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Keys

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prusko

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City
Forest Hill
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Md
Wanting to get a duplicate key for my '85. I would like nos or replica of the old. I like the nostalgia of having the original AMC logo. I'm trying to figure out the type/style (not sure of the right word). RA-5 ignition and RA-3 for the other for example.

I believe I have some on ebay but want to be sure before I purchase. They are not cheap.

Thank you.
 

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I bought a set of those a couple years ago and they turned out not to fit. But I think the reason was because I had replaced the Ignition cylinder at some point and the "stock" replacement ignition cylinder from Quadratec is now a GM unit.
 
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I had some replacement keys cut a month or two ago, they couldn't use the AMC or Jeep/Chrysler keys to make the new ones, but GM ones worked just fine. I know AMC used a bunch of GM parts originally, so this would make sense. FYI, my column and ignition appear stock.
 
If someone were to produce a GM key with an AMC logo I would be in for 4 of them.
 
Ok. Thank you. I was at a locksmith today and they kept mentioning GM. What they gave me didn't work. He also said "SA." I'm now thinking that is referring to the key type.
 
Here's my 2 cents as I have these for my Jeeps. RA4 keys will work for up to 1984 CJs and J-trucks (probably other models but that's all I have). The RA5-J keys (shown above and J is the important designation) work with 1985-1986 because the lock cylinder is different than pre-1985. The J keys are definitely harder to find and Jessers is the only place I've found them. I can find RA4 keys here and there (mostly AMC but AMC/Jeep ones pop up). For $10 on Ebay, someone is selling 2 pair of AMC-branded RA4/RA3 blanks. The RA3 door/accessory keys work for all years.

Here's a link to the AMC keys for $10: eBay Link to AMC Keys

Prusko - If you have a standard factory ignition cylinder, the Jessers J keys should fit your 1985. Important tip, I would have a trusted locksmith do the work and have him/her practice on a generic RA5-J blank for $4-$5. You do not want the locksmith screwing up on the NOS blank. Before you even go to the locksmith, try to put the key blank in the ignition. If it slides in, its compatible. If not, the key is wrong for your cylinder.

Weird fact that someone might corroborate, I have found through a few original Scramblers that they use the same RA4 key for ignition and door locks, and the RA3 key for only the console and glove doors. This is different than CJ-5s/7s that use the oval key for doors. I have no idea if that is across years but found true for a 1982 and 2 1983 Scramblers.
 
Thank you. Invaluable info that I truly appreciate. I have a very reputable locksmith (Abingdon Lock) in my area. They'll do the cutting.
 
I had some AMC RA4, I see if I still have any.
keys02.png
 
Interesting chart. Using google, the B46 appears to be the RA5-J key (and a GM-key) so makes sense.
 
I had a few sets of the AMC blanks. I’ll have to find them. I’m rekeying to the double cut single key system so I won’t be using them.
 
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