Pre-war (up to 1942) 1932 model 355B ignition lock with gear lock function?

[Oliver Betker]

Hello,
I know it from a Caddy from 1928, where the ignition lock has a gear lock function via a steel cable. Does a model from 1932 also have this function on the ignition lock?

There are no more keys for this vehicle. Is there any way to bypass the lock without removing it from the gearbox?

Or is there a way to have suitable keys made? I assume that it is still the original ignition lock for the chassis.

[Warren Rauch #4286]

      The best thing I can help with is a key book from about 1940, which can uncode the key. But you need the code . It is a Briggs and Stratton  with lock key codes  XC-251 to XC-500. It doesn't say where the code can be located. It may be on the outside of the lock ,but more likely it is on the lock cylinder. If factory records include it, that would be great.
      I found a couple pages in the Service Man (vol 1,issues 21,22 ;1926-27). This was the introduction of the Electrolock. They caution not to try to jump around the lock.It will produce a dead short and likely a fire. The lock cable and distributor must be removed together( and the lock must be unlocked first). To remove cable from the distributor there is a nut, that must be unsoldered. No mention of a transmission connection.
     In 1932 ,there was a problem with the transmission lock, not allowing cars to start. The way the article is written it seems like a new system that year.

Warren

[Oliver Betker]

Thanks Warren,
sounds interesting, I have to investigate it. The top issue will be to unlock the lock without a key, and I try to avoid a total damage of the ignition lock

[Warren Rauch #4286]

  There is an illustration of where the soldered nut is. And it points out that if it wasn't soldered a thief could steal the car quite easy.
  Take the distributor cap off. The cable enters near one of the point sets. The nut in question is at this point on the end of the cable.It cautions that the distributor be held upside down so the solder doesn't run down in it. How about running down ones arm? It could then be hot wired?

Warren

[Chris Cummings]

Oliver, are you working on a 1932 Cadillac or a 1928?  The two systems are different.  In 1932, the distributor is not involved.  The 1932 Cadillacs had a mechanical cable that ran from the back of the pop-out ignition switch to the top cover of the transmission.  When you pushed the ignition switch in to shut off the engine, it pushed on the cable, which pushed a metal lug into the gear shift mechanism, locking the transmission in neutral or reverse.  You couldn't push the ignition switch in Without breaking something) unless the car was in neutral or reverse. 

The 1928 ignition switch grounded the distributor when the lock cylinder was pushed in.

If you're working on a 1932, I would disconnect the cable from the transmission top cover, disconnect the wires from the ignition switch, remove switch and cable from the instrument panel, and take them to a locksmith who should easily be able to pick the key lock.  There should be a code stamped into the lock cylinder, or the locksmith should be able to make a key based on where the tumblers fit.

Good luck!

Chris Cummings
CLC no. 20072

[Oliver Betker]

Hello Warren, Chris,
it's a 1932 model. I can't work on it yet because I don't have the car yet. I'm trying to bring it home, but I wanted to get past the lock for transport. Since there are no keys left, I'm looking everywhere about how the ignition lock and its locking mechanism work.
Thanks for your explanations, they are very helpful.
Where I want to pick up the vehicle, I might not be able to get to the upper gearbox cover. So my only option is probably to get the vehicle rolling with the clutch engaged.
The engine and gearbox are then mechanically separated and the vehicle should roll. The gearbox is turned via the axle and the cardan shaft, but nothing should happen for the moment when you pull the car onto the trailer, because the lock only blocks the gearshift gate and not any gearbox movement, right?

[Oliver Betker]

Follow-up question:
If I find the code stamped on the lock, is there any way to get a key for it? For a lock that is almost 100 years old?

Best regards
Oliver

[Roger Zimmermann]

Maybe this company can help: http://stores.ebay.com/Thomas-Sestak-Collector-Car-Parts If you are searching for "key blanks", there are some for Cadillac models which should fit your car.

[Warren Rauch #4286]

The 1928-33 key blank round head (B1) or Hex head (B2) should not be hard to find. It was used by most B&S locks of the period. I checked eBay and a 10 pack of B1  is $11.49 with free shipping. Still used for non automotive locks. The blank is also 1098M Ilco brand.
  The hard key is the 1934 Cadillac. It is a 2 sided key,with different cuts top and bottom. The blank is also sculptured.
  Then in 1935 ,Gm went on all lines to blanks that were used until early 1966.

Warren

[Oliver Betker]

Is it possible to disassemble the gearbox blocking cable while laying under the car? Where a plan to pick up the car, i will not have a possibility to lift it up and from the inside of the car, i don`t believe I can reach the top of the gear box.
Does anybody has a picture of such a connection to the gearbox or from the gearbox itself or from a side of a manuel?
Regards Oliver

[Roger Zimmermann]

Why don't you contact Johan Boltendal as he suggested some days ago?

[Oliver Betker]

Hello Roger,
I haven`t saw this hint. May be lost in translation. My English isn't such good, so I have to use the google translation.
but thank you for this, I will write him a message.
Regards Oliver

[kkarrer]

Oliver,
    I'm afraid that I can't be much help with the ignition lock issue that you're having, but when I was restoring my 32 all weather phaeton Johan was an incredible help.  I might be of some assistance in another way however.  When I sold my 32 I was able to keep some extra parts.  I have a radiator shell and complete headlight assemblies which are unique to 32 as well as a few other things.  Get in touch if you're interested.
Take care and good luck.  The 32 cars are great.
Ken Karrer
CenTex CLC Reg. Dir.
kenneth.karreremail addresses not permitted

[Oliver Betker]

Hi Ken,
sent you a pm via forum, because your email is coded due to the forum rules.
Regards Oliver