1971 230/8 HELP, lost key!

[gs sparhawk]

Bought a '67 Fintail MB from Texas. No keys. Got a new key from MB. (sent the "title" and my driver's license) They said currently no blanks for the outside keys but it would fit all the other locks too. Not!!! My local locksmith (AKA-Genious) sorted his stash and came up with a couple of useable blanks and "jiggled" them in the locks until he got a slight impression off the pins to guide him. After a half hour of "messing" he handed me a key for the doors and one for the trunk. All the stuff I've researched said many things but NOT that it could be done other than having the correct codes.

The trunk was locked so he had to go it without a code. Someone must have been wearing their "lucky" underwear. The word on the street--Phil and others--is that blanks for older models are unavailable in some cases. Best keep track of what we have. Maybe get the local keyman to take a code off for future reference?

I was down for quite awhile thinking I wouldn't get mine running for lack of such a simple thing.

[meltedpanda]

awhile back on my w126, I simply put in a new ignition cylinder in , of course the key never worked the doors, curious if it could be done on these early models, mine was an 84

[gs sparhawk]

Panda guy----84-early? See previous for 67. A good locksmith can do some great things--check around for sombody who has a "reputation"

I can't imagine that you couldn't have obtained a new key from MB through the dealer. Have done that several times for the odd car.

Sparky

[meltedpanda]

oh , I ended up doing that , just wondered if it was possible to use non original cyliders to fire them up , in case of an emergency or such, and provided the doors were not locked

[gs sparhawk]

Certainly could use whatever would match up and turn the various parts to unlock the wheel & shifter, maybe? your 84 may be a little more sophisticated than mine.

Right now, I'm still using the aftermarket ignition switch to run the 230 electricals and the original key to get the steering wheel free since the back of the original mechanism fell off and getting it back on will require Plasticman. PO or some shop took the screws out and I'll need a diagram to get all the loose parts back together. Right now I have higher priorities in
cleaning everything up to be presentable as an "original". When I get the gas tank cleaned out it'll be a driver. ( Looks more frail than later models but she's a tough thing)

Sparky