VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Keys

Hi,

Quick question. My 39 Master 85 didn't come with keys. The ignition switch is there, I have door locks and the glove box. Of course, the glove box is locked

Are all of the locks...ignition, glove box, door and trunk keyed the same? I can pull a door handle easy enough. Without a key, I cannot pull the ignition lock cylinder out of the switch for a code. Anyway, I have a neighbor who used to be a locksmith and is very good at this stuff. He has been trying to pick the ignition but it is proving elusive. If I can bring a door lock, he is pretty sure he can make a key off of it.

thanks. Jeff

The door and ignition use the same key. The glove box lock is different. If you can find someone with an old GM master key set you'll be in business.

Thanks Tiny, that is what I needed.

Does the glove box share the trunk key?

jeff

I don't remember which works the trunk lock. I believe it's the glove box lock but could be wrong. It's been a LONG time since I locked the trunk on my 38.

Is the key code for each individual car stamped on the door handle's shaft for a 1939?

Up to 1947 the glove box key and the trunk key is the same.Ignitionand door key the same,
four diget key number in the 8000-9000 series is stamped on the handle shaft.

ALL General Motors cars from 1935 thru 1966 used this series of keys so a 1935 Chevrolet key could work on a 1966 Cadillac.
The trunk and ignition key head shape is different for identification but the same key cut was used on the key but not dupliated for the same car. For instance the one key will work in your ignition and in the trunk of your brothers Buick.

I agree that they “key” is to find a locksmith with a master key set. Then is it is a matter of trial and error to find the key that rotates the ignition lock so you can remove it.

I expect that there might be a few VCCA members with a set of master keys.

I had a similar situation. I installed a used Electrolock but did not have the key. I cannot remember how my local locksmith removed the cylinder. He then rekeyed it to match the right door lock based on that code number.

I did have the trunk and glove box key so did not have to deal with that.