New Key: impossible to find correct blank

[blue ass fly]

Mines not at all stiff

In fact i recon if i knocked it , it would fall out

[SootySport]

Craig,  This is where I found mine http://www.castle-locks.org.uk/     Going to be a bit difficult matching yours up over the phone,unless you have the key number.

[Rory's Dad]

If you get stuck, I can see if I can pick a blank up and post it to you.

[CraigHew]

Thanks for the offer of help Martin, and for the info SootySport.

 

The factory are now on the case, I'm lending them my car (although it will feel like chopping my right arm off) to display at the Donnington Kit Car show at the end of the month (30/31 Aug) and they are intending to match my key up then.

 

Unfortunately I'll just have to wait a couple of weeks before I can post an update on the situation.  

 

My key, nor the ignition barrel for that matter, doesn't have a number unless it's hidden out of sight somewhere.

[blue ass fly]

I think theyre stamped on the actual tumbler , which has to be removed from the barrel

[tisme]

The only steering lock from BL that looks like this is the MINI (BL / Rover version, not BMW !)

 

I would think this looks like it:

 

http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/BHM7107.aspx

 

And these people should be able to cut you a key

 

http://www.keysinthepost.com/actinic/austinkeys.html     (mini at bottom of page)

 

[blue ass fly]

Is this the same ?

Ebay 221510569835

[CraigHew]

The only steering lock from BL that looks like this is the MINI (BL / Rover version, not BMW !)

 

I would think this looks like it:

 

http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/BHM7107.aspx

 

And these people should be able to cut you a key

 

http://www.keysinthepost.com/actinic/austinkeys.html     (mini at bottom of page)

 

 

And there-in lies part of this enigma. The key pictured at the bottom of the page (listed for the mini) is a mirror image of my key.  Ie there is (what I would describe) a scalloped edge on the right hand side of my key, with the one pictured having that "scallop" on the left.

 

Apologies to any locksmiths who know the correct terminology.

 

 

SO, i'm back to thinking it's a montego key.....?

[tisme]

if you look at images for the montego steering lock, they're totally different (the montego one has the barrel pretty close to the column clamp which most BL / Rover vehicles are like) - the Mini one is the only one I can see that has the barrel attached to the clamp via a "stalk".

 

I'd give Keysinthepost.com a call or send them a picture of your key - what you need is an answer as to what your column / lock / key is from for future reference rather than just a replacement key (at what cost?) from Westfield  

[SootySport]

Don't loose your one and only key then,  bit of string on the key and wear it round your neck just like mum did for you.

[Lyonspride]

I think i'd just take the whole thing off, I fear it's pretty much useless as any sort of security anyway!! IMO there's nothing worse than a false sense of security.

Just look at the way they pedalled double glazed doors as being super secure (years ago), when in fact a euro cylinder lock can be removed with nothing more than a wood screw and a claw hammer.

 

I'd be able to bypass the ignition key on my car with nothing more than a length of wire and some croc-clips. Without all the bodywork to hide the wiring behind, these cars would be a thieves wet dream (if they weren't so "specialist").

 

I'd fit a lucas style ignition switch on the dash, an FIA master switch and 2 hidden switches for the fuel pump and ignition coil feed.

[CraigHew]

Thanks Lyonspride, I did have a hidden coil feed switch on my 1600E Cortina back in the day.  I think it saved my car being nicked on at least 2 occasions.  I'm guessing that using a switch on both the coil feed and fuel pump would have no negative effects on the ECU brains of the system (clearly my Cortina was totally uncomplicated by anything electronic).

 

I'll read up on the lucas style and FIA master switch on the dash, I like that approach especially if it removes the need for a key.  I have no security worries about going keyless (if that was the case) as I tend not to leave my car unattended when I'm out and about.

 

Food for thought...!

[CraigHew]

Fair do's to the Factory.  My car came back from the Donington show with an additional key cut as requested. The new key seemed much easier to use than the old one, and comparing them side by side, it would appear that the original is slightly bent.  I'm happy to give it a whack with the hammer now that its not my main key.....!

 

Longer term I'm thinking about some kind of keyless entry system which will activate the ignition within a few feet alongside a start/stop button. 

 

Anyway, I'm happy i'm not dependant upon the one key....!

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I'm on the hunt now, too, my main key disintegrated a couple of weeks ago, the "spare" hasn't broken yet, but it's on the way.

 

The local key specialist had the same thing with the 98% correct blank, that's just not quite the right width. He sent a photo off to one of his suppliers, who matched it back to the blank he'd already discounted. So he's going to give the key to one of the reps from his other big supplier next week to see if they can match it physically.

 

I wait with baited breath...

 

FWIW, regardless of how secure or not they are, as i understand it, loosing the steering lock is not an option for me.

[CraigHew]

Westfield must have blanks, or know a supplier who has them as they cut me a new key???

If you do find a source Dave, I'd be interested in a blank or two....