Ignition key question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Bowtie468** · 06-23-2002, 09:25 AM

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?

my new 72 · 06-23-2002, 10:42 AM

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.

Longhorn Man · 06-23-2002, 10:52 AM

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.

bobs409 · 06-23-2002, 02:28 PM

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.

**Bowtie468** · 06-23-2002, 05:35 PM

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?

Longhorn Man · 06-23-2002, 05:47 PM

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.

*Fast68Chevy* · 06-23-2002, 06:38 PM

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

**Bowtie468** · 06-23-2002, 06:59 PM

Thats what i was thinking, that B&S was maybe owned by GM.

chevyman 68 C/10 · 06-23-2002, 09:30 PM

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

Longhorn Man · 06-23-2002, 10:33 PM

Isn't fisher still doing that?

**68 Stepside** · 06-23-2002, 10:41 PM

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

imdarren · 06-23-2002, 10:56 PM

Anyone know where to get new blanks thet are like the old B&S blanks? I would like a couple for my 67.
Darren

*Shane* · 06-23-2002, 11:18 PM

Briggs & Stratton were never owned by GM...they were only contracted to make the key blanks.

toms68cst · 06-23-2002, 11:47 PM

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!

**Bowtie468** · 06-24-2002, 09:52 AM

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.

bobs409 · 06-24-2002, 06:17 PM

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.

**Bowtie468** · 06-24-2002, 09:22 PM

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!!!!!!

OhioDan · 06-25-2002, 04:52 AM

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?

my new 72 · 06-25-2002, 12:04 PM

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.

06-23-2002, 09:25 AM	#1
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	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? __________________ 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
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	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. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-23-2002, 02:28 PM	#4
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	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. __________________ 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
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	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? __________________ 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, 06:59 PM	#8
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	Thats what i was thinking, that B&S was maybe owned by GM. __________________ 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, 10:52 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	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.

06-23-2002, 05:47 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	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.

06-23-2002, 06:38 PM	#7
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	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

06-23-2002, 09:30 PM	#9
chevyman 68 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gilmer, Texas USA Posts: 313	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 __________________ 69 Chevy short fleet side soon to have LT1 and 4L60E pb. ps cruise and air. 68 Chevy short fleet side 400 sb 5 inch chop top pb. ps. pw. 350 auto and shaved handles 68 anniversary no engine long wheel base 400 auto FOR SALE 68 Chevy fleet side long wheel base complete parts truck.

06-23-2002, 10:33 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Isn't fisher still doing that?

06-23-2002, 10:41 PM	#11
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,692	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 Attached Images __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

06-23-2002, 10:56 PM	#12
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Anyone know where to get new blanks thet are like the old B&S blanks? I would like a couple for my 67. Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

06-23-2002, 11:18 PM	#13
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Briggs & Stratton were never owned by GM...they were only contracted to make the key blanks.

06-23-2002, 11:47 PM	#14
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,281	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! __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

06-24-2002, 09:52 AM	#15
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	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. __________________ 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



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06-24-2002, 06:17 PM	#16
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	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. __________________ 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
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	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!!!!!! __________________ 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
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	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? __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

06-25-2002, 12:04 PM	#19
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	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. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

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