Good evening,

Am in kwest of backup key for my '83 245 Wagon. Talkin big ignition/door key, never got the little one for glovebox/rear toolbox (where the 3rd seat was, anybody need one?).

Car came to me w/ 1 original NEIMAN key as well as two others cut on "aftermarket" blanks, one says AXXESS, other says COLE (national) Both are, as good ol' Neil YOUNG says, pieces of krap and are 'bout to break. Really flimsy, are they really metal?

NEIMAN key is great except plastic end is broken so it's unsuitable for use on a ring, keep it in magnetic key hider thingamajig.

Got a backup key from HWI hardware for lady's '81 244, it's a junker too. Her Neiman key hasn't broken yet.

Kwestion 1: Are these (at least formerly) German blanks still avail?

#2: Anyone tried removing plastic end, drilling a slot and trying to use the key on a ring? Am concerned not enough "torque" to turn ignition switch w/ what's left.

#3 Anyone remember pre-1974 days? I swear I had a 1972 142 that came to me w/ original "factory" key THAT WAS ALL METAL, pretty sure it had Neiman's name on it. 74 142 that came later had the plasticky end on it.

Aging rapidly, I am yours,

Frank in oHIo