55 Buick Keys

[tnuke]

I am new to the board and just picked up my first restoration project. I found what I think to be the right project for me. A 55 Special 4 door sedan (Texas car, now relocated to Illinois)... Unfortunately no keys. I was curious if anyone knew exactly how many different keys came with the car and what they opened. I have currently pulled the key cylinder out of the passenger door and wanted to see if I should pull any others prior to my trip to the locksmith to make sure to have a full set.

Thanks!

[FireballV8]

One key opens everything, unless the locks were changed. There is a code on the lock cylinder or the flange that comes out of it, an old locksmith can make you the keys from that code.

Good Luck

[Bhigdog]

Not to be contrary, but my 55 has different keys for the ignition, trunk/doors. My 57 however uses one key for all locks........Bob.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Most of my 54's keys fit everything but I had one Century , supposedly original, that the ignition key was different. I have read though that 54 was the first year that one key fit all. Interesting subject.

[Guest sixpack2639]

'54 couldn't have been the first year Lamar. My '51 has 1 key for everything and I have the original Gold Shield key as well.

[FireballV8]

Buick & Chevy used one key for everything, pontiac, olds, & cadillac had two keys, one for ignition, & doors, the other for trunk & glove box. The Buick & Chevy key was the octagonal key and the olds, pontiac & Cadillac used the octagonal key for the doors & ignition and the curved key for the trunk & glove box. If a car has any variation of this, then locks have been changed at some point.

Hope this helps.

[Guest AWBE]

55 has one key for every thing and you can even take it out of the switch and turn the switch on with no key.

[tnuke]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I will see after I get my key made next week!