Questions on key knock-outs for judging

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I have the indicated 2 sets of the E and H keys for my '69 but I don't have the key knockouts. I ordered some replacement keys from ebay just to get the knockout parts. My plan is to remove the knockouts and just keep them separate in the new key pouch I also ordered. I'm thinking of how I can get the 4 digit code stamped into the knockouts for the judges to see. I don't think what the code is matters, I was going to just randomly pick a code, like 4S38, and have it stamped on the knockout portion of the key. Has anyone tried to do this? I have a stamp set but it is way too big for these tiny knockouts. One thought was to maybe try going to a jeweler and see if they can do it? Anyone ever do this before?

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Guys,

I have the indicated 2 sets of the E and H keys for my '69 but I don't have the key knockouts. I ordered some replacement keys from ebay just to get the knockout parts. My plan is to remove the knockouts and just keep them separate in the new key pouch I also ordered. I'm thinking of how I can get the 4 digit code stamped into the knockouts for the judges to see. I don't think what the code is matters, I was going to just randomly pick a code, like 4S38, and have it stamped on the knockout portion of the key. Has anyone tried to do this? I have a stamp set but it is way too big for these tiny knockouts. One thought was to maybe try going to a jeweler and see if they can do it? Anyone ever do this before?

Mike

Mike
Do not take the knockouts out of the keys. I believe there may be a "holder" to help align the stamps to the key when stamping the numbers. You have identified some of the issues with doing what you propose. Based on my conversations with Pete Lindahl there is a learning curve in stamping the keyway so there is more to getting this done than meets the eye. I know there is a Kent Moore tool to remove the knockout without damaging it, so attempting to remove the knockout yourself may damage the knockout. I have seen the result of some of those attempts and it's not pretty.

Call or email Steve Walker and ask if he can do what you propose. His contact information should be in the latest Driveline or in past issues. I know he can stamp and cut keys because he did that for the keys and locks I needed for my 1969 that is under restoration. I am guessing he can stamp your keys but ask him. There may be a pattern to the key code, but only someone with the code book and lots of experience will know that. I am hoping that that experience didn't die with Pete, but it is best to ask.

[Michael L.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Thanks Terry. I will reach out to Steve.

Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Steve, or whomever you use, can use a key gauge and read its code. Store the codes on your phone in case you need them.

[Gary B.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Guys,

I have the indicated 2 sets of the E and H keys for my '69 but I don't have the key knockouts. I ordered some replacement keys from ebay just to get the knockout parts. My plan is to remove the knockouts and just keep them separate in the new key pouch I also ordered. I'm thinking of how I can get the 4 digit code stamped into the knockouts for the judges to see. I don't think what the code is matters, I was going to just randomly pick a code, like 4S38, and have it stamped on the knockout portion of the key. Has anyone tried to do this? I have a stamp set but it is way too big for these tiny knockouts. One thought was to maybe try going to a jeweler and see if they can do it? Anyone ever do this before?

Mike

[Michael L.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Great Gary thanks for the info that is very helpful. Were the numeric parts of the code the same for the E and H keys?

Mark I wasn't planning on sending the actual keys to whoever I get to stamp the knockouts since I have little faith in the mail/parcel system these days. I will likely just use Gary's recs and pic random numbers to go with the appropriate letters.

[Mark E.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Great Gary thanks for the info that is very helpful. Were the numeric parts of the code the same for the E and H keys?

Mark I wasn't planning on sending the actual keys to whoever I get to stamp the knockouts since I have little faith in the mail/parcel system these days. I will likely just use Gary's recs and pic random numbers to go with the appropriate letters.

Most local locksmiths can read the code. Or have a cheap copies made and mail those.

[Don L.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Jeff Salz, member #13182 also does this work. He can decipher your ACTUAL code from a working key without a code. Jeff can also “clip” a new key to fit and operate your locks and ignition. Original keys were clipped vs ground to their proper configuration. A keen judge can tell the difference between a clipped and a ground key. He’s done several sets for me, all perfect and at a very reasonable price. You can find Jeff’s ad on page 65 of the most recent (issue number 273) Driveline.

[Gary B.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Great Gary thanks for the info that is very helpful. Were the numeric parts of the code the same for the E and H keys?

Mark I wasn't planning on sending the actual keys to whoever I get to stamp the knockouts since I have little faith in the mail/parcel system these days. I will likely just use Gary's recs and pic random numbers to go with the appropriate letters.

The E and H keys were completely independent. The * numbers for each key were unrelated to one another.

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Provided a key is not badly worn, it’s reasonably easy to read the cuts from a well-lit, close-up image of an existing key. Then one can easily decode those cuts using a searchable electronic version of the Curtis key code book, or something equivalent that locksmiths will have. I find it easiest to read the cuts with the key positioned horizontally, the bow of the key to the right, and the cuts facing up. Anyone with a little experience can learn to read the cuts from a decent photo. There is no need to physically mail an original key and have it at risk of being lost in the mail.

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Michael,

The random key code you mentioned, 4S38, corresponds to no format listed in my key code book that goes up thru 1979.

Gary

[Michael L.]

[Gary B.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

Mike,

Are the rail codes, E & H, on your keys stamped like in one of these first two photos?

IMG_7702.jpeg

IMG_7702.jpeg

Or are the letters stamped at a 45 deg angle like in this next photo?

IMG_7701.jpg

If yours have the E and H at 45 deg, then they are almost certainly replacement keys that never had the knockout present.

Gary

[Donald S.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

69 Corvette Keys.jpg
Original keys from my '69
Don

[Terry M.]

Re: Questions on key knock-outs for judging

You can have a photocopy (commonly called A Xerox) made of your keys and send the photocopy to the NCRS member locksmith of your choice. That will protect your original keys.