Replacement key options-your thoughts?
 

I have a 1985 911-Coupe.....I am not the original owner and my documentation specifically my "key code" is lost. Here is my dilemma:I only have a one (1)worn 32 year old key -one key that's all-this key operates all doors, ignition and trunk lock all without problem and is able to start the car and do everything it's supposed to do.

-OPTION 1:Because I have only one key my initial thoughts was to have a a new key cut from the door tumblers, basically giving me a "new key"...I know Sierra Madre has this service where you can send in ignition and or door lock and they will cut you a new key based on the tumblers and not on the worn 32 yo key.

-OPTION 2:Because my 32 year old key still works, would you cut a replacement key based on the only key you have and move on and not expend energy and effort into the issues.

-I understand that having a new key cut based on tumblers, etc, after 32 years many things such as the internals of the cylinders, tumblers, get worn down much like the key after time and perhaps that can lead to a key getting stuck in the lock and not being able to get it out. Thanks in advance!

Option 2.

Not sure if this applies to the Porsche locks but the tumblers in the lock are made of brass, the key never really wears out, just the lock itself.

If you take your key, VIN, and registration to your local Porsche dealer, they should be able to cut you a proper key for the locks, etc., assuming they are all original. I have never tried to get a copy made at Ace or Home Depot from the one you have, but you could try that first as a cheaper option and if it works in your car you're good to go. I wouldn't mess with removing the locks/tumblers unless I had to.

The key has gone smooth where there used to be prominent cuts, but it still works

I called them but it more about doing it with locks and tumblers...FWIW, I do have original key blanks complete with the cheesy plastic head with the useless light built into it-Perhaps I need to pay them a visit, but I am finding more and more, Porsche dealer do not want any business associated with any Porsche cars that they are not currently selling (i.e. classics) and I get it--it's all about business and what bring in money and profit to them

Take your key and blanks to any competent locksmith and have them cut it for you, also you can convert the feeble bulb on the key head to LED, much brighter

My go to locksmith would not cut a key on customer blanks but I pointed out that he did not have the lighted key head so he went ahead

Purchased a Porsche blank off eBay and had a lock smith copy my existing key . Works perfectly :)

The other option would be to go through keys for classics. they will make you a replacement key from a high res digital photo of your existing key. their service is used extensively on the 928 at they are one of the very few that can routinely and successfully reproduce 928 keys.

General consensus is not to mess with cylinder and tumbler route and just have a 32 year old replacement key made...

I bought one of the LED Porsche blank Keys from eBay. Used an old key to cut the new, works flawlessly.

The LED light after a year on the same battery is laser bright.....approx. $44 bucks

Gordon - have you seen this thread?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/962714-f-s-tweets-restorations-lock-key-services.html

Bill K

That's what I did too, my original key sounds like it was worn like yours -- basically, the wide cuts had narrowed down to a sharp point. Went to an old-school locksmith who hand-cut it onto a porsche blank (be sure to get the proper orientation for your car) and gave my lock cylinders a healthy dose of graphite -- all has worked flawlessly ever since (6 years?)

Please do not use graphite, that stuff will only clog up the works. LPS spray is the best. WD40 evaporates but is ok to clean it out a bit.

Bring the key to a local locksmith he can mike it or visually see the cuts and cut it on a code cutter.

There are a couple of members here that can maybe help as local locksmiths are a dying breed. I am one of them. A guy I mentored 35 years ago is closing up shop Dec. 31.

Tony in Pa. I think I don't have his contact info and I think it is Tweets in Fla. that advertises his service here but never seems to offer any advice as a help, have to contact him

If local is not an option search here and you will find info.

When I move I'm going to resurrect my equipment and contribute here as best I can.

Terry

I type slow someone beat me to it.

Option 2 : no issues with dupe of my 38 YO key, just copied this summer

Slap them 'round a bit to get them into your way of thinking.

My Porsche dealer was very happy to cut me a key from my VIN. If yours won't do it send an email to Porsche's head office in America and tell them who is causing you grief.

Took my very worn key to a locksmith with a new blank from this site. worked great!

I had a new set cut at a locksmith after I removed the ignition key tumbler. Not sure how he did it but he cut a new key and figured out the code, and wrote the code down for me. The new keys were cut to the code, not to the old worn key. It engages really well and my ignition lock problems were solved at the same time.

I to only had one key for years and then decided it was time to get another. I think i purchased mines from pelican, took it to my local locksmith and he patterned it from the original.
Job done

Glad you got another one. For future reference for others, Tony Euganeo in PA does a great job. My ignition switch was mechanically shot when I bought my car. I bought a new ignition switch assembly and sent the door and glove box tumblers off to him to re-key to match. Cost was well under $100. Basically everything was like new and he threw in a few extra keys.

As someone said above, good locksmiths are hard to come by. I searched and searched locally and all the places I tried wanted $250+ just to start or they wouldn’t touch the job. I think many places stop listening after you say Porsche and just think they can rip you off.

Tony used to set up shop at some of the big Porsche events as I recall.

i have the same issue. only one ignition key. Called Porsche yesterday. The only option I have since my ignition had been changed by previous owner is to have a locksmith cut new key. Porsche is sending me blanks.