Calling All Vetter Keys

[Kynan C.]

Maybe we go the opposite direction. Try to build the master ring, duplicate it for another member to manage (incase of member MIA). Then if you need a key for your locks, send the lock (cheaper to send, no deposit). We can fit the correct key with a lock. Providing we have the blanks we can send a fresh key and their lock back... Thoughts?

 

[roncar]

Sounds like a better route to take, but I still have concerns on the key codes. From the code ranges of the 'known' key codes, there are more than 2600 codes available. The VFxxx series I have yet to find for the double-sided key, so that's an unknown quantity beyond the 9 we know of.

1. 2600+ is a lot of keys!
2. odds are very good that all the available codes were not used on Vetter products.
3. Which were and which were not?
4. With the membership here, a small fraction of available codes are even 'possible' to be acquired from.
5. getting ALL available codes (at a place like cubiclekeys.com or lostakey.com) is cost prohibitive at $7 to $11 each.
6. Even if we had every code on hand, having 2600+ keys duplicated will add up quick .

I have experience with keys and locks and I am very much interested in pushing on with this project. However financially is not a way that I can help at this time.

Remember though, I am not a locksmith nor do I play one on TV.

 

[Larry Fine]

Remember though, I am not a locksmith nor do I play one on TV.

" . . . but, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night."

 

[Craig Vetter]

I don't think there are 2600 possibilities. We could make a database that associates the known keys to the serial number of their Vetter product.

That would also provide a rough date. For example, in June of 1978, all Vetter products would employ key / lock assemblies from the same inventory. You could have a June of 1978 key ring set. Back in the day, if a customer bought a complete set of Windjammer, tail trunk and Saddlebags at one time - 6 locks - we had the ability and responsibility to make the locks the same, keyed with the same key.

Let me contact some of the people that worked in procurement and ask them what they remember.

I just had an idea. I'll be back.

 

[roncar]

I don't think there are 2600 possibilities.

I didn't either until I started looking up the codes.

That's only 2 of the code series and already up to 1033 possible codes.

We could make a database that associates the known keys to the serial number of their Vetter product.

That would also provide a rough date. For example, in June of 1978, all Vetter products would employ key / lock assemblies from the same inventory. You could have a June of 1978 key ring set. Back in the day, if a customer bought a complete set of Windjammer, tail trunk and Saddlebags at one time - 6 locks - we had the ability and responsibility to make the locks the same, keyed with the same key.

Let me contact some of the people that worked in procurement and ask them what they remember.

I just had an idea. I'll be back.

That would be useful, except it is way too easy to move a locking fairing cover from one to the other. Then throw in the DIY store/locksmith replacement locks and we have a real mess.

 

[Kynan C.]

I guess the one question I have is. Just because there are many possibilities with each code does that mean that Vetter actually used all of them? Perhaps they requested a run of X many of a particular blank, in order to keep things under control. An example would be with the VF keys. I have only seen up to 109. The number of codes that could be made I am sure are more then 9 for that key. Just a thought.

 

[roncar]

I guess the one question I have is. Just because there are many possibilities with each code does that mean that Vetter actually used all of them?

That is the dilemma. Without more information, that is a total unknown. Which codes of the series were used?

I have to disagree with Craig's FAQ though.

How do I get new keys for my Vetter equipment? (Nov 2009)

"I'd like to get all new locks with the same key."
Craig answers: There are no keys. The numbers on the lock mean nothing.

I had not noticed before but the key code "may" be on the face of the lock (please forgive my lack of photography skills.)

I found 4 locks on my fairings that have the key code stamped on the face (CH501, GB497, GB428, and GB394.) Of the many more locks I have, none have any markings at all.

 

[Kynan C.]

Ron requested that I send him some pics close-ups of my VF-XX keys for his research. I thought I would also post them here incase anybody else wants them. I polished them up a bit and snapped some phone pics.

VF-101 through VF-104

 

[Kynan C.]

VF-106, VF-108, and VF-109

 

[Kynan C.]

Ron, none of my accessories that I have here at the house had any serials on the locks except one. The hard pocket cover for my WJIV. The serials kinda matched.. The key is GB376 and the lock is G8376.

 

[steppenwolf]

VF-106, VF-108, and VF-109

I have a friend in Maine who said he would help,a locksmith
so I will pass along this thread and see what he thinks.Pics are the key I think.

 

[Kynan C.]

Pics are the key I think.

No pun intended???

 

[steppenwolf]

No pun intended???

No actually,I didn't realize it till after I sent it

 

[roncar]

... The hard pocket cover for my WJIV. The serials kinda matched.. The key is GB376 and the lock is G8376.

View attachment 1097

Looks like quality control was not the best.

 

[roncar]

Ron requested that I send him some pics close-ups of my VF-XX keys for his research. I thought I would also post them here incase anybody else wants them. I polished them up a bit and snapped some phone pics.

VF-101 through VF-104

Thanks Kynan. As I suspected, I am now convinced that the key I manually cut on a YM57 key blank, is actually a VF-104. When I made the key (luggage with 4 locks), I found the YM57 blank would go in and I took apart one of the locks to manually cut it. IIRC there were 6 positions for wafers but the last one didn't have one installed, hence my key only having 5 positions vs the VFxxx series having 6. Once cut it fit all 4 locks and I have since rekeyed 2 more for the fairing and trunk. All work perfectly. When we determine the 'proper' blank to use, I'll re do the key on the correct blank.

 

[Kynan C.]

Well it looks as we are making some ground. Good research Ron!

 

[steppenwolf]

 

[brianinpa]

Well it looks as we are making some ground. Good research Ron!

When it comes to keys, Ron is a wizard!

 

[steppenwolf]

Have we figured out any thing yet so we could make copies?

 

[roncar]

Well I'm pretty much at a standstill.

1. Locks and keys I personally own are extremely limited.
2. To purchase a supply of key blanks, in quantity to get better pricing, would cost me about $125-$150. Not having all of the 'brands' used on hand, there is some guessing on the blanks required.
3. There are only 183 current members with probably ~25 "active." How many of those need keys?
4. Replacement locks (with 2 keys) are dirt cheap at the DIY stores, although they are 'close enough' not exact replacements.
5. With many of the locks having no markings on them, mailing the locks back and forth will definitely add to the cost. Even with markings, I don't have the 'codes' to cut them, leaving me to try keys I have or disassembling the lock to cut a key manually.
6. To cover cost of the keys and a little extra to replace worn out equipment, I'd have to get ~$5 per pair of keys plus shipping. Hard to justify http://www.homedepot.com/p/First-Wa...et-and-Drawer-Utility-Cam-Lock-1378/202799779 when a new lock and 2 keys are cheaper.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/First-Wa...et-and-Drawer-Utility-Cam-Lock-1378/202799779
So, I'm not sure if there is enough interest to justify?