75 Manta ignition key

[Gordy]

I know a lot of locksmiths still carry key blanks for the Kadetts and GTs but does anyone know a source for the late (74-75)Manta keys with the black rubber key grip to it? Will an older GT type key blank work in the Manta ignition, doors, trunk etc? Thanks, Gordy

[saxybiker]

Originally Posted by Gordy I know a lot of locksmiths still carry key blanks for the Kadetts and GTs but does anyone know a source for the late (74-75)Manta keys with the black rubber key grip to it? Will an older GT type key blank work in the Manta ignition, doors, trunk etc? Thanks, Gordy

We have a 75 Manta and we do not have the black rubber key grip. Our keys for this car are all the older key style, just like our GT's. Our 75 Ascona wagon is the same way.

Vickie & Allen

[timemachine]

Same here, the simple metal style always works in the Manta if you get the right blank. Same cylinder.

Those factory rubber-ended keys didn't have a shank through the keyring part and the ones I had wore out early in the 1980s. I kept the remaining "short key" in my wallet as a spare and it bailed me out once in the parking lot of Chicago Stadium. My date that night was mighty happy I had an alternative way to get home after I lost my keys or had them pickpocketed, never found out which.

My 1999 4-runner came with a credit card shaped plastic key (with a coded metal security insert) for the same purpose. I keep it in my wallet for the same reason though I wonder if I lost my wallet and somebody discovered it if with my home address they'd have a mind to steal my Toyota!

Jim

[Gordy]

You are right about the rubber keys going to heck. My new 74 Sport Wagon was only a couple of years old when the rubber disappeared off of both factory keys. I will cut a couple of regular keys then and keep my 1 good original rubber key in a display case!