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SAAC HQ => Concours Talk => Topic started by: deathsled on May 09, 2024, 10:38:40 PM

Title: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on May 09, 2024, 10:38:40 PM
I found this artifact in my closet of parts with the intent to have one of them cut. I bought a long time ago say at least 10 years from some key shop in Ohio I believe. Not that it matters, but intellectual curiosity drives the question: nos or not? I take it that the rectangular head means ignition key while a key with rounded ends would be for the trunk? (So both are ignition that I have it would seem.)
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: CharlesTurner on May 10, 2024, 12:24:53 AM
Period correct OEM Ford keys typically have an 'H' stamped on them.
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on May 10, 2024, 01:03:51 AM
Appears to have. Thank you for that detail.
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on May 10, 2024, 01:04:50 AM
The "H"
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on May 19, 2024, 11:54:26 AM
I had one of my "nos" H designated pony keys cut using the original Ford key as the template and it won't turn in the switch  I looked at the cut job and it is spot on.  I am surprised that tolerances on the ignition tumblers are that refined.  I will bring it over to the key cutter and they said they would take a look.  Thank you everyone for your observations.
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: Coralsnake on May 19, 2024, 03:47:28 PM
Try pulling the key out of the tumbler a 1/16 of an inch and then turn
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: tesgt350 on May 20, 2024, 07:39:40 AM
Some where I have about 10 sets of those left that I bought about 35 Years ago when I owned "TALLAHASSEE MUSTANGS, Inc." 
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on May 24, 2024, 05:47:08 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on May 19, 2024, 03:47:28 PMTry pulling the key out of the tumbler a 1/16 of an inch and then turn
I tried but to no avail.  Thank you for the suggestion though.
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: NC TRACKRAT on May 25, 2024, 07:51:09 AM
Usually, a good buffing the "teeth" with a fine wire wheel will solve the problem.
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on June 03, 2024, 06:13:05 PM
Drove the Shelby down to key key shop this morning and the proprietor happened to be there.  He looked at the key cut by his apprentice and concluded that the grooves were cut a little too deep.  I gave him the one remaining NOS blank and he cut it to perfection.  That key works perfectly.  Strangely enough the defectively cut key still works in the locks.  The case is closed.  NOS pony keys work when cut by a skilled key maker. 
Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: FL SAAC on June 03, 2024, 06:29:34 PM
Quote from: deathsled on June 03, 2024, 06:13:05 PMDrove the Shelby down to key key shop this morning and the proprietor happened to be there.  He looked at the key cut by his apprentice and concluded that the grooves were cut a little too deep.  I gave him the one remaining NOS blank and he cut it to perfection.  That key works perfectly.  Strangely enough the defectively cut key still works in the locks.  The case is closed.  NOS pony keys work when cut by a skilled key maker. 


Glad to hear all turned out well.

I also acquired some N.O.S. key blanks ignition and trunk for our 66 GTH.  That was the easy part.

Had to hunt down in the tri-county area who still had the old style cutting machine as all the other machines are only found in museums today.

Got some spare made, all is well in Floridaland.....click

Title: Re: NOS pony keys or?
Post by: deathsled on June 03, 2024, 10:23:30 PM
Quote from: FL SAAC on June 03, 2024, 06:29:34 PM
Quote from: deathsled on June 03, 2024, 06:13:05 PMDrove the Shelby down to key key shop this morning and the proprietor happened to be there.  He looked at the key cut by his apprentice and concluded that the grooves were cut a little too deep.  I gave him the one remaining NOS blank and he cut it to perfection.  That key works perfectly.  Strangely enough the defectively cut key still works in the locks.  The case is closed.  NOS pony keys work when cut by a skilled key maker. 


Glad to hear all turned out well.

I also acquired some N.O.S. key blanks ignition and trunk for our 66 GTH.  That was the easy part.

Had to hunt down in the tri-county area who still had the old style cutting machine as all the other machines are only found in museums today.

Got some spare made, all is well in Floridaland.....click


Not too many of the old guard left for the old ways. Not just key cutting.