Duplicate ignition key

[jgurnari]

Is it possible to have a duplicate ignition key made without having an original key? My key is so worn down that i can pull it out of the ignition while the car is running, don’t think there are enough distinct notches/ridges to copy.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by jgurnari

Is it possible to have a duplicate ignition key made without having an original key? My key is so worn down that i can pull it out of the ignition while the car is running, don’t think there are enough distinct notches/ridges to copy.

Sounds like your key's ridge/teeth height is still OK (the ridges/teeth can move the lock pins to the proper height), but their width has worn way down. Should be no real problem for an "old school" locksmith to cut the appropriate ridges/teeth into a new/stout key blank, using yours as a guide.

Worked fine for me when I had a similar (but not as extreme) problem a few years ago

[jgurnari]

Ok thanks. I’ll will soon find out if it works!!!

[walt]

I understand you can still get replacement keys from Porsche using your VIN.

[jgurnari]

I’ll check Walt. Thanks

[Kidasters]

I bought my own key cutting machine. It has one cutting wheel. I love it. I've cut car keys, motorcycle keys, house keys. I had a similar issue with the key on my 84. Bought Porsche key blanks and have cut at least 2 "new" keys with my machine.

My machine is from Ilco. They aren't super expensive, and I think worth it.

This is similar to my machine:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ilco-manual-key-machine/274658947967?hash=item3ff2f2f37f:g:m70AAOSwuf9gDcc p

[GAJon]

Originally Posted by jgurnari

Is it possible to have a duplicate ignition key made without having an original key? My key is so worn down that i can pull it out of the ignition while the car is running, don’t think there are enough distinct notches/ridges to copy.

Just seeing if you have your key code card. Should be a small credit card size piece of paper. Mine was with my service manual. If you do, you can send this to a few different websites and they can cut you a new key. Mine had 3 digits and that was apparently enough. New keys worked well.

[bkreigsr]

When I tore apart my 76 door handle, I discovered that the lock cylinder had a number of brass 'flags' in them.
The flags are numbered, and when viewed in sequence, translate to the key code.
The flags are spring loaded, and if the key were to be withdrawn. the spring loaded flags would pop up or out.
Bill K

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Kidasters

I bought my own key cutting machine. It has one cutting wheel. I love it. I've cut car keys, motorcycle keys, house keys. I had a similar issue with the key on my 84. Bought Porsche key blanks and have cut at least 2 "new" keys with my machine.

My machine is from Ilco. They aren't super expensive, and I think worth it.

This is similar to my machine:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ilco-manual-key-machine/274658947967?hash=item3ff2f2f37f:g:m70AAOSwuf9gDcc p

Thanks for starting this thread. . . I ended up buying this Ilco key cutting machine that Kidasters posted the link to.

Easy to use and works great. . . My brother’s truck was having the same problem as you Jgurnari, so I cut him a new key and voila ! Problem solved.

The problem was not the teeth wearing down but the key itself getting thin over time.

I had to pay $10 to get a golf cart key copied last month. Wasn’t happy about that, considering key blanks are pretty cheap.

If you are still having this problem, I would try duplicating your existing key, it may just do the trick.

[BassettBritts]

Originally Posted by walt

I understand you can still get replacement keys from Porsche using your VIN.

Yep. Bought my 83 SC without any keys at all. Took the VIN and title and ID to Southpoint Porsche in Durham. Paid $80 and two weeks later had a key that worked perfect.

[PaleoMan]

The key to my '79 SC is bent and I'm worried it will break soon, so I order a blank from Pelican. Had it cut at Ace hardware, sure looks exact but won't turn in the ignition switch. It won't unlock the door either, but WILL lock it! So it's got to be close... any tricks to get it to work? Wire brush it or something like that?

[Tremelune]

You have to find a "good" key cutter. I brought mine to a locksmith and the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. He recommended someone who was much better at cutting keys...

I wish he'd given me the recommendation before I spent $3 to ruin a $30 blank...

[Reiver]

Ace hardware did one for me that works