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Decoder ring for Cadillac keys?

Started by 13912, April 29, 2015, 01:40:33 AM

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13912

I was given a set of unmolested older gold plated keys with the Cadillac crest on them. Is there a site that can help me determine what year Cadillacs the keys are for based on shaft length etc?
Thanks
Bob

TJ Hopland

Unmolested meaning uncut?   Or just not very used?     Are you talking about the late 60's to 90's square and round keys?
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

13912


Doug Houston

The key blanks for all GM cars began in 1936 and were identical through part of 1966. Prior to that, blanks  (keys) had a double bit (the part that is cut). In addition, the 36-66 blanks were identical for hex head, round head, and the special head used in 60S models only for 38-41 ignition-door.

I had a 66 Cadillac, and my key blanks worked in those locks. BUT, a friend of mine had a 66 Cadillac, obviously a later build, and he had the new blanks for that year.

The key codes were shown as 4 numerals, and there was a chart, telling the depths of cut for the 6 places in the key bit.  While I do have the chart, they're possibly sort of scarce. I never counted the key combinations, but there are lots!

Regarding the special key for the 38-41 60S cars (Ignition), I understand that they can be found, but if you inquire about the price, have smelling salts handy. Fortunately, I have original keys for both my38-60S, and the 41-60S.

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

Glen

#4
The 68 shop manual has a key code “decoder” if you will.  It shows there are six positions for the tumblers and 5 levels for each position.  By my math that comes to 15,625 possible combinations.  When you consider the production numbers you can tell there are a lot of cars that use the same key. 

I remember my neighbor had bought a new 57 Chevy Station wagon, the wife went to the shopping center and when she came back home she realized the car she brought home was equipped with a radio, the car they bought was not.  The police were called and it was all straightened out.  But her key fit the other car. 
Glen Houlton CLC #727 
CLCMRC benefactor #104

13912

Thanks for the responses. From a few other CLC members the consensus is the keys are from the 60s or 70s but no one so far has been able to give me a definitive group of years  the keys fit. Occasionally ebay has Cadillac keys for sale so I'll monitor the site & see if a set show up that have similar dimensions.
Bob

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

#6
Quote from: 13912 on April 29, 2015, 01:40:33 AM
I was given a set of unmolested older gold plated keys with the Cadillac crest on them. Is there a site that can help me determine what year Cadillacs the keys are for based on shaft length etc?
Thanks
Bob

Sounds like the special "Presentation Keys". I believe they came in a jewel box. 

You say they've never been cut? To be certain, please post a photo.

**I thought a "decoder ring" was what Ralphie used for the Ovaltine contest.  ;D

A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

Gene Beaird

Picture?  The ignition key for our 68 Calais is gold with a round blue and gold emblem on it. 
Gene Beaird,
1968 Calais
1979 Seville
Pearland, Texas
CLC Member No. 29873

Walter Youshock

Starting in 1966 or '67, they changed from a groove 15.  I don't know what the new groove number was.

Did you contact Joey Jesser?  He'd know.
CLC #11959 (Life)
1957 Coupe deVille
1991 Brougham

Roger Zimmermann

Maybe he got those:
These are from ca 1990 I believe; I can sell that set if someone is interested.
1956 Sedan de Ville (sold)
1956 Eldorado Biarritz
1957 Eldorado Brougham (sold)
1972 Coupe de Ville
2011 DTS
CLCMRC benefactor #101

TJ Hopland

The keys in the photo started when the ignition got moved to the column?  Which was 67?   And lasted till around 95 for most models?

I believe they were only identified by a letter.  Seems like the owners manuals said which blanks were OE for that year.   
I think A, C, E, J were the square ones and B, D, H, K were the round ones.   There was a slightly different designation for the later ones that had the plastic cover and the also added the 'chips'.  I think there were 15 different chips so with those that made 30 'different' blanks before they were even cut. 

If you have some that are not identified you can look online for a profile picture.  IF they have the chip in them you can ID that with an ohm meter. 

With how easy and fairly inexpensive the locks are to change in most cars I would not order keys based on what was supposed to be in the car.  I did that one time and found out somewhere over the 40 years the ignition was changed.
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

#11
Quote from: Roger Zimmermann on May 01, 2015, 02:47:07 AM
Maybe he got those:
These are from ca 1990 I believe; I can sell that set if someone is interested.

That style key was a part of the "Gold Key Delivery System" which began in 1984. Since they lack the chip which was part of the anti theft system, those keys predate 1990. I believe the letter code determines year compatibility. As TJ mentions, they are not interchangeable across all model years. For example, a certain letter code fits 1976 & 1983 (IIRC).

Still waiting for a picture of the OP's keys...
A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.

Folks,

Do a search using the words "key combinations"

You will find in the post an entry by Tim Pawl which specifies which keys fit which year car. Was posted in 2011.

The Johnny
John Washburn
CLC #1067
1937 LaSalle Coupe
1938 6519F Series Imperial Sedan
1949 62 Series 4 Door
1949 60 Special Fleetwood
1953 Coupe DeVille
1956 Coupe DeVille
1992 Eldorado Touring Coupe America Cup Series

Glen

Here is what Tim Pawl said: 

Quote from: Tim Pawl CLC#4383 on June 21, 2011, 07:50:19 AM
Guys for your info, the Blank style of the keys repeated years as well.  Did you ever see the "letter" on your keys indicating what "Blank" to use .   Here are the codes versus years for the various blanks    A & B   years 1967,1971,1975,1979     C & D  years 1968,1972,1976      E & F years 1969,1973, 1977   G & H  years 1970, 1974, 1978           Tim Pawl CLC#4383
Glen Houlton CLC #727 
CLCMRC benefactor #104

procat

Were original keys issued in 1972 gold or silver in color?