The bus came with exactly one set of keys, comprised of four different keys. It took a few minutes to figure out which key unlocked which doors. The engine key was easy.
Next up were two smaller keys with round heads. Similar in size to that of a traditional padlock key, one was labeled “gas” (another easy one) and the second with the initials “K-E-Y.” These keys lock and unlock both the rear and handicap access doors.
The final key has a boomerang shape. It’s labeled with the brand name “Kubota” and also what appears to be a serial-type number. This one will be the handiest of all on game day, as it opens the electric passenger door from the outside without turning the engine on.
We of course wanted to make duplicates of the keys to protect against loss, theft, etc. So, we drove to our local hardware store. We happen to have a Do It Best, but Ace or even big box stores have a department that can cut keys. It was really simple to cut keys for the engine itself and we got 2 copies made for around $30.
The other keys were more elusive. Due to the smaller size and the cuts of the key itself, it was harder to track down the blanks that would be used to cut our specific key. My parents did a lot of the legwork for this errand, going to big box stores and local hardware stores. Eventually, they found gas and rear door keys at Des Moines Lock Service. Again, we only got two copies of those.
Finally, we had a break in the Kubota key search as well. Kubota manufactures tractors, mowers and utility vehicles, among other things, and the keys we needed are actually available pre-cut based on the number. Mom and Dad made stops at Capital City Kubota and Bobcat of Ames to collect a few of these. This way our guests can come and go as they please during the actual football game and keep the bus and its contents nice and safe! These keys are a bit more expensive and we got the two previous plus these six for about $75. My Dad also was a fan of the Iowa State Ranger at Capital City Kubota – which is either THE Ranger that Cy rides onto the field at Jack Trice, or a pretty close replica.
Lastly, we needed to get some keychains!! I like the high-visibility rip-tag one that will stay on the farm with the bus. I got myself an Old Cy keychain and a more modern I-State one for Dave. Then, we have numbered more affordable keychains for the side access door. We’ll loan these out to friends and family on game day and collect them at the end of the day. I ordered all of these from the Iowa State University Bookstore and got 8 keychains for $62.92
So, this did end up being one of our more expensive “projects” for the bus thus far. But, hopefully it proves to be a one-time deal and of course in the long run will be more affordable than replacing all the locks in the bus.
