Duplicate key solution for worn ignition cylinders & excellent key supplier

[jjbuzzman]

My 1990 Q45 has worn keys and ignition cylinder - the key is reluctant to go in; jams; requires wiggling for entry, etc. I had read in the archives where some one had a duplicate key made, and while the original key was a problem, the duplicate worked fine (from old school Q guru in Columbia, SC).

I had previously acquired a complete set of ignition, door and trunk locks with keys to swap out on my '90. But with about 20 hours of dis-assembly and reassembly to look forward to, I decided to try the duplicate key trick. Locksmiths near me in Asheville, NC wanted about $50 to cut a duplicate key, and that was with me providing the blank. So I called "old school's" contact - McLock in Anderson, SC.

McLock is a really nice guy, and knows a lot about Q45 locks. I mailed him my original key and a Q45 key blank (off ebay for $7 each) and he sent me a duplicate, and no invoice. So I call and he says he doesn't like to charge until he finds out if the key works. So I ask how much and he says, "Oh, whatever, about $8"

And guess what? The duplicate key has worked perfectly now for several months. So I just sent him five more blanks to make duplicate keys for my other two Q45's, and $10 each (to cover his postage).

And do you believe this? If you lay your Q45 key on a copy machine (both sides), he can cut you a duplicate key from the paper copy!

And one last tip - he described a lubricant product called "Balistal" that can be found in select hardware stores. It is a refined machine oil used for precision instruments. He says this stuff works wonders on old Q45 locks, and that with a couple of squirts I might not have even needed the duplicate key.

McLock can be found at:

McLock615 Fairmont RoadAnderson, SC 29621

[email protected](864) 934-3411 or (864) 231-9671

Jim in the western NC mountains

[Q45tech]

Back in 2002 I paid $100 cash to a technican who replaced all my locks every one [all 5] in under 4 hours. Shows what motivation and Cambodian hands can acomplish.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Interesting.

I have 3 keys for the Maxima. Over the years, the number of keys that would work in the trunk tumbler decreased. For a while only one worked (the most worn key and a home depot duplicate). Then that one only worked if you inserted the key JUST RIGHT and turned against the lock before turning the right way. Now none will work.

[jjbuzzman]

Interesting reply on Q45tech's Cambodian technician. I have two adopted sons from Cambodia, but they are 9 and 10 years old and more interested in playing Wii Guitar Hero than helping me work on my Q45's.

I am taking them to Cambodia for a month this summer so they can see their home country and meet their birth families who we tracked down. I guess I could ship my '90 Q over there and get a really low labor rate on having all my locks replaced. Of course, the shipping would cost a bit.

But talk about attention! Not only would I have the only Q45 in the country there, but also be driving the biggest and only V8 ever to grace their gravel and pot-holed filled roads.

Jim

[maxnix]

Good to hear McLock is still active.

[speed3198]

I found the guy at the Anderson SC Jockey Lot. He has key blanks in all metal or plastic head covered in black and grey and the valet keys to cut onsite. $10 to cut the keys didnt ask about pricing for the blanks though.