Re: [Chrysler300] Aluminum keys-update

["Don Warnaar" <300country@xxxxxxx>]

The keys for 1965 are brass.  The doors/ignition key has a Pentastar shape and the trunk key has a round head.  I bought my L new and have the original keys.  Also have duplicates that were made shortly after I got the car and on the original style blanks.  Hence, they are exact dulicates.

Don Warnaar
New Jersey


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rich Barber<mailto:c300@xxxxxxx> 
  To: 'Chrysler 300 Broadcast'<mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
  Sent: Monday, September 03, 2007 11:49 PM
  Subject: [Chrysler300] Aluminum keys-update


  We are at '49-'63 Chrysler products having aluminum keys from the factory.
  Any information on pre-'49 and/or post '64's? Any judging pluses or minuses
  for Al keys?

  I liked the part about the lighter keys helping performance. Maybe the
  dissimilar metal electrochemical reaction produces that added kick? I have
  both the nickel-plated brass and aluminum keys with the DCPD emblems for my
  1955 and every detail of their design is identical. The grooves are the
  same for both keys, but the octagon-head key for the ignition switch and
  doors is cut different from the rounded-square head key that fits the trunk
  & glove compartment. The IBM card build sheet contains key numbers for the
  "IGN KEY NO.", "R. DECK KEY NO." and "GL. BOX KEY NO.". The rear deck and
  glove box key number is the same, but there is an indication they could be
  different.

  Thanks to all that responded for the very prompt and mostly consistent
  response.

  C-300'ly
  Rich Barber
  Brentwood, CA
  1955 Chrysler C-300

  More:

  I have original aluminum keys in my 49, 50 and 55 Chryslers. Not sure if
  they started in 46-8 or not but were what was done by 49 for sure. My 48
  Desoto has brass keys but they were replaced ones I'm sure.

  My 64's don't appear to have been aluminum since they went to the pentstar
  then and were a different looking key by then. Got to admit I had expected
  the 63's to be brass also. 

  Both oem keys for my 52 Plymouth Suburban have the dcpc emblem embossed on
  their aluminessness. 

  I just checked and my 1961 Newport came with aluminum keys... I bought it
  from the original owners a couple of years ago...this is just another reason
  that the Chryslers were so darned fast...........lightweight keys....if your
  present keys for your 57 C are non-aluminum my C is gonna be faster that's
  for sure.......

  Hi 300 Fans, All of my four 56 Chryslers and a 55 NYer I drove in
  highschool (now sadly gone) had/have aluminum keys as originals. I remember
  clearly my Dad commenting on the set he got the day he took delivery of his
  Windsor about how light weight they felt in his hand and wondering if they
  bent easily. Those keys are the ones I use today when I drive that car.

  The only set of keys I have for my 57 C #2550 are both aluminum......If John
  Chesnutt is reading the listserver today he might shed some light as he
  bought his 57C back when it was new....

  Looks loike an original to me also. All then 50's MoPars I have owned had
  these as well as my F and a G we used to own. Now the real question, Why
  would it cost almost $4 to ship a KEY?????

  My 62H has aluminum keys.

  Canadian Chrysler products came with Al-You-Minium keys. And the keys might
  have been transformed to that elemental isotope when they were exported down
  under??

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com>] On
  Behalf Of Rich Barber
  Sent: Monday, September 03, 2007 9:36 AM
  To: 'Chrysler 300 Broadcast'
  Subject: [Chrysler300] Aluminum keys

  Recap on keys:

  '57-'63: Chryslers and some other Chrysler products probably came with
  aluminum keys. Any other information on '55-'56, '64-'65 and Hurst 300's
  would be appreciated.

  Apparently, aluminum blanks are now as scarce as hens' teeth.

  Dealer's replacement key blanks appeared to be the attractive nickel-plated
  brass keys. I suspect the grinding wheels used to "cut" keys might have
  loaded up on aluminum. The brass keys seemed to wear better and were maybe
  stronger. I recall seeing a lot of well-worn aluminum keys on old MoPars,
  but brass keys could get pretty well worn, also.

  Thanks to past and future respondents on this key question.

  C-300'ly,
  Rich Barber
  Brentwood, CA
  1955 Chrysler C-300 (with a set of Al keys)

  there is an aluminum keyblank on 3-bay for the 57-60 chryslers a dead ringer
  (BUT NEW) for the key I have for my white 300 So it sure looks like the real
  deal here item # 170144669106

  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=1701<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=1701>
  44669106

  Can anyone confirm which years Chryslers came with aluminum keys from the
  factory? I'm pretty sure my '50 and '51 had aluminum keys and maybe
  Grandpa's '55 DeSoto, also. I don't think my '63 had aluminum keys.

  One of my 300Cs (April 1957) has aluminum keys - one is red, but don't
  remember what lock this fits. Also I do not know if original keys or not. 
  Amongst keys that came with Supercharged 300C (late Dec 56), are also a set
  of aluminum keys. They possibly could be original, because they were with a
  fair few 1956-58 original letters and receipts that came with car also, so
  keys could also date back to then?

  I got my '61G from the original owner and I got aluminum keys with it. I
  can't say for sure they are the original keys.

  my '63 had aluminum keys
  Mine did, I still have the car and the keys

  I am pretty sure my '61G does not but my '58 Desoto did (I still have a
  set). My '58 Dodge Super D does. Hope that helps.



   

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