Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

[Kenneth P.]

I doing some research for one of our members with regards to the horn alarm option UA6 key. From what I know this option was only available from 68 to 71 (although some reference 1970) . It is my understanding that the key is a B&S with a round head much like the locking gas cap key. I've seen some alarm switch's on eBay that shows the round head B&S key and ones with an oval head GM key which looks just like the secondary GM key. My question is which would be the correct key for this switch.

Ken

[Terry M.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

I doing some research for one of our members with regards to the horn alarm option UA6 key. From what I know this option was only available from 68 to 71 (although some reference 1970) . It is my understanding that the key is a B&S with a round head much like the locking gas cap key. I've seen some alarm switch's on eBay that shows the round head B&S key and ones with an oval head GM key which looks just like the secondary GM key. My question is which would be the correct key for this switch.

Ken

Ken
The answer to your question depends on when the Corvette you are involved with was built. Off the top of my head, 1970 about SN#12000 and earlier had the B&S key like the locking gas cap. Later had the same oval head key as the glove box and spare tire lock. If you need a closer SN# I (or someone) will have to consult the 1970 TIM&JG.

If you had shared with us the exact car you are concerned about we could have provided a simpler answer.

[Kenneth P.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

While doing some more searching on Google I came across this site which explains in detail about the alarm switch. Anyone else have a different opinion with what is in this article?

http://www.2040-parts.com/1968-1969-amp-1970-corvette-alarm-switch-lock-nos-n-o-s-new-old-stock-i1942032/

Now I've seen these switch's on eBay with those key codes but I can't find any key codes that start with C or H in my Curtis Code book for GM. I'll have to look at some of my other older code books when I get home.

Ken

[Dick W.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

The Briggs switch had many more uses other than Corvette. It was used in alarms on many vehicles, at least into the '80's. It was also used in home burglar systems, and on various other items. We bought many of those switches for just a few dollars.

[Kenneth P.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Here's a good article about the history of Briggs & Stratton. These guys true pioneers of their time.

http://www.strattec.com/company/company-history

[Terry M.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

While doing some more searching on Google I came across this site which explains in detail about the alarm switch. Anyone else have a different opinion with what is in this article?

http://www.2040-parts.com/1968-1969-amp-1970-corvette-alarm-switch-lock-nos-n-o-s-new-old-stock-i1942032/

Now I've seen these switch's on eBay with those key codes but I can't find any key codes that start with C or H in my Curtis Code book for GM. I'll have to look at some of my other older code books when I get home.

Ken

My 1970 key has a code beginning with H. I can not tell you that ALL keys were coded either C or H since I have not seen ALL keys, however when I was showing my car in NCRS and Bloomington Gold I do not recall judges asking for that key. On the other hand my showing experiences were on the order of twenty years ago, and a lot has changed since then. However, I have been around judging a lot since then and I have never heard of anyone being asked for that key other than to display it as a B&S or Chevrolet key as appropriate for the age of the car. It can't hurt to have the right (at least in someones opinion) key, however.

These locks were a poor design, but i bet they were inexpensive. Exhaust gasses corroded the mechanism of the lock, so the lifespan while the car was in operation was pretty short. That is why they went to the Chevrolet lock; that and the owner has to carry fewer keys.

[Terry M.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

The Briggs switch had many more uses other than Corvette. It was used in alarms on many vehicles, at least into the '80's. It was also used in home burglar systems, and on various other items. We bought many of those switches for just a few dollars.

I was once told that the B&S Corvette lock was also used on truck trailer alarms. I would guess you might know a lot about that.

[Peter L.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

The 1970-1972 NCRS TIM&JG indicated that Alarm Lock switch on 1970s to s/ns in the 12,250 range used the open B&S type switch. Pete

[Peter L.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Terry - I have bunch of the open B&S type alarm locks w/keys & a bunch of the B&S keys for those alarm locks & the keys all have either the C### or H### KEY NUMBERs stamped on them. Pete

[Kenneth P.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Thanks for the info Terry. I've been doing some research on GM keys recently and learned a lot of interesting facts. So much so I've become somewhat obsessed with the topic. I've been buying key blanks, code books and key cutters LOL. I did a little presentation at our judging seminar this past Sunday and pleased with the feedback. One of our members ask about the alarm key for his 69 which got me interested. Not owning a C3 I had always thought that the alarm used the same secondary (oval) key. What I can't find now is where To look for the key cut numbers if you wanted to have a new key made if you knew the key code. I'm assuming it's in some B&S book some where. I know it keys are not a highly judge NCRS item but I know that in other antique car groups keys are scrutinize.

[Kenneth P.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Good info Peter every little info helps. Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Terry - I have bunch of the open B&S type alarm locks w/keys & a bunch of the B&S keys for those alarm locks & the keys all have either the C### or H### KEY NUMBERs stamped on them. Pete

I will bow to your opportunity to have seen more than I have. This is the first chance I have had to closely examine the issue.

My thanks to Ken for raising the issue. It gave me the chance to learn more, and it also gave me a reminder gain that there is always something new to learn.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

The Briggs switch had many more uses other than Corvette. It was used in alarms on many vehicles, at least into the '80's. It was also used in home burglar systems, and on various other items. We bought many of those switches for just a few dollars.

Some years ago I was in a local big box (Walmart?) store and noticed a display of switches in blister packs. They were B&S alarm switches exactly matching the original in my '69. They were priced at about $4 each. I bought them all and then contacted the company on the package (which was not B&S but a repackager) and ordered a bunch more from them. Attached are 2 photos of one of the switches I still have left and a detail of the keys. The old looking key (bottom right and on left) is the original from my car. One of the switches is still in the sealed plastic bag as I received it from the supplier. In looking closer to the keys just now I noticed that the new keys have a "B" stamped below the key number where the original does not. Otherwise they are identical as are the switches.
Jeff

[Kenneth P.]

Re: Option UA6 Horn Alarm Key

Jeff

Thanks for those pics it confirms what I've been finding elsewhere. Today I found the B&S part number for this switch which is 50704. Strattec who was formally the lock and key division of B&S still sells this same switch. Their part number is 80111. (I've attached a link to their latest catalog) I also found that Harley Davidson used the same switch/key on some of the earlier motorcycle.

Like Dick Whittington posted earlier these switches were used in a variety of application. I did find some information of a book that supposedly has the key codes for these locks. Trying to track one down now.

Thanks again

Ken

http://s3.amazonaws.com/aftermarket-data/docs/historical-catalogs/2017+Strattec+Comprehensive+Catalog.pdf