Panhead ignition switch

[rick anderson]

I have been told all Panheads had an ignition switch that could be locked or unlocked with any key or even something like a stright screw driver.
Is there anyone or published information to back up this isue?

Thanks, Rick.

[Glenn]

my 1950 original switch has tumblers in it and only works with a cut key

moose

[portagepan]

Palmer says 1948 to 1963 used locks without tumbler pins, so the steering lock key could be used. I guess 1964 to 1967 used a key code again. 1968 they went to the wider slot cover. There were other changes, like rotating the contact plate so there are 2 terminals in front, and 3 in back, from 1947 on. Earlier had it the other way.
Mike

[rick anderson]

My original paint 65 witch I bought from the second owner has a switch with out tumblers.

[TJK]

My 48 and 57's both thave the original switches an dboth needs keys. As a matter of fact, I need a key for the 48 as it is currently LOCKED!
Any place sell the old keys by number?

[vph-d]

There is a guy that advertises in the AMCA magazine that he has keys for switches.

As the story goes, 48-63 switches have no tumblers, but I have no doubt some riders back in the day would have swapped the no key tumblers for tumblers with keys. I would have...
VPH-D

[Chris Haynes]

They are Briggs Stratton keys. Any locksmith can make new keys using the number on it.

[rick anderson]

Panhead Ignition Switch

Yes, if they have the Briggs & Stratton Key codes from that era, I have already been down that road.

Rick

[Chris Haynes]

I guess I am blessed by having locksmiths that have been in business for a few years. Those codes were in use at least till the '80's.

[Paps]

I agree with Chris. My local Ace has those codes. Paps

[rick anderson]

Thanks for the information guys.

Rick

[Chris Haynes]

Thanks for the information guys.

Rick

Information is free. Parts cost money.

[portagepan]

The B&S key is a b, right? Now, what exactly do the numbers on top of the cylinders represent? I have a Harley ign. switch on my '65.I just bought the switch. It has no numbers, but the fork lock key will not fit it. I know it is an original switch. So what does that mean? I have a 5 contact Harley lock, that has B4, and 69 on top of the cylinder. It has the wide cover, so I assume the 68 is the year of the switch. Did they just continue the first year number on switches until they changed something? What I mean is, would a '61 key have the same number as a '51 key, since they were exactly the same switch?

[rick anderson]

Thanks for the information guys. I guess this means I can use the numbers off of any lock and have a key made?

[Chris Haynes]

Thanks for the information guys. I guess this means I can use the numbers off of any lock and have a key made?

The numbers are not the same on all locks. Any locksmith should be able to make a key by hand.