Replacement / spare ignition key

[lmillin123]

Evening all. Just after a bit of info.

When I purchased my car it only came with one key. I am looking at getting a spare. Just incase.

I have been into timpsons and they are unsure what blank to use. Any idea of the easiest way to gain a spare key? Thanks. 

[CraigHew]

If you run a search on these forums you will find a couple of threads detailing the woes of finding a correct key blank.

To save you hours of misery, call the Westfield Factory. That's the only source (and boy did I try a few including specialised locksmiths) I could find to get a second key cut.

[lmillin123]

Brilliant. Thank you. 

[tisme]

If it's a standard Allegro column / lock then it's a British Leyland classic Mini / Rover etc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-BL-Austin-Rover-Mini-etc-Blank-Ignition-Key-Lowe-Fletcher-L-F-/322298130461?hash=item4b0a77301d:g:IS8AAOSw2ENW8C3b

[CraigHew]

52 minutes ago, tisme said:

If it's a standard Allegro column / lock then it's a British Leyland classic Mini / Rover etc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-BL-Austin-Rover-Mini-etc-Blank-Ignition-Key-Lowe-Fletcher-L-F-/322298130461?hash=item4b0a77301d:g:IS8AAOSw2ENW8C3b

Yes, I've got that one, plus a good few other blanks.  They don't fit......

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

51 minutes ago, tisme said:

If it's a standard Allegro column / lock then it's a British Leyland classic Mini / Rover etc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-BL-Austin-Rover-Mini-etc-Blank-Ignition-Key-Lowe-Fletcher-L-F-/322298130461?hash=item4b0a77301d:g:IS8AAOSw2ENW8C3b

But the point is, it's not. It looks incredibly similar, and "everyone" looks at the keys, barrel, mechanism etc and assumes the vast numbers of posts saying you can't get them anyware must be wrong, and then spends weeks trying to find something that will fit... 

The problem is they're third or more generation pattern parts, so they just look similar, but that's it. (Trust me, I didn't believe it either and tried for months, I even had the local locksmiths trying all their different suppliers - I showed them the threads on here and told them I'd order loads if they could find them.

Note, this is the case for recently supplied ignition/steering locks, as supplied over the last few years or so, early ones may well not be a problem.

That said, if you're prepared to buy the complete ignition/steering lock assembly with fresh keys, they are readily available through Mini (original) spares places. Not crazy money either. I couldn't guarantee you wouldn't have the same key issue with them though!

[Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO]

We need to find a way of adapting the column to accept a more reliable non-BL type lock and key!

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I know what you mean, trouble is the Mini-Spares type replacement bits are "just" cheap enough to not make it a priority.

[CraigHew]

Aircraft style rocker switch with cover, plus a "start" button....?

Or would the insurers take a dim view?

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Mine would. But it just depends on the individual situation, many are fine, no doubt.

(I have to have an imobiliser, too.)

[tisme]

12 hours ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - WSCC AO Rep said:

Note, this is the case for recently supplied ignition/steering locks, as supplied over the last few years or so, early ones may well not be a problem.

I agree that there are some modern "classic" mini type lock barrels that appear to have different (shorter?) looking keys - there's a few examples of "original" style keys from a couple of sites in the states:

http://www.keys4classics.com/html/Mini_all.html

http://www.triple-c.com/Mini_Keys.cfm

I guess you don't know if they'll fit unless you try it - but if they don't, hacking off the steering lock and replacing it it with a new one that's of even more dubious quality (and key fitment) seems a bit pointless.

I'd rather just remove the whole thing and design your own starter security system (would certainly deter any joy riders better that a 40 year old steering lock) - and if they're really determined they'll use a Hiab anyway

[Kevin (Mr T)]

19 hours ago, CraigHew said:

Aircraft style rocker switch with cover, plus a "start" button....?

Or would the insurers take a dim view?

That's the route I went