car keys

In message , roger writes

Most of the better autojumbles have a stall selling FS, FT, RM keys etc.

roger wrote: [snip]

Last time I looked, the number was engraved on the barrel. I am fairly sure Charles Ware

Peter

Or how about

When I last had a Minor Traveller the keyswitch was so worn I could start it with my front door Yale Key!

Many thanks to all who replied.

I thought I would wait before posting again until I could report progress.

This morning we had a few free moments so off came the lock (easy) and handle (not so easy) and I was just about to accept failure (no way was I going to take of the staked cap in an attempt to get at the lock barrel) when we noticed that there was a number stamped on the square drive. No prefix but we knew what that was anyway. Now all we need is the key.

You might find the one you need here:

The message from "Richard H Huelin" contains these words:

Thanks. Close but maybe not close enough.

Can I assume the next in series is the closest in shape and a little attention with a file would be enough to make it fit?

Usually with ignition and door locks from that period several key keys from the range will work, but not always those with the closest number. When really badly worn the key that came with a tin of Corned Beef has been known to do the job. If you are within easy reach of the North Wales border drop me an email and I will be happy to let you try all the keys I have.

The message from "Richard H Huelin" contains these words:

Many thanks but the car in question is in NE Essex so much too far away. I had a badly worn (and twisted) key that was 6 away from what we have now established was the proper number but that only worked the ignition and passenger door locks.

If you tell us what number you are looking for, somebody might have one. Sometimes you strike lucky! I have a couple of old FPs a few FAs and a couple of FSs lying around. If I have got one with the right number, you are welcome to it.

Jim

The message from "Jim Warren" contains these words:

Thanks. The number in question is FS889. The key I had was 895.

Sorry Roger, it's not one of my numbers. Someone else might have it though.

Jim

On a Mini you can take off the door handle, and the key number is stamped somewhere on the inside of it. It might be the same for a Minor, since they are both BMC cars. I found keys for my 1964 Mini this way!

Why not try your local Rover dealer? I have a 1994 Mini which uses FS series keys, so you might be able to have some new ones made up.

I wanted original keys for my MK1's, so I bought a couple from Richard H Huelin on here, and also from various autojumbles I visited.

I have found the main reason most BMC locks are so bad is due to the crap materials the handle is made out of. Inside my Mini locks are curcular scores from where the slider plates have worn away grooves in the lock housing!

Made from Maisac - Die Cast Aluminium and something. Same stuff model cars are made out of. Most car lock barrels are made out of it, even today, but the mechanisims/handles tend to be better quality. Basically it's cheaper than using brass to make the barrels, and it is casted, which makes it ideal for those old tricky handle shapes, which are then chromed to look nice.

Alex

Yes, I heard about that. Apparently Masak can be hard to rechrome too. I think the best option is to buy a set of new handles, then transfer the original lock barrel and shafts (since they are engraved with the original lock number). Perfect!

Keys are generally plentiful at most autojumbles. Number may be stamped on the barrel, if it is not on the chrome escotcheon of the ignition switch. The ignition switch should be easy to remove as there are no unnecessary complications like steering locks ! New barrels can usually be found at autojumbles

Peter

The key in question FS 889 is available from me if the person concerned would contact me Robert