Help! I lost my keys! (1979fiatspider2000)

[1979fiatspider124]

I lost my car keys and am wondering if there is a cheap way to get a new key or to replace the whole starting system?
Im new to cars an don't know all the terms so sorry if i get some wrong haha.

[MattVAS]

Your shortest link to fixing this issue is to replace the whole ignition switch.
This is hard to do without the key, as you need the key to remove the switch.

I recommend people use a 1/2" drill bit and drill the switch out right where you insert the key. This will break it so that you can depress the lock on the side and thus remove the switch.

[DieselSpider]

Your shortest link to fixing this issue is to replace the whole ignition switch.
This is hard to do without the key, as you need the key to remove the switch.

I recommend people use a 1/2" drill bit and drill the switch out right where you insert the key. This will break it so that you can depress the lock on the side and thus remove the switch.

Good that this comes up and brings to the forefront the need to have spare keys made now so you never have to face this. I know this does not help 1979 however the rest of us should take note if we are down to our last set of keys and remedy that situation post haste!

I always keep a spare plain ignition and door key in my wallet in addition to having a second or third set at home. This is something though thats not practical on the new cars with the bulky keyless dongles.

[txspider]

If you have original Sipea ignition switch there is a code behind the chrome cover on the front. Pop that off and any good key shop can make a new key from the code.

[spider2081]

If you have original Sipea ignition switch there is a code behind the chrome cover on the front. Pop that off and any good key shop can make a new key from the code.

I don't believe this is always the case. I have found the key code sometimes under the shinny cover where the key slot is, sometimes under the electrical section of the switch stamped into a small disk under the start return spring mechanism, and mostly there is no key code to be found. I think there is a Murphy's law "if you have a key there is a code if you have no key you can't find a code"

Anyway my opinion is: The original Sipea switch is far superior to the Lada replacement switches. Before I would destroy a Sipea ignition switch I would remove the steering column and bring the steering column with the switch to an old time locksmith shop. Often they can make a key that will work.
Steering columns are available used and pretty inexpensive. I cut the steering column to remove the ignition switch with out damaging it. I did this for a friend last week. He had a spare column with a switch and no key. I removed the Sipea switch by making 2 cuts in the steering column. Then I found that key code under the "start return spring" Once the undamaged ignition switch is removed bring just the ignition switch to the locksmith. Replace the steering column with a serviceable used column.

[DieselSpider]

If you have original Sipea ignition switch there is a code behind the chrome cover on the front. Pop that off and any good key shop can make a new key from the code.

I don't believe this is always the case. I have found the key code sometimes under the shinny cover where the key slot is, sometimes under the electrical section of the switch stamped into a small disk under the start return spring mechanism, and mostly there is no key code to be found. I think there is a Murphy's law "if you have a key there is a code if you have no key you can't find a code"

Anyway my opinion is: The original Sipea switch is far superior to the Lada replacement switches. Before I would destroy a Sipea ignition switch I would remove the steering column and bring the steering column with the switch to an old time locksmith shop. Often they can make a key that will work.
Steering columns are available used and pretty inexpensive. I cut the steering column to remove the ignition switch with out damaging it. I did this for a friend last week. He had a spare column with a switch and no key. I removed the Sipea switch by making 2 cuts in the steering column. Then I found that key code under the "start return spring" Once the undamaged ignition switch is removed bring just the ignition switch to the locksmith. Replace the steering column with a serviceable used column.

More reason for the rest of us to verify our spare key situation and not be caught driving the car with the one and only ignition key we have.

[spider2081]

More reason for the rest of us to verify our spare key situation and not be caught driving the car with the one and only ignition key we have.

Agreed
One of the first things I do when getting a new (new to me) car is have spare keys made. Of course I had to learn this the hard way.

[1979fiatspider124]

How can i tell if i have the original sipea ignition?

[1979fiatspider124]

How can i tell if i have the original sipea ignition?

[daved]

I bought a original type switch quite a few years ago when they were still available. Very hard to read but it looks like it says "Made in Italy" and "SPE" near where the key goes in.

[1979fiatspider124]

Two questions. If I pop the chrome cover off can i put it back on without damaging it?also how do i do that haha

[73CS1592]

Who needs a key!? Blue wire touches red wire and it starts! Just kidding
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