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How to knock out centre on a blank key for a 1964?

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Old 10-21-2013, 03:20 PM
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TheSaint
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Default How to knock out centre on a blank key for a 1964?

Ï have a couple of extra keys for my car but the hole in the key is so small i can not get the key on any key change

I tried to punch out the center of the key where it says "knock out" but with no luck

Any here on the forum that have punched out the center of the key?

My keys looks like the one to the right and i want them to look like the one to the left
Perhaps i was to careful when i tried to punch out the center of the key?
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Last edited by TheSaint; 10-21-2013 at 03:44 PM.
Old 10-21-2013, 04:05 PM
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Just back in from the garage after trying to punch out the center a second time and now i used a proper tool to punch out the center of the key and with a harder knock of the hammer so this time the center came out easy

I suppose the ignition key is supposed to have a hex head?
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Old 10-21-2013, 04:18 PM
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JohnZ
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Originally Posted by TheSaint

I suppose the ignition key is supposed to have a hex head?
64's had one (octagonal) key that fit everything; the 2-key system didn't start until 1965.
Old 10-21-2013, 04:51 PM
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The key that came with the car is made of brass(a lot of plating is worn off)and says:
For general motor cars USA

I suppose that is not the original key?
Old 10-22-2013, 08:19 AM
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The original keys carried a code number on the punch out section which would allow a locksmith to duplicate the key using only the number. The theory was that the owner would punch out the center section and keep it in a secure location in case a duplicate key was needed at some time in the future.
Old 10-22-2013, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ejboyd5
The original keys carried a code number on the punch out section which would allow a locksmith to duplicate the key using only the number. The theory was that the owner would punch out the center section and keep it in a secure location in case a duplicate key was needed at some time in the future.
Not realizing of course that about 1 key in 30 from other cars will fit yours....
Old 10-22-2013, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
Not realizing of course that about 1 key in 30 from other cars will fit yours....
I had a ring with about 8 keys attached that would operate any GM product of the '50s or '60s that I tried - wish I could find that key ring today just for old times sake.
Old 10-22-2013, 12:40 PM
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I did not know that the key came with code number on the punch out section
Well, i punched out the center of another key(blank)i have about 5 minutes ago and this time it took me 1 minute to punch out the center including getting the tools needed

One whack with the lead hammer was all it took
Old 10-22-2013, 03:04 PM
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One thing when punching out the center of the key
Do not do it like i did
I placed the key on a 12 mm socket, placed the key on it and held a screwdriver on the center of the key and punched with the lead hammer on top of the screwdriver
I better put some clear paint over the mark after the screwdriver

The center bounced high when i punched the screwdriver into my kitchen bench

Last edited by TheSaint; 10-22-2013 at 04:09 PM.
Old 10-22-2013, 03:23 PM
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Don't do automotive work in the kitchen. Especially when wife is home! I remember boiling carb parts on the stove once and got caught. The hospital bill was more than the cost of sending the carbs to a professional.
Old 10-22-2013, 03:36 PM
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Mrs Fink... for the win!
Old 10-22-2013, 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
Not realizing of course that about 1 key in 30 from other cars will fit yours....
Back in the day, I locked my keys in the car outside a bar, and rather than jimmy the lock, I asked as others filed in and out if they had a GM and would they mind trying their keys on my door (Not recommended today). The sixth one worked!
Old 10-22-2013, 04:15 PM
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It might be no need to have the spare blank keys cut then

I am sure the blanks will work in the ignition
Old 10-22-2013, 08:33 PM
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I've got a big ring with GM keys back to the 50s. There must be a hundred of them on there, and I've yet to get stumped yet with an old GM vehicle.

Trucks are even easier. My 90 key fits lots of other trucks of that vintage, door keys as well. A parts man told me there were only around 8 different keys for those trucks!

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