Picked up my bike!! ......no key..Ughh

[DaGootz]

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[/img]Yep! I drove all the way to Baltimore from Lake Norman NC for my new 1974 Eldo police only to get the..."Sorry, I didn't tell you, but I can't find the key".....seriously? Well he did give me some money back from the original deal so there's that. But now I need a key. The ignition switch has a "4D' stamp on it and the tumbler has a "E38" stamp. How can I get a key and get it cut? Anyone here cut keys? Any help is greatly appreciated. For now I'm cleaning, polishing and adjusting so no big hurry. Thanks Gang

[faffi]

Nice bike

A new ignition lock does not cost the world and should be free from wear, contamination and whatnot that can have attacked the original one https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=5279

[guzzisteve]

So, non running. How did the owner ride it?

[Perazzimx14]

Unless the OEM chrome plated cylinder have already been taken care of the key may be the least of your worries.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

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[/img]Yep! I drove all the way to Baltimore from Lake Norman NC for my new 1974 Eldo police only to get the..."Sorry, I didn't tell you, but I can't find the key".....seriously? Well he did give me some money back from the original deal so there's that. But now I need a key. The ignition switch has a "4D' stamp on it and the tumbler has a "E38" stamp. How can I get a key and get it cut? Anyone here cut keys? Any help is greatly appreciated. For now I'm cleaning, polishing and adjusting so no big hurry. Thanks Gang

E38 is the code. Keys4Classics in Australia can cut keys to that code, but they could take weeks to arrive. https://keys4classics.com/

Southern Michigan MGNOC Rep. Paul Szostak has a bunch of keys and may have an E38. His contact info. is on the MGNOC.com website under Staff & Reps.

A new ignition lock does not cost the world and should be free from wear, contamination and whatnot that can have attacked the original one https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=5279

The original ignition switch on Loops is super durable and can actually be serviced. No need to replace something that is likely still reusable. The MG Cycle switch is a generic aftermarket part and I would not use it on any of my Loops, or those of my customers.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_ignition_switch_rebuild.html

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

So, non running. How did the owner ride it?

The seller never rode it - it was his late father's.

[guzzisteve]

That's good you has some history on the bike.

[DaGootz]

So, non running. How did the owner ride it?

Unless the OEM chrome plated cylinder have already been taken care of the key may be the least of your worries.
[/quot
Yes, I’m aware of the plating issues. I’ll be bore scoping later today to evaluate.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Unless the OEM chrome plated cylinder have already been taken care of the key may be the least of your worries.

Yes, I’m aware of the plating issues. I’ll be bore scoping later today to evaluate.

I've tried using a bore scope to peer inside the cylinders, but never really could see much that helped. Two easy ways to see what cylinders you have: 1) Look at the base of the cylinders - between the two fins closest to the engine case look for the name "GILARDONI" cast in. If you find that, then it already has Nikasil plated bores. 2) remove a sparkplug, make sure the piston is down from TDC, insert a "pencil magnet" and touch the cylinder wall. Zero magnetic attraction = chrome, very slight = Nikasil, strong = iron liners.

IMO, there is no such thing as "good chrome", it's not if it will fail, but when. "When" is likely very shortly after you start running it again after it's long period of not being used. Baltimore is very humid in the Summer and that is a big contributor to the chrome flaking. Best to replace the cylinders before you even start the engine if it has chrome. Replace the chrome-bores with a set of these and never worry about it again.
https://www.crustycycle.com/products/moto-guzzi-cylinder-complete-83mm-850t-t3-eldorado-850gt

[faffi]

The OP may or may not enjoy this series of videos, here with the link to the first https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r20gL_ry0qc

[Cam3512]

Years ago I bought a sweet ‘74 Eldo from Mark Etheridge at MG Classics.  He shipped it to me, but forgot to include the key.  I called him, and he put it in the mail.  In the meantime, he told me how to “hot wire” it so I could hear it run.  Open up the ignition switch on the side of the bike.  The wires should have bullet connectors on the ends.  Tape them all together so there’s contact.  Then hit the starter button.  As previously mentioned, I would make sure I knew the status/condition of the cylinders before even attempting this.

[73 sport]

     I've had keys cut for my "73 Sport by the local locksmith. He used Fiat key blanks.

[DaGootz]

Years ago I bought a sweet ‘74 Eldo from Mark Etheridge at MG Classics.  He shipped it to me, but forgot to include the key.  I called him, and he put it in the mail.  In the meantime, he told me how to “hot wire” it so I could hear it run.  Open up the ignition switch on the side of the bike.  The wires should have bullet connectors on the ends.  Tape them all together so there’s contact.  Then hit the starter button.  As previously mentioned, I would make sure I knew the status/condition of the cylinders before even attempting this.

Yes, I did that to be able to turn the bike over. When I first picked it up, I took the spark plugs out, put it in gear and pushed it down the drive to make sure it wasn't locked up. If it was I was going to walk away.

[DaGootz]

I've tried using a bore scope to peer inside the cylinders, but never really could see much that helped. Two easy ways to see what cylinders you have: 1) Look at the base of the cylinders - between the two fins closest to the engine case look for the name "GILARDONI" cast in. If you find that, then it already has Nikasil plated bores. 2) remove a sparkplug, make sure the piston is down from TDC, insert a "pencil magnet" and touch the cylinder wall. Zero magnetic attraction = chrome, very slight = Nikasil, strong = iron liners.

IMO, there is no such thing as "good chrome", it's not if it will fail, but when. "When" is likely very shortly after you start running it again after it's long period of not being used. Baltimore is very humid in the Summer and that is a big contributor to the chrome flaking. Best to replace the cylinders before you even start the engine if it has chrome. Replace the chrome-bores with a set of these and never worry about it again.
https://www.crustycycle.com/products/moto-guzzi-cylinder-complete-83mm-850t-t3-eldorado-850gt

Thanks for the tips, good to know. I did see those cylinders on eBay. I believe I'd see what Moe wants for his big bore 955cc cylinder kit first though. Thoughts on that?

[DaGootz]

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[/img]Yep! I drove all the way to Baltimore from Lake Norman NC for my new 1974 Eldo police only to get the..."Sorry, I didn't tell you, but I can't find the key".....seriously? Well he did give me some money back from the original deal so there's that. But now I need a key. The ignition switch has a "4D' stamp on it and the tumbler has a "E38" stamp. How can I get a key and get it cut? Anyone here cut keys? Any help is greatly appreciated. For now I'm cleaning, polishing and adjusting so no big hurry. Thanks Gang

After some running around to different locksmiths in town, I found a Lock Shop in Hickory, NC (Keevers Lock and Repair) that I dropped the lock assembly off to on Monday. They said they'd call when ready, maybe today or so. I'll keep you posted as to what happens but they didn't hesitate taking it in, so that's a positive sign....we'll see.