The message from "Dave Plowman (News)" contains these words:
Back in the 70s I was running a Lotus Elan and the ignition lock failed so I had to order a new barrel. I was told that I couldn't specify the number but when it turned up it was the same as the lock it replaced. FT205 IIRC. or was it 207? :-)
Wilmott Breeden/Union locks are now made by Weston Body Hardware and the keys come with the WBH logo. If you want original Union keys go along to a classic car show and check out the trade stands.
FS/FP series keys are commonly available, they were used widely on
60's motors, including Landrovers. A good locksmith would be able to get you a key made for the locks. If you have the lock numbers for both cars, then you may be able to buy a key pre-cut, or at least get one cut from the number.
The series were later used on filing cabinets/office desks in the 70's and 80's as this was considered about the right level of security, rather than for automotive application.
As for a genuine Union key, I'm not 100% sure Union still supply branded blanks for these series of locks, (if indeed they made them in the first place. It may well have been Yale or someone else) I expect they are too long out of production by now, and you'll probably have to put up with pattern blanks. Again, a locksmith would be able to inform you if it's possible to get genuine ones.
Had the opposite problems with an 88 Carlton once; we came out of a restaurant and couldn't open the car. A friend had mistaken it for his similar Carlton and tried to unlock it; the key had pushed the lock tumblers into unfamiliar positions where they had stuck.
Onlookers gave all sorts of useful advice about trying the other side, or breaking a window, but these cars had double-locks and once double-locked from the driver's door they could not be opened any other way, even from inside!
It took about 15 minutes of frantic key-waggling and door-banging to get in!
I have cobbled together a page with illustrations of the most common vehicle ignition keys used throughout the 50's and 60's. The page also has a list of original FP, FS, & FT and a few others which I have available for sale.
In case you don't know (I didn't till someone told me recently), there's a bit steam fair/ car thing at Blandford this week. Don't know what the jumble is like, or really what the even is like, but might be worth a visit?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed someone I know's going to give me one of their passes for a day :) Otherwise double figures would seem a bit high, but then it could be worth it, don't know till I've been.
I lost track of the dates, otherwise one of those piles of crap might have been mine ;)
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