Center console

[65BLUBIRD]

My console is double cut, I believe the same as the trunk key but will check when I get home.

[Terry64HT]

64 was the last year for the single cut key (at least in Thunderbirds), so it sounds like you have a latch from that year. The ignition and doors are one key and the trunk and console are another on my 64. My trunk lock failed (as did the first replacement I purchased), so I no now need 3 keys.
I expect the latch itself is the same from 64 to 66, so only the key cylinder is different. I have never seen replacement cylinders listed, but is see no reason why you couldn't switch in the one from your old latch.
Looking at photos of the latches, I can see a release pin on the end of the lock cylinder. It may well be that removal is done following the instructions for the trunk lock.
It can't hurt to try it with your old latch (if you still have it).
Let us know, this is an interesting problem.
Terry
64HT

[boaterbob]

I'm pretty sure the 64 cylinder is of a smaller diameter and even the hole in the trim piece is smaller as compared to a 65 66. The cut on the double cut keys 65 66 are cut on opposite sides ignition vs trunk so if your trying to use the wrong one it will not go in. square head for ignition and doors Round head for trunk and glove box I believe

[Terry64HT]

I went on to good old eBay and searched "Thunderbird console latch". There are several listed, some with photos that show the lock end. One (listed as a 1964), is obviously for the double-sided key and another shows the single straight slot, so is probably a 64. The years in the listings appear to be incorrect on a couple of them.
However, the casting for the housings look identical as do the diameter of the cylinders. It's unlikely that anyone has one of each type to compare, and I suspect that it's the cylinder that failed in Headacheguy's latch.
It would be interesting to know, though.
Terry
64HT

[HeadacheGuy]

Mine came without a latch so I don't have mine to gut and use Terry. I think you answered the question, the one I got must be for a 64. Some day I will pull it and have a key cut but at least I know what blank to use. I should have researched it better before I bought it but it works and looks good and I'm guessing only us Tbird guys would ever know. Thanks guys. I now know just a little more about the car than I did before.

[Terry64HT]

As I said in my earlier post, my trunk lock packed it in, then the replacement lasted about 2 weeks, so I'm on my 3rd key, long past matching console and trunk keys. I think I locked my console when I first got the car to see if it worked (it did), and haven't worried about it since. Not having a matching key, or any key for that matter, hasn't bothered me, considering all the other things on my list.
Terry
64HT