Gear stick lock key missing

[Peter Roberts]

I have the lock but no key. can get a blank but how do i get it cut with no key as a pattern?
Is it possible to take it apart and work out the crests from the inserts?
If not what are the options?

[mycar]

Hello Peter, my car doesn't't have a lock on the gearstick. Which 356 do you have ?

[Peter Roberts]

Its a 1964 356SC

[Ignatzcatz]

PR Services in Billericay Essex may be able to help you with the key. 01277 630099

[Kneeslider]

Unfortunately this item is a rather tricky one to fix.

I have a couple of locks without keys, and have been attempting to take them apart for some time. Key blanks are available, but this doesn't get you far.

Basically the problem is the lock is very nicely made, and is rather resistant to picking, it is complicated because the lock is locked closed in both positions. One fix is to mill off the upper part of the brass body of the lock to release the pins and springs, the remove the lock barrel. Once the lock is in bits, then you can use the parts to work out what shape the key needs to be. Once you have a key, then the lock can be reassembled, and a piece of brass can be silver soldered over the hole you have made.

I haven't gone down this route, because its a bit invasive, so I taught myself to pick locks with the aid of a locksmiths kit and practice lock that you can get from a popular online auction site. This has led to many happy hours of entertainment opening locks, but so far the Porsche lock has resisted my ministrations.

I have attempted to engage the services of several folk in the classic vehicle locksmithing business, but none of them so far have been able to pick the lock and make me a key.

However, in quiet moments I get my lock picking kit out and have another go at the gearshift lock. It might open one day.

[simon james]

I did mine, as Jon (Kneeslider) says above, it is a proper piece of lock engineering.
I studied it carefully and ground off the bottom edge of where the pins are fitted. Be careful, it’s full of little, and I mean little springs and pins.
From there I was able to file a key blank to suit, I bought mine whilst I was in Hershey but I am led to believe it is the same profile as some Abus padlocks.
When I was happy with the fit, I built the outside up with solder and filed it back to a round shape.
It’s been in for a few years now and it works lovely!!

[Mike Smith]

The Gear Linkage Lock is the most difficult lock on a 356 to deal with.
In addition, providing the CORRECT Porsche key is another problem

However, if you send your lock to us, we can cut a key for it (Key is made by Silica) or provide a lock and key on an exchange basis - from stock

For those whose car was not fitted with a lock (it was an option) we have a couple of complete kits

[Peter Roberts]

Thanks Mike for the response but in the meantime i have sourced a key blank and found a locksmith who lives 1 mile from my home who assures me he can cut a key without a sample.
If that fails the lock will be in the post to you pronto.
Peter roberts

[Mike Smith]

Understood Peter

M

[louis356]

Hi Mike. How much is it to get a key cut please? I have a lock

[Mike Smith]

Sorry Louis,

I have no idea - I am on the road all the time

Talk to Kevin in the office - 01277 630 099
Make sure that you tell him that it is a gear lock key and I also want you to realise that the key is made by Silica (not Porsche)

[louis356]

What. You don’t doit personally!!!!

Might not want it now.

Any key that works is better than the correct key that doesn’t

Thanks

I’ll give him a call

[TLC356]

If you get key number from Kardex, there are several shops (one is Zim's in Texas) that can cut from the number.

[Peter Roberts]

My local lockmaster took one look and scratched his head as he had not seen such an old lock. Did not want to proceed so its off to PRS with the lock and blank key

[Peter Roberts]

Spoken to PRS again and it seems the lock is particularly difficult to strip and cut a key. They have a guy who does it in his spare time and it can take up to 18months for him to get around to doing it so back to square 1. think i will try and get the Kardex info from Porsche.