Re-keying locks, Which way is easier? Options

[aylanco]

My car has two keys, one for the ignition and one that fits all the other locks. I would like to get it down to one key.

Right now I have both outside door handles off of the car (I'm going thru the door innards) and had a thought: Wouldn't it be easier to just take out the trunk lock and hood lock, and since I already have the door handles off, just have those all re-keyed to the ignition?

It looks like a real PITA to take off the steering column to get to the ignition switch. I had a previous experience with this on my 356 and now it's T signals don't cancel and I'm still fighting it. I just don't want to end up with two cars like that!

Thanks!

[SpecialK]

I re-keyed all the locks on my '73 to the ignition key (for the same PITA reason you mentioned).

Now I'm for sure going to get hammered for this if there's any locksmiths on the board, but it worked out perfectly.

What I did was remove the lock mechanism and disassemble it with the correct key inserted in the lock. If I remember right the springloaded brass "gates" (for lack of the correct term) will fly out if the key isn't in the lock when you separate it from it's outer housing.....then again, maybe not, but just to be on the safe side....

If you are using the key that is meant for the lock you'll notice that all of the "gates" retract into the housing when the key is inserted. When you go to insert the ignition key into the lock some of the gates won't retract completely into the housing which is what keeps the key from working in your door and trunk locks. What I did was take the trunk lock (or which ever lock you're "rekeying") and insert the ignition key into it. Carefully grind, file or sand off any of the gates that are not flush with the housing. Blow out the key mechanism to remove any filings and debris....and WAH LAH...it is "rekeyed". The cool thing is that the "old" trunk key will still work (always good to have spare keys).