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NOS key size for 1966

Started by tgb1974, June 16, 2012, 05:42:05 PM

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tgb1974

My 1966 Eldo currently uses the modern, larger GM keys you can find at any hardware store.  I suspect it was re-keyed by a previous owner.  I would like to use the smaller keys the car would have come with.  Can I simply cut NOS key blanks from 1966 to match my current keys, or are they not compatible?  Thanks in advance!
Terry Banich
CLC #21409
1966 Eldorado (#2182 of 2250)
1960 Sedan de Ville 4-window (#7044 of 9225) (sold)
1967 Fleetwood Sixty Special (#899 of 3550) (sold)

Doug Houston

Careful on the key blanks for 1966. I had a '66 Cadillac, which could have been an early one. The key blanks from the mid-1930 design worked in the locks. I even made new keys for them.

NOW, I have a friend with a '66 DeVille hardtop, and his car uses the later key blanks. It appears that Cadillac changed keys in the middle of the stream.
38-6019S
38-9039
39-9057B
41-6227D
41-6019SF
41-6229D
41-6267D
56-6267
70-DeV Conv
41-Chev 41-1167
41 Olds 41-3929

tgb1974

Good call.  It turns out that all 1966 Cadillacs with a VIN _6241599 and after use the 1967 and newer key style.  http://www.rubbertherightway.com/1967-cadillac-restoration-parts-key-44005-prd1.htm
Terry Banich
CLC #21409
1966 Eldorado (#2182 of 2250)
1960 Sedan de Ville 4-window (#7044 of 9225) (sold)
1967 Fleetwood Sixty Special (#899 of 3550) (sold)

Walter Youshock

The older Briggs & Stratton keys were a groove 15.  I remember reading the switch to a different groove was sometime in 1966 so it's possible some '66's still have the groove 15 locks and switches.

CLC #11959 (Life)
1957 Coupe deVille
1991 Brougham

tgb1974

To what does "groove 15" refer? 
Terry Banich
CLC #21409
1966 Eldorado (#2182 of 2250)
1960 Sedan de Ville 4-window (#7044 of 9225) (sold)
1967 Fleetwood Sixty Special (#899 of 3550) (sold)

Bob Hoffmann CLC#96

Guys,
Early 66's had 65 style keys, late 66's had 67 style keys. The keys changed every year thereafter. Groove 15 is locksmith talk describing what style it is.
HTH, Bob
1968 Eldorado slick top ,white/red interior
2015 Holden Ute HSV Maloo red/black interior.
             
Too much fun is more than you can have.

tgb1974

Thanks, Bob.  I have a late 1966, so I ordered some 1967 key blanks.  Hopefully they will work.  Thanks, everyone, for your input.
Terry Banich
CLC #21409
1966 Eldorado (#2182 of 2250)
1960 Sedan de Ville 4-window (#7044 of 9225) (sold)
1967 Fleetwood Sixty Special (#899 of 3550) (sold)

Walter Youshock

Do you have any buddies with older GM cars than you?  If their older car keys fit your ignition and locks, you know it has to be the older style.
CLC #11959 (Life)
1957 Coupe deVille
1991 Brougham

tgb1974

Update.  The 1967 key blanks work in my late 1966 Eldo.  Thanks for all your input!
Terry Banich
CLC #21409
1966 Eldorado (#2182 of 2250)
1960 Sedan de Ville 4-window (#7044 of 9225) (sold)
1967 Fleetwood Sixty Special (#899 of 3550) (sold)