Can I use an old CJ Key for a TJ?

adventureboss

TJ Enthusiast
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Joined
Aug 1, 2023
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Location
Phoenix, Arizona
My original key is feeling a little worn plus I'd like to have a spare on hand. My 06 doesn't have the transponder system so it's just an old school key. Would I be able to get any metal key cut for my TJ? I like the look of the old CJ/ Cherokee keys better. The plastic looks ugly to me and if there's no chip I don't see a point. Something like this would be nice: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIo--Tiba-igMVc0B_AB3CihYnEAQYASABEgLxIfD_BwE

Would this work on my TJ or do I need something specific?
 
I'm not familiar with the older AMC era keys. Does this look like a double sided key with the same length and keyway warding as the TJ?

Screenshot_20241223_103734_Chrome.webp
 
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Here is what you can do on a non-SKIM TJ.

Get a new TJ key cut. Then chop off the round plastic part.
Screenshot_20241223_104750_Chrome~2.webp


Then buy whatever key bow you prefer and chop off the part you can't use.
Screenshot_20241223_105744_Etsy~2.webp


Finally, braze the two halves together into your Frankenstein key. Make sure the length of the TJ half is sufficiently long to engage the switch deep inside the key cylinder.
 
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I'm not familiar with the older AMC era keys. Does this look like a double sided key with the same length and keyway warding as the TJ?

View attachment 581244

OK ok ok noted. I had a feeling the forum wouldn't take it too well but I thought I'd ask anyways :D I am (clearly) completely clueless when it comes to keys, had to do a quick Google on what a double sided key even was haha. I'll try something else
 
OK ok ok noted. I had a feeling the forum wouldn't take it too well but I thought I'd ask anyways :D I am (clearly) completely clueless when it comes to keys, had to do a quick Google on what a double sided key even was haha. I'll try something else

You can and should make the key you want. It isn't at all difficult. You just need to understand and keep track of a few details for it to work.
 
My cluelessness make any more sense if I said I'm barely 20? :LOL: My bikes are all metal keys so I wanted the TJ to match.

Never let age hold you back. I did things like this when I was younger than you are and Google wasn't a thing.
 
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Here. You can do at least as good as this thing.
enhanced-buzz-27975-1368026603-10.webp
 
Your local locksmith can give you a basic, all-metal key, or you could just cut the plastic material off of the head and see what's underneath that you can either use as-is or modify to your liking.
 
My cluelessness make any more sense if I said I'm barely 20? :LOL: My bikes are all metal keys so I wanted the TJ to match.

You can get an all metal key anywhere but I've not seen one with a Jeep logo. The only thing I've seen in the needed blank is a Chrysler logo:
1000003203.jpg
 
What if you ended up and it looks like your house key and and then you stick the key in your house door and it cranks?

People need to think about things like this.
 
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