prewarnut Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 I like the logic of removing an available lock to decode and create a key and then seeing if the key will fit the others. It's not expensive and worth a try. I don't believe there's usually valid numbers (it would only help thieves or lock pickers). If the locked box isn't openable a good locksmith may be able to "pick" it and then remove the cylinder to be keyed. Once the cylinder is out (of any of the locks) it is only a 1 minute exercise to decode what the key should be...or a 5 minute procedure to re-key it to your liking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrbartlett Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 (edited) Here's a piece of history. The original spare tire lock that came with my 1919 Sportif. A Yale and Towne copper-cased lock that goes on the spare tire locking clamp, with the original key. According to the written history from prior owner Lee Davenport that accompanied my car, this lock and key are from the factory. When I had duplicates made, the key blank was in fact a Y6. Again, this same key also works the ignition switch, the tw o hood sides and the four tool compartment doors. I don't have my '25 Loco here at home, so don't know if the same key blank was used. Edited November 18, 2021 by jrbartlett (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prewarnut Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 Interesting! I have an old Corbin which is a bit massive and in a similar way-decorative with a brass clad body. This gives me pause for what it may have been used for. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 12 hours ago, AHa said: Ed, Is that offer good for us other than Locomobile owners? My 1932 Graham needs an ignition key. There is a three digit number on the front of the lock. I'm not sure if that is the code for the key or not. If I had the contact number for your locksmith I could contact him directly and save you the time. Whaddaya think? Send me a photo of the lock, the key-both sides, and year, make, and model info. He's in his 70's so he doesn't want to be flooded with 300 problem projects.......he will do them one at a time. Get me the info, I will get it to him to see if his book and key index has the information. In theory, he can cut it without the thing in hand, but it would be better if he did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 18, 2021 Author Share Posted November 18, 2021 (edited) All this talk of keys and locks has got me moving. Attached will be two pictures from the storage compartments on the driver's side of the Demarest Limousine. The first picture shows that the tumbler is missing. The OD of the tumbler is approximately 1/4" total OD and the lock is about 1/2" OD. The lock number appears to 840 and the prefix of L. The second picture shows the Yale lock in place, but no key. This lock is most likely an "off the shelf" item in 1925 and surely for many more years. If you recognize this lock at face value as used elsewhere, please post so I can broaden my search to replace the missing unit. The locks on this Locomobile are not in terrible condition as the automobile spent many years in quiet protected dry storage. I hope you can help.... Al Edited November 19, 2021 by alsfarms Clarity (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 18, 2021 Author Share Posted November 18, 2021 Here is the second picture. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 (edited) It looks like to me, as Ed and J Bartlett suggested, if you can take one of the locks off and or send Ed a number and name off the lock, you could have a key in a matter of a week and the one key may fit all of your locks. The locksmith may have a cylinder. I have several house locks from my work on antique houses; I would expect a locksmith might accumulate lots of locks and parts. Edited November 18, 2021 by AHa (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittenbacher Frank Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 4 hours ago, alsfarms said: Here is the second picture. Al Dear Al, your photo is not clear enough, pls take another one for us. You could also clean the lock's face with a brush before taking the photo. I am quite sure you will find the lock's code number on it. I can confirm what Edinmass and AHa have mentioned before: The locks have certain codes. If the code on two locks is the same, then the same key shall fit to them. James' Loco is equipped with L657-locks. The key bit looks different from my keys. I checked on both my 1917 and my 1921 Locos just now, and really, all of them have the code "L671" stamped on their face. I believe it is pure coincidence that my cars use the same code, but it should be the explanation why the keys are interchangable on my cars (which I mentioned in an earlier post). I think my keys do not necessarily fit to other Locomobiles, definitely not to James' Sportif. If you can identify the lock number on your Demarest Limousine, you just need to find a friendly person with the same code on his car, which should be easy with such a big and active community! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 I can just about make out the number on one of Al's locks. It appears to be a L 15?? A little elbow grease, or a drill with a scotchbrite pad, or a wipe with some type of cleaner should bring up the name and number in two seconds flat. Then a key could be had by the end of next week and perhaps even a cylinder. Then we could see what treasures lurk in those locked compartments! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 (edited) Per request by AH and Frank, I did try to outsmart my smart phone and convince it to focus on what I want. I replaced the picture with a better image. Check out the picture of the lock with the tumbler out. The number on the right appears to be 840. More cleaning in better daylight tomorrow to determine what the prefix letter is. I assume that I will find "L" for Locomobile. Al Edited November 19, 2021 by alsfarms clarity (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Ok, I decided to play for a bit. I went back to a dash picture I had taken of the Demarest Limousine. With a bit of manipulation I have a much better picture of my ignition switch. I am sure that my ignition key is not going to be the same as the auxillary locks. The shape of my ignition lock is most exactly like the similar image Frank shared. I assume that the picture Frank shared is from his Sedan. Share observations. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 More playing with picture posting. I am much more proficient with editing pictures. I edited/enlarged the same picture above. Yes, the auxillary locks should be L 840. Do you agree? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Frank, After studying your pictures, you show two ignition switches and both of them appear to be L 671? Does that mean that both of your Locomobiles are keyed the same? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Here is a repost of the lock without the tumbler and not enlarged so much. I noticed that the clarity was impacted by enlarging to much. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 Al, You can see the letter on the left side of the lock face but in its current condition the letter looks to be an I. I'm hoping you plan on cleaning the face a bit more in the morning. A little metal polish on a piece of four ought steel should clean the lock enough so that no one has to guess at the letter or number. You really don't want to guess; you want to be sure of what you're looking at. The numbers certainly appear to be 840 but I wouldn't trust it in its current condition. Same with the ignition lock. A little cleaning should confirm the number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 2 hours ago, Ittenbacher Frank said: If you can identify the lock number on your Demarest Limousine, you just need to find a friendly person with the same code on his car, which should be easy with such a big and active community! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 AL, just curious, have you been able to clean a lock face this morning? Remember, you have drawn us all into this mystery and now we are all anxiously awaiting its outcome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 I have cleaned the lock face more and do have what I feel is an accurate determination on the lock number. The light is better but I am still struggling on how to outsmart my smart phone and get it to focus on what I want not what my phone thinks I want! My determination for the lock code is: L 849 (the L appears to be laying on its back). What does this group think? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 (edited) I agree, L 849. Now, lets move on to the ignition lock and get you some keys. It would surprise me if the locksmith did not have a cylinder. FYI On a house lock, a tube is inserted before taking the cylinder out. This keeps the pins from falling out of the outer lock. You may have to take this lock out and send it to a locksmith so the pins can be replaced. I don't know about this particular lock. Also, I would clean the metal shavings out of the inside of the lock sooner rather than later and I would recommend some light machine oil be applied. If this car has been setting a long time, everything tends to freeze up. Edited November 19, 2021 by AHa (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 (edited) I have been proactive with locksmiths in my regional area. The local fellow does good but does not have any of the key cutting code manuals. A bigger business 200 miles away does have manuals and is waiting until I can get the door open to allow removal of the lock assembly. He is then going to try to assist in replacing the missing cylinder and cutting the keys. I have my fingers crossed. Al Edited November 19, 2021 by alsfarms clarity (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittenbacher Frank Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 21 hours ago, alsfarms said: Ok, I decided to play for a bit. I went back to a dash picture I had taken of the Demarest Limousine. With a bit of manipulation I have a much better picture of my ignition switch. I am sure that my ignition key is not going to be the same as the auxillary locks. The shape of my ignition lock is most exactly like the similar image Frank shared. I assume that the picture Frank shared is from his Sedan. Share observations. Al I too pictures of my 1921 Sedan as well as my 1917 tourer. Both have the same code and same key, except the Sedan's four doors, these are very different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 With encouragement from WD-40, I was able to access the driver's side front splash apron storage compartment and removed the Yale lock. Here is a picture of that assembly. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Here is another picture. I see no damage. I am hoping that a suitable cylinder can be located and keyed to match the other auxiliary locks. I should have a key in the works next week. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Here is the answer to the mystery of what would be found behind door #1. For those not familiar, this piece is a vital item that connects the clutch assembly with the 4 speed Locomobile transmission. This is indeed good news! I have the complete clutch assembly and transmission, but I had not been able to verify this part. The mystery behind door #1 will certainly help me sleep better tonight. Who can tell me what is supposed to fit into the stationary wood holding blocks? My guess is the jack? I see the twist handle that engages the auxillary air compressor. Al 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Frank, that is interesting that both of your Locomobiles are keyed the same way! Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 I'm guessing you know molasses and water will clean that part right up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 Al, my locksmith is my next door neighbor. He is in his 70’s. He doesn’t mind doing actual work. And he likes cool old cars. We trade rides and tours of the museum for my keys, happy to help if you need it.......he has the codes, and can cut the key. It’s better to have a lock in hand. Ed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 20, 2021 Author Share Posted November 20, 2021 Aha, what is the "recipe" for the molasses bath you refer to? I have never tried that brew. I do have a sonic cleaner that I plan to use also. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 20, 2021 Author Share Posted November 20, 2021 Ed, PM sent. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 Al, I don't have a recipe, just mix some molasses with water and drop the part down in it and leave it for a day or two, depending on how rusty the item is. When it comes out it will be black but you can wash the black off with water. The farm molasses works as good as the molasses packaged for human consumption. Cheap and easy. Your part looks like it would take about a day, but if you pull it out and its not to your liking, just put it back in. The mixture will not keep however. You'll have to make up a new batch each time. I haven't heard of a sonic cleaner? I think Ed's offer is the best way to go. If his guy has the codes for the keys, its a no brainer to let him cut the key. He may need the lock to fit a cylinder. Have you cleaned the switch face to confirm the code for it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 20, 2021 Author Share Posted November 20, 2021 Hello Aha, The Demarest Limousine is stored away for winter, makimg access to the dash hard to do. If circumstances avail themselves, I do I tend to do that very thing and get the key code for the ignition. I need to determine what the key blank is as the ignition uses a different key. This is actually a fun process, to start with nothing and end up with working locks. I am impressed that the nickel plating is still nice and shiny when scrubbed down on these locks. Oh yes, a sonic cleaner is what jewelers use to clean rings and it works well for breaking down crud in parts like these locks. This process is non destructive. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 With encouragement from several readers on this chat, I decided to dig deeper into the Demarest Limousine. I did learn several things which I will cover on the next few posts. The first confirmation is that the Yale door locks do share the exact same code as the splash apron storage compartment door locks Here is a picture of a cleaned up door lock, Yale key code L 840. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 The next thing I learned is that the hood Yale lock code is the same as both the storage compartment and door locks, once again L 849. See the attached pictures of a good lock, both mounted in the hood and removed. Picture one. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 Hood lock removed, picture two Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 Picture three, hood lock removed. Yes the Yale key code is the same for the storage compartment, door and hood locks and yes these are 4 pin cylinder assemblies and yes these three applications do all require the same key blank. Yes, I am learning and confirming good information, but I am not done yet. Al 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 My next GOOD thing to learn involves the ignition lock. Here is the surprise, well another surprise comes up a bit later. I cleaned off the ignition lock face and did learn that the ignition lock has the same key code, L 849, as all the other locks but does require a different key blank. To summerize, all key codes on all locks on the Demarest Limousine are the same, but a different key is required for the ignition. Here is a picture of the cleaned ignition switch. Al 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 I am not done yet, while I was digging around, I learned that what I thought about the jump seats and what are actually used are two very different designs! Frank, comment when you can. I had thought that my jump seats folded into the back of the cabin divider but actually my jump seat design is exactly the same as what Frank has found in his 6 passenger Locomobile sedan. My jump seats fold up and slide under the front seat. I will attach two representative pictures. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 Second jump seat picture. Al 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 (edited) Here is another not so good thing I have learned. I thought I had a complete hood. I do have both hood top panels and both side panels but lack the main top center piece that the top panels are fixed to and pivot on. Can someone help me with measurements so I can build the hood top center piece? Al Edited November 23, 2021 by alsfarms spelling (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted November 23, 2021 Share Posted November 23, 2021 (edited) Al, that's great news!!!! I wonder if Ed's neighbor knows what keyway the ignition lock takes. Sounds like your efforts today really paid off. Edited November 23, 2021 by AHa (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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