No Keys!!

mcglamerye · Post by **mcglamerye** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 3:02 pm

My garage was broken into and riding mower stoles, as bad as that it's self is, the keys to my 79 spider 2000 were on teh same keychain that got stolen with teh mower.....ARGH!!!!

just ordered a new ignition switch and keys, stering wheel is locked currently. Is a new ignition switch easy enough to install without the old key to remove the current ignition switch? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:29 pm

virtually impossible to remove the old switch without keys. You can drill out tumblers, but it would be easier to get a locksmith out to make a key for you

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:57 pm

Note to self: Get spare keys...

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 1:00 pm

I always hide a set of keys under the hood. Secured to a hidden spot with a nylon tie-wrap. That way, no matter where I am, all it takes is a pocket knife or wire cutters to free up a perfectly functioning set of keys to drive me home. Of course, that precludes that the doors aren't locked with the top up.

Actually had to use my spare set while at the Fiat Freak Out last weekend. Misplaced (but found) my regular set. Imagine if I'd been in Detroit with no spare keys....don't think I'd been happy with the knowledge that the spares were on the desktop 4 hours away.

I empathize with you, and Mark is right. Find a good locksmith. I know for a fact that the good ones can make a functioning key on the spot with nothing more than a blank key and a file.

sooz · Post by **sooz** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:47 am

I would like to get some spare keys cut, especially as the key for the boot is getting very bendy; but my local locksmith tells me that he can't get the blanks.

Does anyone know where I can get these?

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:13 am

Have you tried any of the Fiat vendors like IAP or Vick's? I was surprised my local vendor had the correct blanks for mine.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:35 am

IAP for sure has them. Little salty, but they gottem.

check also with http://www.fiatparts.com

Bruce might have 'em.

T'ain't surprised to hear that your smithy has none. How many Spiders to you see cruisin' your home town streets? Certainly not enough for him to stock your blanks.

It would definitely pay to have more than one spare pair

sooz · Post by **sooz** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:43 am

Thanks, I'll try the specialists but maybe give a "proper" locksmith a go rather than just going down to the local key cutters.

Cheers.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:04 pm

back to the lost keys matter; in order to make the whole experience less costly, why not unbolt the steering column and take the unit down to the locksmith? That'll save the high priced house call, and just may lead to a good story?

Hawke187 · Post by **Hawke187** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:44 pm

There is no need to order $$$ key blanks, I went down to my local Ace Hardware and they had all the blanks for the Fiat in stock.

Not that they can make one from a lost key, but once a locksmith cuts you a new one, you can just get spares as cheap as cutting one for any other car.

One whole hell of a lot cheaper than ordering blanks online, paying shipping, then paying someone to cut them....

Thats my 2c on the matter

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:40 pm

Each key cutting place is on its own to order replacement blank keys. That your local hardware store had them in stock is no guaruntee that any other hardware store will have them as well.

But, it is a good point to check with the local guy before buying the expensive blanks from the mail order vendors.

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:11 pm

Just call around to a few locksmiths. I got the ignition and trunk key both for $5. It was a mom & pop shop, but they had the keys.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:59 pm

that was not the case in my area. I eventually ordered very expensive blanks from IAP, and took them to a reputable smith, who promptly told me....no guaruntee....

Wait a minute, you have my original! Verify that the blank is correct, and do your professional job.

OK, but no guaruntee.....

Yeash. Fortuantely, she didn't muck up.

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:47 pm

mbouse (Denise?) you're experience at a local hardware shop is alarming at best! Glad to hear everything worked out.

I worked at an Ace Hardware in Mount Vernon, WA while in high school and had they joy of losing my keys. Being the absent minded type I knew I'd better make a copy out of my spare key. Ace didn't have the key on hand but was able to order it from their supplier (used to be Hillman, or something close to that I think). Cost me a full $2.00 cause they rush ordered it for me. And then I cut it myself. Easy as pie.

If your local hardware shop doesn't have it on hand (many don't) have them check their supplier books, most suppliers are able to send the blanks relatively cheap with their normal shipment - keeping your cost low!