$75.00 for a key!

[Eric F.]

I'm interested in going for the Dave McLellan Mark of Excellence Award. To achieve it I need to obtain a PV for my 75. To get a PV I need a set of original keys with the knockouts. I found a supplier and was surprised to receive the following email from them

"We will supply you with New Old Stock keys with the knock-outs in them. The are $75.00 each. Judging requires four keys and the small wire rings. Total with shipping to you is $312.00. We include the rings at no charge. Send us a working copy of your keys."

I won't name the supplier because the cost may be affordable and reasonable for somebody. Though you have to laugh at the part where they will "include the rings at no charge"! I don't think I can justify $312.00 for four keys that will do nothing other than sit in a bag waiting to be judged.

Does anyone know if there are other options available? I bought four keys on ebay for a total of $5.00 and later learned that the markings on them indicated they were made in the 80's not the 70's.

Is there anything I can do to get around this issue on the judging field?

Thanks in advance for your time and information.

[Harmon C.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

Eric

Check in the archives under keys and E-Mail the person who knows most all the answers. I hope this helps it's all I can say. You could try to find some knock outs from an old salesman at your GM dealer but the code would not match if it is checked.

Lyle

[John D.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

We have one of the most honest and best key guys right here on the forum you know. Peter Lindahl. Peter made me 100% correct keys for my 63.
1. I furnished him my key #.
2. He gave me a quote for two correct keys with knockouts.
3. He then sent me a sample key to see if it worked in my locks. It did.
4. Peter then cut me the final two keys with had the correct characters on the knockouts. You see I have one original key that came with the car and therefore was able to compare.
5. He then made me a very special key for a gift in appreciation of me saying that the brake cross shaft fitting hole for a 63 has an orange plug.
6. Total price was way too cheap for what he did. I think it was less than 50 buks. Course that was a few years ago.

I don't have his email address but I am sure it will pop up here.

[Steve B.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

Hello,
I just had Pete do my keys for my 67 and they look great, super nice guy too! His email is pclindahl@comcast.net

[Mike M.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

pete and pat kraus are the only way to go. both honest and reasonable.even the key to sophia lorens chastity belt aint worth 75 bucks.mike

[Eric F.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

Mike, You're funny!

Thanks to all of you for the information and advice. I'll be sending Pete an email.

Eric

[Gary B.]

Mike: gotta disagree with you about Sophia *NM*

[Mark D.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

Maybe Jessica Simpson would make a better example.

[Clem Z.]

mike that statement shows your age. *NM*

[Gary Schisler]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

Ditto everything John said, including the practice key. Pete did my set of keys for a 72. A fraction of the price of the others. All work and look like original/new.
Gary

[Michael W.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

I think you may be taking the PV requirements too literally. You must have the correct number of keys that work in the appropriate locks, which is a reasonable requirement. The precise configuration of the keys and knockouts is more of a Flight Judging concern where appropriate deducts will be made if there are deviations.

If I am wrong, and if a single deviation in the appearance of key knockout is cause for failure during a PV, I think we've all lost the plot.

[Roger S.]

Key Font

What font was used to stamp the key codes onto the knockout?

Roger

[Patrick T.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

I had an NCRS member named Pat Kraus from Maryland who owns Pat's Locks and provided the correct locks, keys, spare tire lock for under $150. Someone here probably has his email, as I don't have it handy. PT

[Donald L.]

hotrodolds@aol.com *NM*

[Kurt B.]

Re: $75.00 for a key!

I used Peter Lindahl and he treated me exactly as John said.
Not only did he send me a sample key to try first, he also told me how to take my locks apart to find the correct GM code. His Briggs & Stratton keys are the correct shape and have the correct logo on them. He also has the knockouts and will stamp them with the correct lock codes. His work, pricing, and turnaround time are fantastic. No need to look elsewhere
Kurt