way my lock works is as follows. With the cylinder lock in the locked position the key may be inserted with the cuts facing up. The key is turned/rotated counterclock wise 180 degrees to unlock the steering wheel cylinder. The ignition switch lever may now be pushed up allowing the car to start when the starter button is pressed. In this position the key cuts are facing downward and the key can not be removed. If there is enough key left for you to grab with pliers, etc. you may be able to turn/rotate the key clockwise 180 degrees and then remove it. As you attempt to do this feel the steering wheel to determine if you can take some pressure off the cylinder lock by slight turning the wheel one way or the other. This should allow the key to rotate and be removed. If this does not work you will have to remove the pin under the lock cylinder to get the lock out. This pin may be drilled out carefully to not damage the housing or the lock. Use a small drill and go slow. Once the pin is out the lock will slide out. When you replace the lock use a set screw instead of the pin. Attached is a photo of an ignition lock. Hope this helps. GK1918 02-03-2018 @ 3:48 AM reply profile send p.m. New Member Posts: 127 Joined: Aug 2016 Note: buyer beware. I had the same problem and totally destroyed the cylinder. Bought a new key and lock cylinder. total junk bought another same thing made in Argentina junk. Problem is that little wheel when key is turned to unlock the steering is not drilled and tapped correctly. Should have bought two lottery loser tickets. So I drive with just a gutted out dummy cylinder in there with no key until I find a NOS one...........sam trjford8 02-04-2018 @ 7:57 AM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 4214 Joined: Oct 2009 NOS ones are out there. Put a want ad on this site and also check the V-8 Times services section for people who do lock repair. Also use you roster and check with Michael Driskell in Tennessee who sells a lot of NOS parts. He may have one. Some time back you could also get them from Dennis Carpenter. stangfan 02-06-2018 @ 1:19 PM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 7 Joined: Jan 2018 thank you rg30 for your tip. Idid manage to get the broken key out by turning the cylinder back to it's original position. Now I'm trying to get the cylinder out because the key I made doesn't work. I' ve decoded the key from the broken part that I removed. Cut it on my electronic key machine to the manufacture's specs. And it won't turn so I think the tumblers inside might be damaged from the pulling I did and whoever else tried before me. Can you tell me how to get it out of the column ? Does the key have to be at a certain position to pull it out ? Worst case scenario ,I' ll drop the broken one back in to rotate it if necessary to turn it at 2 o' clock for example. Thanks for your picture of the lock you sent. For your info, the code number stamped on the lock casing: Ican make a key from this number on my electronic machine. MG 02-06-2018 @ 1:40 PM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 1254 Joined: Nov 2009 Never mind....my previous post.... This message was edited by MG on 2-7-18 @ 10:36 AM 39 Ken 02-07-2018 @ 4:58 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 380 Joined: Oct 2009 The broken key may not have been the correct key. Maybe broken when someone tried to force it when it wouldn't work. In my 1939, the same key operates the glove box lock and the trunk lock. I don't know if Ford continued that practice in '47. If they did, then you could remove the lock from your glove box to get the proper code from which you can have a correct key made. Ken len47merc 02-07-2018 @ 5:18 AM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 1165 Joined: Oct 2013 In 47 the ignition key and trunk lock key were different. As I recall, and without checking it to validate, I believe the ignition key and glove box key are the same though. Steve Bill E Bob 02-07-2018 @ 6:55 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 85 Joined: Apr 2017 Ignition and door locks on my '47 Fordor use the same key. Glove box and trunk, a different key. (yes, I went out to the garage to verify)

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