[Chrysler300] Aluminum keys-update

["Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>]

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@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] 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
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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