Classic Keys for Classic Cars
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question from the list.
- Where are the keys made?
- Can I use my own key and have it encapsulated with acrylic resin?
- Why is the SF key more costly than the cavallino key?
- What vehicles are compatible with the Klassik Car Keys?
- What is a Single-Sided key versus a Double-Sided key?
- What is recommended to remove minor scratches in the key head?
- The Ferrari F430 is not listed as compatible, yet the key profile appears as if it were. Will the key work with the Ferrari F430?
- My car was made in 1989 (e.g. 328). Which key should I choose?
- How can I be sure that the Klassik Car Key will be compatible with my vehicle?
- What is the return policy?
- What is the process for duplicating my existing key?
Where are the keys made?
The key blanks are sourced from commercial companies in the USA or Europe. The key blanks are fully encapsulated in acrylic resin using thermoplastic injection process by a specialist mold and plastic injection company in Gilbert, Arizona.
Can I use my own key and have it encapsulated with acrylic resin?
No. The process for encapsulating the key head in acrylic resin is very specific to the key blank.
Why is the SF key more costly than the cavallino key?
The SF style key is our newest style key ...
introduced in October 2022. The production and labor costs increased dramatically since the introduction of our first cavallino
keys. And, regrettably, we had to increase the price of the SF key to
cover those costs.
Recently, we have been able to make
some changes that have allowed us to reduce the cost of the SF keys.
We are passing these savings on to our customers, however, we have not
compromised the quality of the keys.
Click
here for more details on the SF key.
What vehicles are compatible with the Klassik Car Keys?
Check the key Klassik Key's product page for a list of
compatible vehicles.
Click here for
detals about the
Klassik Cavallino Key for Ferrari 1989-2005.
Click
here for details about the Klassik SF Key for
Ferrari 1989-2005.
What is a Single-Sided key versus a Double-Sided key?
A single-sided key has the cuts located on a single side. These
keys can only be inserted into the lock cylinder one way.
Single-sided keys were the norm for automobiles up till about 1980.
They are still the norm for the majority of keys such as house keys.
Double-sided (or
sometimes called symmetrical-cut) keys have cuts on both sides.
These keys can be inserted into the lock cylinder in either orientation.
Symmetrical cut keys are the norm for automobiles today ... although
many have internal cuts verses external cuts.
What is recommended to remove minor scratches in the key head?
Minor scratches can be removed from the acrylic key
head using a polish designed for plastics. Maguires makes a
product called
PlastX, a gel formula that can be used on acrylic resin.
Another line of products that is made specifically for acrylics is
Novus
Plastic Polish ... a three-step system for removing scratches with a final step to clean and shine.
Heavier scratches can be removed by using wet sandpaper.
Use plenty of water and start with a grit course enough (e.g., 800 or
1000 grit) to remove the scratch and then use progressively finer grit
until you work up to a 3000 grit (or finer) sandpaper. Then remove
any glaze using plastic polish. (NOTE: for better results, rub in
one direction only)
The Ferrari F430 is not listed as compatible, yet the key profile appears as if it were. Will the key work with the Ferrari F430?
Although the key profile is such that it will fit the F430 and unlock the ignition, the key does not contain the necessary electronics to disable the immobilizer. The keys we offer are only suitable for vehicles without an immobilizer or vehicles with the immobilizer separate from the key itself ... for example, the Ferrari 360 has an immobilizer with a remote fob that is separate from the key itself.
My car was made in 1989. For example, the Ferrari 328. Which key should I choose?
Ferrari cut over from single-sided keys to double-sided keys in 1989. Generally, models that started in 1989 use the double-sided keys and car models that ended in 1988 use single-sided keys. During the transition year, it is not certain which key may have been utilized. See the information immediately below for more information.
How can I be sure that the Klassik Car Key will be compatible with my vehicle?
Check the compatibility table on the product page before ordering your key. In addition, the following information should be helpful. Once you receive the Klassik Car Key for your vehicle, perform the following steps prior to having the key cut:
- The Klassik Cavallino or the SF key for Ferrari's 1989 - 2005 are for
ignition lock cylinders that accept a double-sided (symmetrical cut) key ... having
identical cuts on both sides of the key, allowing the key to be used
either way up. If your key is double-sided, the Double-Sided Enzo Style is very likely compatible with your Ferrari.
If your key is single-sided, the Single-Sided Cavallino key is most
likely correct.
- Check the keyway profile of the Klassik Car Key to your existing
key. If you already have your Klassik Car Key, hold both keys
with the tip of the key toward your eye and sight down the keys. They
should have the same profile. Look at the
illustration in #4 below.
- For the either the double-sided or the single-sided key, check the distance of the key shank to assure it is the same.
Measure from the shoulder of the key to the tip. Your existing
key should be same dimension shown in the illustration in #4 below.
- Gently insert the uncut Klassik Car Key into your vehicle's
ignition lock. Ensure that the key easily slides into the
lock cylinder. If the key does not easily slide into the wards
of lock cylinder, do not force it. This would be an indication
that the key is likely not compatible. After insertion into the
lock cylinder, do not try to turn the key.
The Klassik Car Key should easily insert into the lock cylinder if the profile and length are
appropriate.
Click on the image for larger view.
- Once you have performed the above steps and are satisfied with the fit into the ignition, you should be OK to proceed having your key cut. If you are unsure at this step, have your keys examined by a qualified locksmith before cutting.
What is the return policy?
You can return the Klassik Car Key within 30 days of purchase for a full refund if the following conditions are met:
- The Klassik Car Key is uncut.
- Original condition as received, not damaged.
- Include all original packaging.
What is the process for duplicating my existing key?
Klassik Car Keys are for pin-tumbler locks and have
external cuts. The Klassik Car
Key blanks are made for keys with external cuts and are easily duplicated on a key
duplicating machine that are commonly available at a hardware store or locksmith.
For best results, only have your existing key duplicated by a competent service provider. Once the key is cut, it is not returnable for a refund.
If you wish to take advantage of having your key cut at no charge, you need only to send a working key to us. We will duplicate your key onto a new key and send both the new key and your original key back to you.