Hoist

Model A

Ford Garage

Key & Code Identification Tables

Ignition & Door Locks

Click image for a larger view!

The table below shows the typical original and replacement Model A Ford door and ignition lock key blanks and their usages, as well as tables of the key numbers and their corresponding 5-bit cut codes.

1928-30
Lozenge Head

Ignition
(Oval Speedo)

Door & Deck
Ferro Handle		 1928-31
Round Head

Pillar Lock
Tire Lock

Door & Deck
Ferro Handle		 1928-31
Round Head

Door & Deck
Ferro Handle		 1930-31
Clover Head

Ignition
(Round Speedo)

Door & Deck
Ferro Handle		 1930-31
Crown Head

Door & Deck
Crown Handle
Original
Key Blank
(click image)
Original
Key Groove		 B&S
Groove 1		 B&S
Groove 1		 B&S
Groove 3		 B&S
Groove 5		 Crown
Key Number
Range		 A801
A1050		 11111A
33333A
Digit Series		 A1051
A1300		 A1301
A1550		 F 551
F 800
Cut Code Tables
(click image)
Replacement
Key Blank		 Green shading indicates preferred replacement key blank brands.
Bold black lettering indicates preferred replacement key blank numbers.
Red lettering indicates poorer fitting alternate choices.
Briggs & Stratton
(BASCO/Strattec)		 Groove 1
42899 lozenge
42107 round

Groove 14
75102		 Groove 1
42107 round


Groove 14
75102		 Groove 3
42164 round
Groove 14
75102

320734
(=B5/1098DB)		 Groove 5
62849 clover
difficult to find
Independent Lock
Ilco/Kaba		 1098X

1098M (= B1)
C1098M
= too loose		 1098X

1098M (= B1)
C1098M
= too loose		 1098DB

C1098M
1098M (= B1)
= too loose		 C1098A
C1098M
difficult to find		 1121C
difficult to find
Taylor/Dominion 98X

98M (= B1)
= too loose		 98X

98M (= B1)
= too loose		 98DB

98M (= B1)
= too loose		 C98A
C98M?
difficult to find
Curtis/Cole B4
B52

B1 = too loose		 B4
B52

B1 = too loose		 B5


B1 = too loose		 ?


B1 = too tight

Non-original key blank numbers are shown in order of decreasing suitability for proper cylinder fit (within a brand). Bold black lettering indicates the preferred replacement key blanks having the correct groove profiles.

Many people often recommend the 'B1' blank because it is 'universal', but the 'B1' is the worst fitting replacement blank in all cases!

Use the proper groove key blanks!
Ilco/Kaba brand are the best available modern blanks, IMO.

I can supply the proper fitting non-original modern keys (blanks or cut-to-code keys) for Model A and V8 Fords if you cannot source them locally.

Shown above is a pair of original Oakes Tire Lock keys with the special shaped Oakes head, Groove 1 profile blank, and the Ford digit series key number.


Shown above are two Curtis key clippers that I use. These are clippers, not duplicators. They clip a new key blank to a published cut code or key number. They do not mill or directly copy from a pre-existing key.

The post version on the left is a Model G from about the 1940's, and the dial version on the right is a Model 14 from the 1960's. They are both set up and calibrated for the 5-bit B&S key blanks as used on Model A's.

It is important to calibrate the vertical depth of cut for every key clipper you may buy. It is not enough to trust it in the as-found condition. The key carriages are also dependent on the blanks being used. All Model A keys (other than Crown) use the carriage marked 'BS' with five cut positions. The 'BS' position is also used on the post or dial.

Both of these clippers are universal aftermarket type tools used by garages and hardware stores of the era to cut a variety of key blanks and styles then in use. They both work just fine on brass blanks. Steel key blanks are not recommended.

I also have another Model 14 set up and calibrated for cutting the Hurd key blanks used during the flathead Ford V8 era.


More related information on Ford Garage:

  1. For more Model A & B related information, use the Site Search box at the top or bottom of this page.
  2. 1931 Special Delivery 255-A Locking Scroll Door Handle
  3. 1932 Closed Car Hurd Door Lock Cylinder
  4. 1932 Ignition & Door Lock Hurd Key Details
  5. 1935 Ford Decker Transmission Lever Lock

April 2017