A Key to Your Travels Question

Most of us know that the key isn’t needed to actually start our Model “A”—It only turns on the ignition. You still have to retard the spark, set the hand throttle, pull the choke (if cold), and step on the starter switch. But did you know the following bits of key trivia?

On most Model “A”s, the same key operated the ignition switch and the door lock on closed cars. The rumble seat, trunk, and spare tire lock often used different locks from the door depending on body style. Roadsters and Phaetons often had no door locks since they had no roll-up windows and only simple doors.

Ford did not manufacture its own keys or locks, but purchased them from established lock companies. Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company was America’s best known lock company and had been producing cylinder locks since the 1860s. So it was only natural that they supplied keys to Ford. Additionally, there are many original Ford keys stamped Briggs & Stratton, one of the largest manufacturers of automotive locks, ignition switches, and key blanks.

There weren’t many different key cylinder combinations from either manufacturer. So a fellow club member’s key just might unlock your Model “A.” Have you ever heard the saying, “Every third key works?” Need to replace a lost key? You can probably read the lock code stamped on the lock cylinder and have a key cut from that number without dismantling the lock.

Original Ford Model “A” keys are collectible and sought after by judges because reproduction keys often have slightly different lettering or head shapes. Who made your key?