Ignition Key??

so I have the original starter switch on my 60. I have been worried that the keys are very worn and the worst happened yesterday. put the key in to head home and the key broke. I had to hotwire it to get it home. my question is: can I get a replacement key cut somewhere? I know I can get a new switch but I kind of like having the worn original keys (well one of them now) even if they are not the key I use. Just like being able to use it if I want...

I also have to find a way to get the broken off part of the key out of the switch....

Thoughts?

 

not sure if the cylinder can be removed (should be able to with key inserted) and take to lock smith.

 

remove switch from dash . take to locksmith . my last motorcycle didn't come with a key . locksmith made a new one(2) in fifteen minutes

 

Yep - a locksmith will make quick work of it.

 

cool will go that route. I have good key that they can copy if they have matching blank... now to get the part of the key out..... may have to look at taking it apart as a last resort....

 

Let the locksmith do it.

 

X2. They know what they are doing, we mear mortals don't and tend to screw things up worse.

 

I've had good luck getting broken keys out by removing the switch assembly and wrapping (pounding) the switch on a solid wood block. I've used a socket from my wrench set on the retaining nut face to give the key stub a chance to jar out. One or two solid wraps usually gets to key to slip one or two tumber notches, then use a needle-nose plier to pull it out the rest of the way. You first must turn the switch to to "off" position so the key can jar out.
Is your key an original "JEEP" or "Briggs & Stratton" key? Is your switch retaining bezel conical with "start", chrome octagonal, or knurled aluminum? The first two rings are original. The last is aftermarket.
-Donny

 

Take out the switch. Rap it on a hard surface.

 

Depends on where the key broke.
If the broken off portion is in deep behind the first wafers, you can pound till the cows come home or the switch breaks, whichever comes first; the broken portion ain't coming out.

 

Many times, by the time the key is so worn that it breaks, the key "cuts" are also very worn, so it slips in and out quite easily. The key usually breaks off completely in the switch. In this case, I have at least twice "knocked" the broken portion out (at least enough to grab with a plier) using only a few taps.
-Donny

 

retaining bezel is the conical with start. the key looks a lot like a B&S key (same size and basic shape) there are no markings left on them as they are so worn 95% of chrome is gone.

 

Thats the correct original switch for your year Jeep. Most of the original keys had a "C" and three digits stamped on one side. Usually, if the key either had "Jeep" or "Briggs & Stratton", there would be enough left to read. The B&S was written right at the top by the keychain hole.
That conical retainer should give enought depth to try gently tapping the key out a notch or two.
-Donny

 

Refreshing/ Rebuilding An Original Jeep Ignition Switch