Door and ignition cylinder / key service

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Here is another ignition we just rebuilt for a customer. The ignition switch came to us jammed. The customer could not insert the key into the keyway. So, the unit was completely disassembled and overhauled, new keys were cut to code and then hand fitted to compensate for internal wear. Here are some before and after of the work that was done.

[72targa]

More amazing artistry...

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Here's a job we did for a customer. He has a project that was missing the locks. The customer wanted outlaw handles and an ignition. He purchased the handle bases and we provided the rest of the parts to build him a rebuilt matched set of handles and ignition.

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Here is another job we did a while back. It's a smaller job, but no job is too big or too small for us. The customer acquired a glove box lock and needed new keys made for the lock. He also wanted a duplicate of an early key cut.

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Here are some pictures of one of our own in-house restorations. We purchased this switch from a seller in "as good working condition". Who hasn't bought a "working" part only to find out the description was a little generous? As you can see the Bakelite suffered from brittleness, which is typical. The seller also neglected to mention there were three deeply embedded male bullet terminals inside the base of the switch. So, we repaired the Bakelite, decoded the lock, cut two new keys to code and rebuilt the electrical switch. The lock was deep cleaned and the lock cylinder was treated for oxidation, the switch is now back to fully functioning condition with two quality Taylor K300 solid brass keys.

[Bert]

Here are some pictures of one of our own in-house restorations. We purchased this switch from a seller in "as good working condition". Who hasn't bought a "working" part only to find out the description was a little generous? As you can see the Bakelite suffered from brittleness, which is typical. The seller also neglected to mention there were three deeply embedded male bullet terminals inside the base of the switch. So, we repaired the Bakelite, decoded the lock, cut two new keys to code and rebuilt the electrical switch. The lock was deep cleaned and the lock cylinder was treated for oxidation, the switch is now back to fully functioning condition with two quality Taylor K300 solid brass keys.

Nice work. How do you repair Bakelite?

Thanks,

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Hello Bert,
Thank you for the feedback and inquiry. We have different processes for repairing the Bakelite. However, we don't go into detail of how we do the work. These are methods we have developed in our course of business. It has taken us years and thousands of dollars invested in this business to produce professional results. We always have others trying to imitate what we do rather than putting in the time, labor, and expense of developing their own processes. We are as transparent in our services as possible. We are the only folks that actually post before and after pictures of the work we perform. We are also the only folks that are willing to give customers estimates without holding their parts hostage. So, we hope that you understand why we don't divulge that information.

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These handles came to us from a customer who needed some help with reassembly and rekeying. However, upon closer inspection, the locks required a bit more. One of his lock cylinders was seized due to heavy oxidation and lack of proper maintenance through the years. Lucky for him, we have experience with this type of repair. So, we made his new keys and now his stunning handles and glove box lock are ready for his project. It's nice to have at least one project you don't have to DIY!

[Robert5995]

Looks like those are my parts - thanks so much, Dan!

- Rob

[Bert]

Hello Bert,
Thank you for the feedback and inquiry. We have different processes for repairing the Bakelite. However, we don't go into detail of how we do the work. These are methods we have developed in our course of business. It has taken us years and thousands of dollars invested in this business to produce professional results. We always have others trying to imitate what we do rather than putting in the time, labor, and expense of developing their own processes. We are as transparent in our services as possible. We are the only folks that actually post before and after pictures of the work we perform. We are also the only folks that are willing to give customers estimates without holding their parts hostage. So, we hope that you understand why we don't divulge that information.

Thanks for the reply. I understand on keeping your process secret. It's good to know that someone restores vintage Bakelite.