I am still plugging forward in Keyland trying to find a solution for those whom need assistance with keys. The big question is how many different versions are there?
I also am not giving up, but my assets are limited. Not trying to put words in Craig's mouth, but logically I feel the 'different versions' are related to economics. When purchasing locks (lock sets) in quantity, a few cents here and there adds up on your bottom line. Same with the 'new owners' when he sold the company.
...It may be easier to find an exact replacement lock and key set, and replace the existing ones.
Just my 2 cents, I would assume out collective efforts would be better used finding a new lock and key set like you said XS
This may be more difficult than it sounds. Even Craig can not point to "exact" replacements.
From craigvetter.com's FAQ
Take the old lock to any locksmith store and buy a replacement lock. The new lever that comes with your lock will work fine for the tonneu and the saddlebag doors. However... You will notice that the square cam at the bottom of the lock is larger than the original Vetter cam, so the Vetter lever will not work. Here are my suggestions to replace the saddlebag locks. The locks we used "seem" to be made today. They look exactly the same. But the little square cam that holds the lever is much bigger now. The only way you are like to solve your problem is to take one of your lock assemblies to a locksmith and have him order as many as you need for all your locks - all with the same key. The fairing cover parts will go on easily as mentioned above. The saddlebag door and Tail trunk door will work also using the supplied lever. The locks that hold the bag are the problem. They must have the square cam filed down to fit the original Vetter brass cam. The brass cam also will probably need to be drilled out a bit because they use a larger screw today.
If you don't have the original key to your "vintage" lock then its not really vintage anymore without "said" key. So, in this case why not get a new lock and key? If we can find some.
Rather than trying to reverse engineer keys for old locks
The manually cut key in my earlier post was all about economics. A set of saddlebags I bought without any keys (4 locks.) Rather than buy 4 locks and key them the same, once I found a usable blank, disassembling one lock, hand cutting a key, and having it work in all 4 locks was, for me, a better option.
When it comes to keys, I've always felt 'any' key that works is better than 'none.' If you're entering in a show, then OEM keys would be good. For a daily rider, who cares what's in your pocket?
For me keyed alike is important. If you're getting locks "off the shelf" you are not likely to find enough locks keyed the same for a full vetter setup (6). You could do as Craig suggests and special order the quantity you need, no idea on the cost though. If there is an interest, I can go thru the procedure to 'rekey' locks so 1 key fits all. Not difficult but remember there are some small parts that are easily lost. Especially if you work in a cluttered area.
I recently acquired a 1982 KZ750 CSR with the Windjammer IV fairing and am looking for a key blank. My key has stamped VF-110. This same key looks like at least the VF 108 and fits my fuel cap also.
