Locks have been around for as long as 4,000 years according to reliable sources. Experts say they date back to the free-spirited Egyptians. The Romans got on board later with some of the first metal locks with springs, tumblers, and keys, similar to what we have today. Although most cars today have keyless entry, they still have the key-activated lock pioneered by the Romans. Chances are pretty good you use key locks several times per day depending on your profession and where you live. If you have charge of a variety of facilities or vehicles, keys fill your pockets with access to just about everything encountered in a given day.
Vintage Mustang locks aren't much different from those archaic mechanisms the Romans invented ages ago. They have springs and tumblers inside and are designed to work with only one particular kind of key cut specifically for that combination of tumblers. Over time and use, locks deteriorate to the point of requiring replacement.
There are other reasons for replacing locks, though. Ryan Peart of JGM Motorsports came to us with his lock problem. Seems he lost the door and ignition keys to his '66 Mustang. That's when we contacted Mustangs Unlimited, which sent us every type of lock imaginable for a '65-'66 Mustang-including glove compartment.
Mustangs Unlimited has the...
Mustangs Unlimited has the goods for your classic Mustang lock replacement, including new keys and attachment parts. Pony-embossed door and trunk keys are available at additional charge.
This is an illustration of...
This is an illustration of a typical '65-'73 door lock mechanism. They're all virtually the same across nine years of production. If you own a '74-'78 Mustang II, expect the same thing. It may surprise you to know that the '79-'04 Mustang locks aren't much different unless you have power door locks.
To access door locks, you...
To access door locks, you must first remove the door handles, armrest, and panels.
Once the rod-retaining clip...
Once the rod-retaining clip is disconnected, this spring steel retainer is removed to free the door lock.
This is what you can expect...
This is what you can expect to see inside the door. Shown here are two mechanisms. On top is the door release rod. Below is the door lock mechanism attached to the door with a spring steel clip, which is easy to remove. The rod is retained with a plastic/steel combo clip. Expect to use a plastic retainer unless you don't mind the expense of the steel clip shown. Steel clips were running upwards of $35 each at press time.
With the spring steel retainer...
With the spring steel retainer removed, the door lock comes out like this.
We're fitting this Mustangs...
We're fitting this Mustangs Unlimited door lock with an aftermarket rod retainer made of nylon plastic. It's quieter, for one thing. For another, it will remain secure for years to come.
The lock is inserted like...
The lock is inserted like this; the spring steel clip is reinstalled inside. We suggest the use of Ford's original retainer for best results.
Reconnect the rod and perform...
Reconnect the rod and perform an operational check. Make sure it works before buttoning up the door. Reinstall the door panel, handles, and armrest.
Glove CompartmentFord offered...
Glove CompartmentFord offered an optional glove compartment lock, which came with the Convenience Group. This is a nice feature for those who want some measure of security for odds and ends. Two self-tapping screws retain the lock. You can change this lock in a matter of minutes.
This is a '65-'66 Mustang...
This is a '65-'66 Mustang ignition switch. Installation is an easy press, twist, and turn step. The spring is what secures the switch. For '67-'69, a fine-thread escutcheon retains ignition switches.
To remove the ignition switch...
To remove the ignition switch lock cylinder, insert the key and turn it to the "ACC" (accessory) position. Insert a paper clip into the small hole below the key and push in. When you turn the key back to "OFF," the cylinder should pop right out. If you don't have a key, the ignition lock cylinder will have to be drilled out or the entire ignition switch replaced.
To install the new lock cylinder,...
To install the new lock cylinder, insert the key and push the assembly into the switch with firm pressure. Turn to "ACC," then back to "OFF," which should secure the lock cylinder.
This is a '67-'68 ignition...
This is a '67-'68 ignition switch with a fine-thread escutcheon. The lock cylinders were taken out just as they were in the '65-'66. For '69, expect to see something similar.
For '70, Ford switched to...
For '70, Ford switched to a locking steering column, which has the ignition lock cylinder at the top of the column and a linear switch located near the bottom. Lock cylinder removal involves removing the steering wheel and releasing the lock.
Mustang trunk locks became...
Mustang trunk locks became simpler and had fewer parts as time passed. This is a '65-'66 with a die-cast lock cylinder sleeve (escutcheon) and lock cylinder similar to that of the ignition switch. A release pin is accessible once the lock assembly is removed from the decklid. Press the release pin and out it comes.
For '67, Ford changed the...
For '67, Ford changed the Mustang's trunk lock in two ways. It moved the lock out of the decklid to the body and retained it with a spring steel clip as found in the doors. Ford also went to a double-sided key in '67 for improved security and convenience. This is what you can expect to see from '67-'70s.
For '71-'73, Ford moved the...
For '71-'73, Ford moved the trunk lock cylinder back into the decklid and retained it with a two-bolt bracket in the lid. Remove the bracket and the lock cylinder comes right out.
The '65-'66 Mustang trunk...
The '65-'66 Mustang trunk lock replacement is the most challenging of all model years. The latch mechanism is retained with two body bolts. You're going to need a 1/2-inch socket.
You'll need a 1-inch deep-well...
You'll need a 1-inch deep-well socket to remove the trunk lock cylinder. Remove this nut and the entire lock comes out.
Remove this sleeve next, which...
Remove this sleeve next, which goes between the 1-inch nut and the lock.
Turn the lock clockwise to...
Turn the lock clockwise to the release point and depress this pin, which releases the lock cylinder.
o install the new cylinder,...
o install the new cylinder, depress the pin with the key installed and insert the cylinder as shown. Press all the way in and return clockwise until the pin pops. This pin retains the lock cylinder.