Lost Keys - Any Recommendations?

[topcat_92]

The key ring to my '79 Cherokee went missing, any recommendations?

I tried calling my local Jeep dealer to see if they could make a new set from the VIN, and their records only go back to 1984.

Is it easiest to just call a locksmith? If not, how much of a pain the ass is swapping out the ignition, door, and tailgate key ways?

Thanks for your help IFSJA'ers.

[Cecil14]

Are the doors and ignition the same key? If they are, just pull one of the lock cylinders and take it to a locksmith. It'll be way cheaper to take to them than call em out.

And get an extra key next time.


aa

[joe]

Agreed, remove what lock cylinders you need keys for and bring them to a locksmith. If they have to pull the cyls it gets even more expensive and since you'll have to reinstall them it'd be good to have the removal exp under your belt.

[tgreese]

Agreed, remove what lock cylinders you need keys for and bring them to a locksmith. If they have to pull the cyls it gets even more expensive and since you'll have to reinstall them it'd be good to have the removal exp under your belt.

I think it's not even that hard. If you can drive the Jeep to the locksmith, there would be no need to remove the cylinders. They can come to you too, but at added cost. Pretty sure they can make a key on the spot by wiggling the blank in the lock and looking at the marks the tumblers make. Locks are for honest people.

[topcat_92]

Thanks for the input guys.

Ignition and doors are separate keys. Any top tips for pulling the lock cylinders?Assuming I’ll need to pull the steering wheel for the ignition cylinder.

[SOLSAKS]

even for me
door lock cylinders are easy to remove

if they are like the 1988 version
open door
look inside door jam near lock cylinder
see small metal shim sticking out of thin slit in door metal
grab it with pliers, etc ( some are easy some are tight )
slide it out
door lock cylinder comes out easy after removing shim plate.

hope this helps.

we have all been there ( losing keys ) i feel for you.

dave in NC

[Cecil14]

Section 3J has the door locks, there's an exploded diagram on 3J-10:

http://oljeep.com/gw/79_tsm/79_Jeep_TSM.pdf

The ignition is in section 2J. 2J-38 for the lock cylinder.


aa

[hagar]

If ignition lock cylinder is original and was in working order, you can pull it out and a code number will be stamped into the lock case. That number can be deciphered to make a new ignition key. Then re-install.
The door locks; take one out and take to locksmith.

[Don S]

..

My 1961 Chevy worked in my 1976 wagoner.

Good Luck.. Don S..

[Carnuck]

Door locks are available new still with keys from NAPA. If your glovebox and ignition match then you can pull that to get a key made. The locksmith in Monroe behind the DMV.

[rang-a-stang]

I bought a NOS AMC Key blank on Ebay about a year ago. They are still on there. they are no better than any other key blanks, I just think it's cool having the AMC logo on it.