06-23-2002, 09:25 AM | #1 |
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Ignition key question
I recently purchased a '68 C-10 SWB. The truck came with all the original papers , manual, protect-o-plate and the original ignition key. Okay, heres my question. The key has the octagonal shaped head and has GM stamped on one side and Briggs & Stratton on the other side. Can someone tell me the story behind this?
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Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide |
06-23-2002, 10:42 AM | #2 |
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Not the original key. Very common though. The ignition cylinder on an old briggs and stratton mower is the same as a gm truck, so when replacement keys were made they had both stamped on them. Before they came up with the code system for keys that is how small auto stores that had a key machine matched keys. Not a big deal though, an original key doesn't mean anything unless you are restoring a numbers matching all original vehicle, and even then it's a little over doing it.
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06-23-2002, 10:52 AM | #3 |
its all about the +6 inches
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You sure about that, when my grandfather bought his 59 Impally, it came with a B&S key. He had it untill he died and grandma sold the car.
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06-23-2002, 02:28 PM | #4 |
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I believe it's correct. I think 1969 started with the 2 keys (one square, one oval) I know the car did. My '63 Impala has the octagon key and 1 key fits everything.
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Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10 |
06-23-2002, 05:35 PM | #5 |
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new 72, This IS the original key for the truck , that wasnt my question. theres a little more to this story and thats what im trying to find out. Also, i have been around these trucks and classics musclecars since the age of about 5 and can gaurantee you that when documenting the history of classic vehicles, you can never " over do it ". Any one else has any input on this?
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Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide |
06-23-2002, 05:47 PM | #6 |
its all about the +6 inches
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I have heard that B&S was owned by GM at one time, and they were comissioned to make the locks. I don't know how acurate this is, but it sounds reasonable.
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06-23-2002, 06:38 PM | #7 |
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raises hand* yes have seen B&S keys in 68 and older and never in 69-up as of this date, i have a few of these stop sign keys around in my collection
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06-23-2002, 06:59 PM | #8 |
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Thats what i was thinking, that B&S was maybe owned by GM.
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Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide |
06-23-2002, 09:30 PM | #9 |
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I have heard or read (can't remember) that B&S was making engines for GM back when Fisher was making the bodys for them.
Anyone know any thing about this? Chevyman 68 C/10
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06-23-2002, 10:33 PM | #10 |
its all about the +6 inches
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Isn't fisher still doing that?
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06-23-2002, 10:41 PM | #11 |
huh?
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Here's a 68 key (left), and one of the originals that came with my 66 3/4 ton. There was a writeup on the board a while back, on why briggs made the keys for GM. I beleive it said Briggs was the largest key manufacturer in the US for a while. I'm not 100% positive though.
ttt
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06-23-2002, 10:56 PM | #12 |
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Anyone know where to get new blanks thet are like the old B&S blanks? I would like a couple for my 67.
Darren
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06-23-2002, 11:18 PM | #13 |
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Briggs & Stratton were never owned by GM...they were only contracted to make the key blanks.
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06-23-2002, 11:47 PM | #14 |
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This is the only thing on their web site that may relate to the key question:
"By 1920, Briggs & Stratton was widely recognized as a major producer of electrical specialties, which included the switch apparatus and starting mechanisms as well as various cut-outs and regulators." My guess is they were a supplier for GM and made the ignition switch and lock. They made no mention on their site of being a part of GM at any time. You see NOS Briggs and Stratton/GM key blanks on E-bay once and a while. Hold on to that key!
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06-24-2002, 09:52 AM | #15 |
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I think i'll make copies of this key since it is the only one i have and then put this one in a safe place.
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Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide |
06-24-2002, 06:17 PM | #16 |
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Now that you mention copies, see the numbered area on the key in the pic above? That part knocks out and back in the day, you could go to a dealer and tell them what number you have and they could make a key for you. They mention this in owners manuals.
As for finding blanks, I'd check some key/locksmith shops. Ones that were around for a long time. Odds are they will have a few laying around. Check some Chevy dealers too.
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Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10 |
06-24-2002, 09:22 PM | #17 |
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Good idea Bob! I'll call the dealers tommorrow and check with them. One dealer close to here has an unreal parts inventory. Two of my friends bought brand new grills ( '69-'70 ) that they still had in stock for i believe $ 350 each. Theres a good chance that they have more parts for these way cool trucks! Thanks again. Later!!!!!!
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Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide |
06-25-2002, 04:52 AM | #18 |
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For what it's worth. I don't think Briggs & Stratton were owned by GM. I had a Harley Davidson that had a Briggs & Stratton key. Am more inclined to believe that they made and/or supplied the switches for various Mfrs?
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06-25-2002, 12:04 PM | #19 |
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Yes Briggs and stratton was contracted to make the switches for GM for a few years. I guess I didn't explain myself clearly enough in my first reply. But it is the same key blake as the mowers of that time too.
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