lost key 190b 1961

[harvecin]

I have a 1961 190b the key to unlock the steering wheel is independent of the ignition switch I can crank the car without a key simply turn a switch But I have lost the steering wheel key Is there any way to remove the key tumbler or sme other avenue so I wont have to pay $150 for a locksmith I have looked up the numbers on the interior sidewall thay are imptrinted but MB des not have the numbers I found on the metal plates
Please help
Thanks

[t walgamuth]

Are you sure that the vin is on the side plates? I would look at the title and under the hood. I would think Mb could make you the key with the right numbers. They can on newer cars for sure.

Tom W

[300SDog]

Its worst than ye know - back in pontoon days MB contracted Niemann and Hafiz to build em keys, locks'n tumblers. Now even MB and/or yer local locksmith caint easily git key blanks. Both Niemann and Hafiz skipped town and went south 40 yrs ago, bein victims of what i call "building high quality componets that caint compete with cheap junk." Y'all pontooners with yer scroll engraved Niemann and Hafiz keys take note - fresh blanks for em might become extinct and/or you'll never git the kinda quality of original script/scrolled engraved set.

Harve, path of least resistance might be cuttin the steering lock with torch and gittin yerself generic JCWitney key switch for the ignition. Or heck, ther's probly just coupla wires goin to ignition switch since starter is push button operated - just replace ignition tumbler with toggle switch if ye wanna fully operative 190b after cuttin the dopey steering lock.

And hey'all yeah - 180b, 190b, 190c primitive 4-spd gasoline 4-cyl MB's now suddenly becoming the ultimate "I told ye so" antique, easily 50 yrs ahead of its time. We oughta be pullin em outa fields not scared of spending thousands to restore em, knowin we're basically gettin better economy car than anything been built in last 20 yrs.

[tompaah7503]

Oddly enough I've never had any problems finding key cutter shops with Niemann-blanks.. Have made copies of fintail keys three times at three different shops, all had Niemanns in stock.

Harvecin, if you're really out of luck I could check the dustiest corner of my part bin, I think I have a couple of fintail steering wheel lock assemblies, I think one of them even had a key.

Edit: I've found a complete lock assembly with a key that turns. Post a reply if you'd be needing it.

[thorsen]

Originally Posted by 300SDog

Harve, path of least resistance might be cuttin the steering lock with torch and gittin yerself generic JCWitney key switch for the ignition.


We oughta be pullin em outa fields not scared of spending thousands to restore em, knowin we're basically gettin better economy car than anything been built in last 20 yrs.

Of course, the irony in that is not lost on anyone, I am sure.