Original Keys

[short&wide65]

I did some searching but can't seem to find a definitive answer.

I have some questions about the key I have for my Canadian built 1965 GMC. I'm only the fourth owner and my Dad was the third. He bought the truck in 1980 from a service station who purchased it from the Provincial Government as it was a hydro truck.

My key appears to be original. It's the octogon Briggs and Stratton key which I think is nickel plated brass as the nickel/silver coating is wearing in places and it looks like brass or some other yellow metal underneath.It still has the knock out piece with the 4 digit key code.

It works in both the driver's door handle and the ignition switch. Reading on here is seems some trucks are like this and some use the round Briggs and Stratton key for the door lock and sometimes the glove box. My glove box doesn't have a lock.

What was correct when the truck was new? Was a single key an option? Or were dual keys an option? Did someone re-key the door handle to match the ignition? Since my truck was a fleet truck ordered by the government could they have ordered it that way?

I guess I could take apart my door handle and see if the key code matches what's on the key.

Thanks in advance!

[The Rocknrod]

Or you PM Lock Doc and ask him - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=630654

[short&wide65]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Or you PM Lock Doc and ask him - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=630654

I read through the entire thread and there isn't anything definitive about a single key versus two keys. I also didn't want to take his thread off topic so I was hoping he'd see this thread.

Of course I did use his thread to see how to take my door handle apart and the code in the lock is different than the code on the key. So now I'm wondering if it has just been recoded?

[The Rocknrod]

Did you PM LockDoc and ask him

[LockDoc]

-
All of the early GM trucks used the Octagon head keys, up to early '68. All of the locks on the truck were keyed the same from the factory and came with two Nickel plated brass Briggs & Stratton Octagon head keys.

As far as the key you have fitting both locks, either one of the locks has been re-keyed or the key and lock cylinders are worn enough to allow the key to work them both. If a new key was cut to the Ignition lock by the code number it may or may not fit the door lock or the other way around if a key was cut to the door lock code.... You may even be able to turn one of the locks with a screw driver.

Leon

[short&wide65]

Thank you so much for the reply! Great to know the truck’s ignition and door locks were keyed the same using the octagon keys. No need for the round head keys. I have an NOS key on the way and will talk to you about getting it coded for the ignition and getting my door handles recoded.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by short&wide65

Thank you so much for the reply! Great to know the truck’s ignition and door locks were keyed the same using the octagon keys. No need for the round head keys. I have an NOS key on the way and will talk to you about getting it coded for the ignition and getting my door handles recoded.

PM returned.

Thanks,
LockDoc