I tried to find a place to re-key my pre 66 door cylinders the same as my ignition. I checked with several locksmiths in nearby towns and even checked with several places in Denver. I got the same story everywhere. They can't do the pre 66 cylinders because the cylinder kits or pins aren't available. 66 and later are everyday business but not the early ones. Well, I got tired of that story so I pulled an extra cylinder apart to see what I could do. I dumped all the springs and pins and put the ignition key in the cylinder. One at a time I put pins back in to figure out which length pin would be the correct height with the key. I soon discovered I didn't have the correct combination of pins. I took a pin down to the local model shop along with my caliper and found a stick of round modeling brass rod the correct diameter. Took the rod home, cut the pieces to the approximate length (just a hair long)with my Dremel and a cutoff blade. Then filed, checked for fit by trying to turn the key, filed again, checked for fit, filed again, checked for fit etc. etc. When I got one to fit correctly with a pin on top and a spring to provide the correct tension I set it aside on a piece of cloth so that I would know which position it should occupy. Then I moved to the next open hole. It took a while but I soon had a set of pins that fit just right. The pins from the other cylinder were sized from the first trial and error and filed individually for fit too. I lined up the top pins for a reasonably level fit, installed the springs, put on the covers and put the cylinders in my car. They have worked well for a few years now. So if you cant round up correct pins it is possible to make your own from brass stock. It's a time consuming process but it can be done. Good project for a winter evening........
