JL is a keyway identifier, it refers to the slot pattern in the side of the key, so yes, it's going to be the same on all blanks that actully fit into the lock slot.
Dummo about IM/1M ...
(JA thru JD, JL,JM and some other J numbers are keyway patterns for simple lock cylinders, they are also non patented keyways (eg, you can get them copied)
'MLx' keyways were usually patented (Master Locksmith) so nobody would copy the keys who wasn't supposed to...
Rusty, where can I read/have documentation about this JL lingo, much appreciated.
Here is what I am up against. Maybe you or someone else will have further comments. If no-one can help than at least I gave it a shot, I have signed up within a locksmith forum and at least the post will already be made up to submit over their via copy and paste.
1929/1930 ( just for a referance point, not solely these particular years only ) Dodge auto and truck originally used a Northeast ignition assy, coil mounted behind the N.E lock cylinder.
Disregard the keys in this particular next picture, I made these keys work by shuffling around tumblers. These round headed keys were not original for this cylinder
We have been re-searching the correct style keys that would have been used originally. Correct style key-heads.
The only listing I can find that really gives any sort of identifier for these keys is within my D.B master buyers guide dated 1932
which shows
series DA, DD, DE .DF, DC, DH, DI, DJ, DG, DB as using ignition switch key series JL 750 - JL 999.
Granted none of these particular models are trucks, they are all autos but in this particular instance at least the autos and trucks used the same ignition units albeit I am not assuming that the trucks stayed within the JL switch key series that I have posted above.
Here is where the confusion come in though.....if one were to remove these ignition cylinders from their housings they will find them all marked with an IM # at the very tip of the lock cylinder.
Not only are the lock cylinders marked IM but in at least this particular case
so is the what I am assuming at this point original key head.
The only other indicator of this key head being correct and original for these units is within what I am assuming is an artists rendering
found in a United Motors section of this N.E. electric book I have
lower left coil # 5023130
We have collected a couple of early Reed key books and on this page about 3/4 of the way down they are showing the IM series
of the keys that are being found on our key heads and cylinders. Unfortunately the 42107 key blank to be used code is referencing a key with a round head.
I am sure that the publishers of Reed do not give a hoot about documenting the correct original key blank, I am nearly positive that they have come up with a key that had the same slot pattern as the original and was more abundant ergo the round head versus the original ( in my opinion ) hex head but I am trying to prove my theory so hopefully now unless you are thoroughly confused you will understand why I ask where I might be able to see some sort of documentation toward .............JL is a keyway identifier, it refers to the slot pattern in the side of the key.............and if anyone can help on the I.M definition it would be most beneficial.
