thanks... my key doesn't want to return on startup so looking to see if it's the tumbler or switch. maybe just needs lubed.
If the key is a copy, it may be cut in the right pattern, but not deep enough, if that makes sense. Maybe a bit of misalignment when cut. Or a worn-out key was being duplicated. Then again, maybe it is like you suspect and the key blank is misaligned ... as in badly manufactured. I have always wanted some keys for the Comet like were made in the 60s with the Mercury head on them, but I have only found those as a one-sided cut, instead of two sided like 70s cars started using.
Double sided keys have been around since 1965 when both full sized Ford & Mercury began using them, by '67 were used in all the car lines.. There were double sided Mercury keys but good luck finding one now. If you do, may not fit completely inside the "eared" column tumbler. My Comet had one chewed up key, so I repinned ign & door locks for a set of keys I'd had since '66(neighbor that worked at Ford plant gave me a ign tumbler for my first car, didn't fit). These keys have a difference I'm yet to see in other keys, anyone ID what that is??
Good info! Thanks! That would explain the wonderful Mercury Man one-sided key I pulled out of a 66 Comet in the junkyard. I got a "last year" key.
There are trunk keys on ebay, didn't see the matching ign/door https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-OE...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0
Cool stuff ... thanks! You got me rummaging through eBay now. Forgot what the keys to my 65 Mustang (first car) looked like ... saw them again. .... sigh .....