How many M35's come standard with key ignition?

Hi Folks,

Picked up my second truck today and was surprised to see that this truck needed keys to start. Luckily the hauler new what a hyster key was and recognized this when he went to pick up the truck.

We thought the ignition lever was busted off when we went to preview the truck. The gentleman at GL figured it was broken as well but initially thought it looked like a key ignition. When the driver jumped in the truck to start it from a push (GL used forklift for push) he right away gave us a call. He told us that hyster keys are used on forklifts so we found on before he arrived (luckily it was right around the corner and only $2).

How many trucks came standard with this type of key? This vehicle in particular has a warranty plate of 03/88 and from the California Air Force National Guard.

BTW, how can I find out the original manufacturer and build date? The truck has a blue tag with the warranty date but not an original like my other one.

thanks,
Ron

Hey Ron, not too many came with keyed ignition. My '86 M35A2C did have a keyed ignition though. It also had a transfer case lockout (padlock braket to keep in neutral). Plus the truck was stationed just south of San Diego in close proximity to Mexico. Not sure it that had anything to do with it. I was kind of surprised to find that feature on a USAF truck though. My '88 USAF Oregon based truck didn't have it though. Must just be the CA thing

Mike,

My truck is a M35A2C as well but I am not sure where it was located prior to the GL. Did your truck use the hyster key as well?

thanks,
Ron

It did have a hyster key. Are they universal keys? My truck only came with one key.

wsucougarx said:

It did have a hyster key. Are they universal keys? My truck only came with one key.

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Yes, we were told they are universal. The guy at the Ahern Rental shop just grabbed an old key out of a jar.

thanks,
Ron

Those keys are a universal key used on many different lift trucks. Hyster, Yale, Taylor, and some older Clarks use them. They are about $2 each at any lift truck dealer that has these brands.

That was a motor pool/rebuild fab job. NONE came with keys from the "factory"

Is there another place that I should be able to find the year of manufature on the vehicle? I am heading back down to the shop here in a few to inspect it for a number so I can submit the SF-97.

thanks,
Ron

Ron, check the left front frame rail above the axel, vin # should be in that area.

hole said:

Ron, check the left front frame rail above the axel, vin # should be in that area.

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The VIN plate on the dash states 88K353 1040-11307 and the vin on the frame rail on the driver side frame rail states 1040-11307.

Is there a way to decipher the year from these numbers other than being rebuilt in 03/88?

thanks,
Ron

It's a 1988 model (not a rebuild in 1988, but was manufactured in 198 Check my late model USAF trucks spotters guide I wrote on here a while back.

emmado22 said:

It's a 1988 model (not a rebuild in 1988, but was manufactured in 198 Check my late model USAF trucks spotters guide I wrote on here a while back.

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I posted some info on that thread. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks,
Ron

Get your vin to CARNAC, he can tell you when and where your truck came from.