Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#490309 03/08/24 07:44 AM
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minetto Offline OP
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A friend from our local club allowed me to borrow his numbered 1 to 64 master key set to open some locks that I do not have the 4 digit code for. In doing so, I noticed that five keys are missing from the set. I’m looking for someone that has the complete set and would be willing to have replacement keys cut for me. Thanks, Mike

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minetto #490310 03/08/24 08:15 AM
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Mike,
I have some partial sets of Master keys. Perhaps I have the ones you need. I have never had any luck using them. Were you able to turn all your locks, using the masters?

Mike


ml.russell1936@gmail.com

Many miles of happy motoring
minetto #490312 03/08/24 08:30 AM
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minetto Offline OP
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Mike, Actually no, I was unable to turn a couple of the locks and just assumed they were cored to the missing keys, but I’ll try again. Anyway, I’d like to return the set to my friend, completed if possible. If you wouldn’t mind, I’ll send you a pm. Thanks, Mike

minetto #490314 03/08/24 08:38 AM
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That would be fine, or give me a call. And thanks for the copy of the Special Bodies Catalog. The one I have is from 1942.

Mike


ml.russell1936@gmail.com

Many miles of happy motoring
minetto #490315 03/08/24 09:08 AM
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If you end up with a complete set you might ask your friend to have a few extra complete sets cut. They would likely be a hot seller at a swap meet.


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minetto #490316 03/08/24 09:15 AM
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I was told by someone that these master keys were called "shaker" keys, because each one was meant to work in place of several original keys. By inserting the master key and shaking it around, it would find the sweet spot and turn the lock. As I said before, I have never had any luck with them.
I have only a small batch that are numbered. The numbers on them are 38 through 55. They are made by Yale.
All of the ones I have were on a ring that I bought at the estate sale of a fellow who had been a long time parts or service man at the local Chevy dealer.
I have about 20 pounds of keys that I use when I am trying to turn a lock. I can't recall a single time that one of the master keys did the trick. The overall success rate for finding a key is probably 25%, or so.
I talked "lock and key" with Gene, a while back, but I forgot to ask what he knew of the master or shaker keys. Maybe he will weigh in and provide some help on this rarely discussed subject.
Someone had an ad in the classifieds, below, several months ago, offering to make sets of master keys. Having had such poor luck with the ones I already have, I did not pursue it.
Mike

Last edited by 35Mike; 03/08/24 09:18 AM.

ml.russell1936@gmail.com

Many miles of happy motoring

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