keys

77carrerabt · 01-05-2011, 07:57 AM

the color of the key blank/rubber gentlemen does not indicate master or valet. The groves and the function of the keys are what make them valet or a True Master key. All master keys have more groves on both sides than the valet keys. Look at both keys side by side and look for differences, if you don't see any difference then you either have two valet keys or two master keys.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Or you can just check if the key opens the glove and truck, if not = Valet.

Master will open all, except 85+ OEM alarms.

Got two masters and one valet myself :-), plus alarm key.

Hugh R · 01-05-2011, 05:41 PM

I only have valet keys (door and ignition only). I've heard the Master can be made from a valet true or not?. Mine is an ROW, so the dealers can't help me.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

I have thought for 15 years the whimpy key in the middle was the valet for my 81. Sure enough it can lock the glove box. I want a valet key!!!!!!!

What is the purpose for the midget head on the key?

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

What is the purpose for the midget head on the key?

Tight jeans? It was the Jordache 80's, after all.

I never valet, so it's not really an issue for me.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

If I do valet, I am totally screwed. My extra fuel pump relay and space saver spare tire is there for the taking.

drcoastline · 01-05-2011, 06:10 PM

I'm not an expert on this subject I am only going by my keys and the ones I have seen over the years but I will respectively disagree that color does not indicate Master vs. Valet. I think it certainly does indicate which is which. The key top colors are not only different the top shape is inverted. I believe this is an intentional identifier. You may be correct in your assessment that one has more grooves then the other but I do not think some masters are red and some are black and vise versa. I think masters are black and valets are red.

As I said in the other thread I will pull my original 1974 keys and see what I can see.

drcoastline · 01-05-2011, 06:16 PM

Per Bob Knotaks post #4 my second set of keys looks just like that. The large key is the master cut from my original black key. It will start the car, unlock the doors and glove box.

The small key is my valet cut from my red key. It unlocks the doors and starts the engine it will not unlock the glove box.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

I am smokin' with jealousy. My little key locks the front trunk as well. I have not seen a red key ever so I suspect this one was lost across the years.

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

I only have valet keys (door and ignition only). I've heard the Master can be made from a valet true or not?. Mine is an ROW, so the dealers can't help me.

I have also lost my master and currently only have a valet key...I'd be very interested whether I can have a master cut from my valet. Is the only difference the grooves on the side of the keys?

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Geez, lot's of key threads this week.

The black key, IF properly cut can open all doors and locks. The red key is cut the same but shaped differently.

Try using the black key on the trunk lock and glove box AFTER lubing the cylinder. If it STILL doesn't work, the cylinders on the glove and trunk can be pulled and the wafers can be reset.

It's a DIY job but if you don't feel up to it, a competent locksmith can do it. On the 914 sites, 914world.com - A Porsche 914 Community / Forum / Club and 914Club.com a poster named Mark B has very comprehensive re-keying thread.

Porsche used the same wafer and tumbler system up to and including the 89 MY.

There's no reason to have more than one key for your ride. Especially one for a Valet.....like anyone would allow a zit faced, automatic trans, Honda owning dork to drive your manual P-car........

drcoastline · 01-05-2011, 07:26 PM

Bob- My car is a 74. My trunk does not have a lock. I do not know what year Porsche changed keys but you may have the correct set for your year? I intentionally used a newer style key when I had new keys cut. As stated in the other thread it was well into the 80's when I had the new set made and Porsche was using the style you show. What I do not know is the year they changed from red/black to the style you have.

Does your big key lock and unlock the trunk/glove box as well as the doors and start the car? If not it would be my guess Porsche switched how the keys operate? The owner keeps the small key to the trunk/glove box and gives the big key to the doors/ignition to the valet?

drcoastline · 01-06-2011, 05:13 AM

77carerra- Finstone confirmed part of your theory about the keys in the other key thread. It seems you are correct the red key has an additional groove which also contributes to your theory the key is thinner. I don't think the key is actually thinner but appears thinner do to the groove. If you were to measure where the blank meets the key head I believe you would find they are the same. Attached are the photos finstone posted of his keys.

CCM911 · 01-06-2011, 05:27 AM

What is the purpose for the midget head on the key?

If I remember correctly, the midget head is what the Key comes with originally. This head can be popped off and replaced with the lighted key head. At least that was the case for my 1984.