Change the ignition tumbler????

Hey guys,

I need some help here. I finally got the lock out of the door on the truck (not going into the details, long story short it took about 6 hours total) and am going to have it rekeyed. what I would REALLY like to do would be put an ignition in that would take the same key. failing in that I would like to replace the one there with something more automotive, what it has now looks like a frickin' golf cart key.

What can I do? and what in the heck is that tumbler part called? I tried searching on Summit but can't find the right thing. I think LMC probably sells the thing I need but I don't know if it will work with the modern 12volt ignition setup.

all help appreciated.

Red

I found out some more, and have got more specific questions for the esteemed group now.

1. did the 51 ford even have a keyed ignition?
2. will the 53 ford ignition tumbler take the same key as the door lock?
3. will the ignition switch that they sell work with the ignition in the truck? (LMC is the they).

Looks like the one that it has in it was the 18 dollar one from Summit.

Red

If memory serves me right a '51 used an ignition switch in conjunction with a push button switch on the left bottom of the dash board. Does yours have the push button?

it has the push button, but since I didn't see it at LMC I didn't know for sure if it had a switch. the button of course doesn't work.

I know where there is a 51' F2, I could go out and take a look at that one. heck, I know where there is an f1 in town I can go look at. the guy that owns the shop that cut our rear end housing is building one himself.

think the tumbler out of one would work in a new switch?

Red

LMC has an online catalog and on page 77 of their early Ford truck catalog is where you will find ignition parts. The cylinders, though not interchangeable between door and ignition, use the same tumblers. On the top of the cylinder there should be a rectangular hold down. If you gently pry it off the springs and tumblers can be pulled out or dropped out if you turn the cylinder over. If you take the hold down off be careful that you don't let the springs fly out as they are very small and easily lost. The tumblers are different lengths and correspond to the cuts in the key. If you can acquire a selection of tumblers you can re key any cylinder to match a specific key.