308 Neiman key worn out..... | FerrariChat

308 Neiman key worn out.....

Discussion in '308/328' started by CliffBeer, Jul 14, 2010.

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  1. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

    Apr 3, 2005
    2,198
    Seattle, Washington
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    Cliff
    The original Neiman ignition key for my '82 308gtsi is looking pretty worn - the ridges on the key are just about worn flat/horizontal. It still works OK in the ignition but I'm not sure for how long.

    Looks like original Neiman key blanks are difficult to get, and if there's an uncut one available then, predictably, somebody wants $200+ for it. Usual ferrari parts cost bs.

    If I get an appropriate blank (Simca or other), is there a way to get the original cut made from the key code on the worn Neiman?

    Thanks in advance. Any help appreciated.
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 BigTex, Jul 14, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2010
    Taylor AND Ilco are the alternate manufacturers.....I don't have the blank numbers handy today...Neimen blanks are rare and that drives the expense.
    I fell over when one of cars came with THREE sets of them!!!

    The serations depth is what they'll need to match, it may take a few trys.

    Of course it's also probably true that the pin followers in your lock cylinders are worn just as badly. Pulling the ignition lock is a big job.........
     
  3. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    You'll need the Ferrari info to translate the Code # into the 5 digit "cut" number, I used to do it at Pontiac....
     
  4. Neonzapper

    Neonzapper F1 Rookie

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  5. Neonzapper

    Neonzapper F1 Rookie

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    Big Tex - No wonder you have nearly 38,000 posts. You know you can EDIT 2 miniutes later :D
     
  6. Neonzapper

    Neonzapper F1 Rookie

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    I'm just saying ;)
     
  7. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

    Dec 20, 2009
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    What
     
  8. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

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    Miguel Foncerrada
  9. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

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  10. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

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    Miguel Foncerrada
  11. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

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  12. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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  13. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

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    Cliff
  14. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

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    Thanks Barry. Thanks Bubba. That's very helpful, much appreciated.

    Any tips on how I can translate the ferrari key # to the standardized five digit key coding scheme?

    Thanks!
     
  15. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
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    There is a key guy in Australia who will figure out the key code from a high resolution picture of your key, cut them, and then send to you and you will have them in a week. I didn't believe it either. He did spare keys for my 308 and they are perfect. Never left my desk...I took a really good couple of pics of my keys against white paper so he could "read" the key.

    I'll try to find his info.

    Birdman
     
  16. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

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  17. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

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    Wow, thanks Birdman, that's a good lead. I'll give it a whirl. I'm a little concerned that my key is so darn worn that it'll be difficult to "read" but it's worth a try.

    Cheers.
     
  18. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
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    That is really cool!
     
  19. Dino246gt

    Dino246gt Formula 3

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    #20 Dino246gt, Jul 17, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I sent him crappy pics, asking if he had blanks like that, and if I send better pics, could he make my keys. He said he can make them from the crappy pics, and send them no charge if they don't work.I couldn't believe it, they work perfectly. This is the picture I sent him.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  20. Marks308QV

    Marks308QV Rookie

    Jul 8, 2006
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    "Keys for Classics" is the best source and the most reasonable. The Silca blanks are only a few dollars from "Keys for Classics" and you have your choice of either the original steel blank or a brass blank. Some locksmiths do not like cutting the steel blanks because they are hard on their machines. Be careful of people treying to sell Repros as originals. The repros state "Germeny" on the back and I believe are made from brass. The original Neiman key states "Made in Germany" on the back and are made from steel. I do have some original Neiman blanks as well as the Silca.
     
  21. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

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    Believe me when I tell you, the guy is really good at this and I predict he will make you absolutely perfect new keys. My 308 key was so worn, I didn't think he could do it either. But they showed up in the mail and were perfect.
     
  22. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

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    And by the way, I learned about keys4classics here on fchat a few years ago!
     
  23. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

    Apr 3, 2005
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    Thank you Birdman, just ordered up two sets from him yesterday. My original Neiman ignition key is really, really worn so he has his work cut out for him!

    Thanks again for the referral.
     

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