The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New owner with no Key

Just had my 4100 delivered, and need to try and bring it back to life, but there is no key for the locks/ignition. I called a locksmith and they will try to make a key if I can bring them a lock cylinder. I'm wondering if the glove box lock would be the easiest one to take out? I hope they can make a key because I don't want to replace all three locks, or end up needing a different key for each one.

The ignition key is easy to remove. Tag and disconnect the (3?) wires from the back of the ignition. They chrome ring on the front of the ignition unscrews and holds the ignition in place. You can use a set of adjustable pliers. I would recommend you use a pair that have the optional plastic/rubber pads that slip onto the jaws to prevent you from scratching the ring or dashboard. Also, the door and the ignition don't necessarily match. You might have to get a key for the ignition and a different key for the door. My ignition key for my 54 3100 does not fit the door lock. That is why I recommend getting a key for the ignition first. If it fits the other locks great, if not you at least have an ignition key until you get a chance to address the door and glove box. You can also buy a new ignition key set for probably less than the cost of a lock smith. I have not compared prices but I am speculating. It might be something you want to check.

This is the way I replaced the ignition lock in my 50 Chevy. It had no key when I bought the truck and I ran the ignition circuit through a toggle switch. Then I bought a used ignition lock with key from somebody on Stovebolt Swap Meet. This procedure worked great. I just used the key that came with the replacement lock to turn it to the right. I didn't remove the complete switch, only the lock.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm1226.htm
I hope this is helpful.

Getting the lock cylinder out of the switch, or the switch out of the dash- - - - -requires a key! The bezel nut won't clear the tumbler cover until you remove the lock cylinder, and doing that requires the cylinder to be turned. Usually, the door lock and ignition switch are keyed alike. Take the inside trim panel off a door and remove the lock assembly- - - -then take that to the locksmith.

I can get most ignition switches to unlock by spending a few minutes with a lockpick and a torque bar- - - -but I've been doing it for close to 40 years.
Jerry

Got mine done by a lock smith, total cost with two keys $14.35. On my 55 ignition switch comes out by just removing the ring. On mine all three locks are different. But they can be fixed by the smith. I haven't done that yet. I could get a used switch for about $25. My locksmith had a key ring with hundreds of chevy keys. One fit and works perfect. My next door neighbors 65 chev has the bezel on the switch. Its pressed on, he popped it off and pulled the switch and popped it back on with a little re-bending. Best route? I don't know.

Thanks for the help, but problem solved. Somehow I missed it, and my son noticed the key code was on the original sales order for the truck I have. Called the locksmith this am, and picked up the key later, and it works in all 3 locks. Now, the next project is a 12v battery, pull the plugs, lube the cylinders, etc., and see if it will crank over. Way too cold yet is the biggest problem now..

What year is the 4100? I'm guessing if it was an Advance Design like my '48, the key has 3 positions. Left is locked off. Center is on and ready to start with the foot button. Right is off but is not locked. You don't need a key to move it into the center, upright position to start.

I'd guess that the firemen would keep it in the right, easy-off, easy-on position. Otherwise they might all be searching their pockets for the key while Rome was burning!

Glad you got the problem solved.

My 4100 is a 1950 with only 2370 miles on it. The 2 + 3 digits on the odometer have been in the same spot for so long you can barely make out the numbers. My ignition switch has just 2 positions on/off.

We need to see some pictures!! And welcome aboard!

John and others, he has a group of photos in the Stovebolt Volunteer Fire Department forum dated Jan 5th. FYI📸