Ilco (or other brand) key blank # 4 '79 Spider

[ericsky]

The only key for a '79 I recently picked up broke off. I thought the entire cut portion stayed in the ignition but when I pulled the collum and brought it to a good 'old-school' locksmith who's made keys from scratch with the scarring/filing method for me previously for Guzzi's and Fiats said the broken half wasn't in the switch. Apparently it's common for people to not realize the broke inserted portion actually came out with the head but fell on the floor or flung off somewhere. I looked in and around the car with no luck. He's had matching blanks for things before but not this time. Thing is it was a copy made from an Ilco blank and did have a # on it but one book source he checked indicated it was discontinued. To avoid hassle of ordering blanks off eBay or one of the aftermarket suppliers for our Spiders, does anyone happen to know the Ilco # for the blank or any other blank brand for this generation Spider? I'm watching 2 on eBay currently for just over $100 shipped but am low on funds and prefer using my own that I know works. Also if anyone has a '79 on 2000 model with the 2 pigtails, what would you need for it? Thanks, Eric

[DieselSpider]

A good automotive locksmith worth his pay will just measure the pins and with that info make you a new key. He will also know where to obtain the key blank with little drama.

Ricambi has the blank for $3.99:
https://autoricambi.us/products/key-bla ... ion-switch

[spider2081]

I guessing the percent at about 40% of the Sipea ignition switches have the key # engraved in its housing under the shinny cover or internally there could be a small tag. To view the tag the electrical switch portion has to be removed. Many Locksmith shops have a computer program that operates the key cutter. They enter the key # into the computer and it cuts the key automatically.

[Jon124]

The correct blank is NE23. These blanks are thin and prone to shearing off though. I took mine to a locksmith and they didn’t have NE23 in stock but they were able to modify a NE9 to fit. The NE9 is thicker and should last longer.

[ericsky]

Thanks for the replies guys. Forgot to mention we popped the bezel cap off and found no code #. Also popped one off another pre-2000 model column I have with ignition cylinder switch and no key and found no code info. My locksmith let me know today he has some blanks coming. I've known him for close to 20 years and he's made keys from scratch for Guzzi tool boxes, ignitions and other Fiats and Alfa glove boxes, trunk cylinders, etc., the old fashioned way, and for cheap. When I stopped by his house last week he acknowledged he does things this way from time to time for the challenge, pointing out it can take 2-3 hours sometimes and ends up charging $20. I'm sure it's like many things, sometimes you're lucky and things go quick and others not so much. And there's a wide range of experience and proficiency even among the guys with experience and still willing to make keys from score and file.

This interesting PM came in to me:

"A key is required to remove the ignition switch assembly from the steering
column. Some people have drilled out the tumbler destroying the switch. I
do not recommend this. The ignition switch with out a key has more value
than the steering column. I would use a cut off wheel and making 2 cuts
remove the outer portion of the column. Then the switch assembly can be
removed with out the key. Then purchase a used steering column or weld the
removed section back in place. I'm pretty sure Sipea ignitions switches and trunk locks changed key blank sizes over the years. So purchasing blanks mail order could be risky."

This is valuable info as I have 4 other columns (3 with switches, no keys) and have considered cannibalizing one for the cause, and with the advise and knowledge that an original Sipea ignition cylinder switch even W/O key has value, I know which I'd cut into.

I'll certainly let ya'all know if my locksmith's blanks arriving Monday are correct and he can work his magic, or how my cutting wheel operation goes and if I find a code on the cylinder's side that is usable.

Thanks!

[focodave]

Here is a photo of my Ilco key (see below)
Does this help you?

[spider2081]

I'm thinking anything under $35 to have a key made without one o copy is a pretty good deal. The majority of the electrical portions of the Sipea ignition switches are repairable. The key/tumbler section is not as easy to deal with.
Have you removed the electrical section of the switches to see if there is a key # tag under the spring?? I have seen them there.