Topic: 1964 1/2 Mustang keys - which style is correct

[michaelvonlanthen]

On my search for a second pair of ignition and trunk keys for my July 64 Convertible, I found there are two different styles for Mustang key available. Which one is correct?

- Pony Style key
- "standard key"

The existing keys I have is a pair of standard key.

Thx, Michael

[CharlesTurner]

The running horse keys would be correct for a Mustang.

[jwc66k]

The keys in the upper picture are generic keys. Mustang keys had the pony. Door and ignition keys had a "squared off" end, the trunk was round.
Jim

[C6ZZGT]

And the repop ponies look like crap compared to original keys.

[DM_1964]

I always thought the early cars had the generic type key and there was a transition to the pony key at some point between generator and alternator cars.
Perhaps some owners with original early cars may be able to clarify?

[michaelvonlanthen]

In my case, my July 64 also has the generic keys, they look very old. I think they are the original ones. When purchased, I tought it would be a 2nd pair key and the running horse would have been the main key.

[CharlesTurner]

The 64.5 pace car I restored had pony keys, early 64.5.

[jwc66k]

And the repop ponies look like crap compared to original keys.

I just finished scanning my collection, some of which go back 30 plus years. Some are reproduction, well they have an "I" stamped on them, others are newer, say 10 years, a couple of NOS blanks with an "H" stamp, and 2 reproduction keys I got last year and had cut as backups. All are ignition keys, and with the known old ones that show signs of wear, they all look the same and work as necessary. (I even found a Mercury key for my 66 Hardtop that I know is well over 30 years old.)
Jim

[NEFaurora]

Charles is right...

The Pony Keys were the only keys that the factory gave out.. when a '64 1/2 to '66 Mustang car was purchased new.

People love the Ford Factory Generic Keys though (as do I), but if you look on the key, It has a "V" on it meaning "V-8"...  I think that they mostly came with Early 60's T-Birds and some Full Size Fords when new...as mid-size cars also came with sixes...such as the Falcon and the Fairlane...so chances are that they would not have been supplied with the Generic Ford Key pictured up top.

On actual Ford Factory Made keys, They have letters stamped on them... "B", "H", "I" and other letters?  The letter on the key denotes the key maker of the key.  I know that "B" is Briggs and Stratton, and "I" is Ilco, and "H"is Helm?  A lot of the "I" (Ilco) Pony key blanks came from NPD from the past two decades.  They are also Original Ford Key blanks...(most likely Ford Factory Replacements) Rick Schmidt and his father from NPD had an abundance of them up until the last few years as their supply dried up.  I have noticed that Original 1960's Assembly line Mustang Pony Keys and Key blanks were mostly the "H" (Helm?) stamped keys.

Basically, You will know that you have a factory key when there is a Letter on it.  No Letter, Then it's not a Factory key.  Also, Most Factory keys will usually have "USA" stamped on the back, but not always...but most of the time.  If you have both a Letter and "USA" on the key, then it's a sure winner that it's an original Key or Key blank.

About the Reproduction Pony Key Blanks....Most of them are really bad... and also Dennis Carpenter makes/sells Repops of the Ford Generic Keys that are made in China... They are just as bad...a big disappointment...  Basically, If you are looking for Original Blanks.... Your only real source is Ebay...  Definitely a situation where there is no substitute for the Originals....IMHO...

)

Tony K.

[GrampsMan]

These are the keys that were handed to me by the original owner in August, 1967.
June 2, 1964 build, D code, convertible, Dearborn, concourse driven.
The keys work perfectly, but of course I drive the car with generic reproductions.

[196667Bob]

People love the Ford Factory Generic Keys though (as do I), but if you look on the key, It has a "V" on it meaning "V-8"...  I think that they mostly came with Early 60's T-Birds and some Full Size Fords when new...as mid-size cars also came with sixes...such as the Falcon and the Fairlane...so chances are that they would not have been supplied with the Generic Ford Key pictured up top.

On actual Ford Factory Made keys, They have letters stamped on them... "B", "H", "I" and other letters?  The letter on the key denotes the key maker of the key.  I know that "B" is Briggs and Stratton, and "I" is Ilco, and "H"is Helm?  A lot of the "I" (Ilco) Pony key blanks came from NPD from the past two decades.  They are also Original Ford Key blanks...(most likely Ford Factory Replacements) Rick Schmidt and his father from NPD had an abundance of them up until the last few years as their supply dried up.  I have noticed that Original 1960's Assembly line Mustang Pony Keys and Key blanks were mostly the "H" (Helm?) stamped keys.

Basically, You will know that you have a factory key when there is a Letter on it.  No Letter, Then it's not A Factory key.  Also, Most Factory keys will usually have "USA" stamped on the back, but not always...but most of the time.  If you have both a Letter and "USA" on the key, then it's a sure winner that it's an original Key or Key blank.

)

Tony K.

I must address some of the misconceptions, and point out some particulars about the "Ford Factory Generic Keys" that Tony described in Reply # 8. First, the "V" has absolutely nothing to do with "Six or 8". This style of Key first appeared in 1955. The ignition Key was Part # B5A-3685-A, and the glove compartment/ trunk  was Part # B5A-7043562-A.  These two keys were used for all models, regardless of engine, through 1958. What was unique about the first issue of this style key, was that only one side of the key blank had a longitudinal groove, the other side was smooth (see pictures 1-4). Then, in 1959, a new variation of this style key appeared. The ignition key was now B9A-3685-A, and the Glove compartment/ trunk key was B9A-6443562-A. Both of the B9A keys now had longitudinal grooves on both sides (pictures 5-8). A word of caution here ; while the B9A keys can be used in the 1955-58 Fords, the B5A keys cannot be used in 1959-66 Fords (due to only having the longitudinal groove on one side).

The B9A keys were used for all Models from 1959-64. In 1965, most Models (like the Mustang) became "personalized" with specialized names, logos shapes, etc. added. Interestingly, the B9A ("Ford Generic") key blanks could be used, and were available as Service Parts, on all Models through 1966. Then of course, in 1967 the "twin-sided" key evolution began.

Hope this helps explain the History of the :Ford Generic" Keys. Remember, the "key" is in the details".

Bob

[67gtasanjose]

... the B9A ("Ford Generic") key blanks could be used, and were available as Service Parts, on *all Models through 1966. Then of course, *in 1967 the "twin-sided" key evolution began.

*True in both instances ON MUSTANGS (other Ford, Lincoln, Mercury model cars vary when change-over [evolution] began)

[NEFaurora]

That's correct.. Some Ford/Mercury/Lincoln cars started using the double-sided key blanks as early as 1965.  The Mustang was late to the game in 1967..

Tony K.

:0)

[markb0729]

Thanks Bob.  Great information!