New key set

My friend and I are acquiring a series 2a off a mate as a project. The vehicle has been in storage for a long time and subsequently the keys have gotten lost. What is the best way of getting new keys? Is there a replacement lock set, including ignition that can be bought, or will it have to be individuals? How easy is it to replace just the ignition lock barrel? Or would it be cheaper to get an auto locksmith to cut new keys from the old barrels?

Thanks in advance

Craddick or Paddocks can provide a new set...

3 barrels and keys £11 plus vat from Craddick...

I'm assuming it does not have a steering lock? The ignition and doors may be different so you will need 3 door locks plus an ignition barrel. Not costly but a right pain if you don't have the keys. Easiest way with the ign is to buy a used swich and keys complete as its much easier to change the unit than get the lock barrel out without the keys. Best plan is to really really really look for the keys!

Door locks are easy. The ignition is a right faff. Much easier to get a lock smith to sort but I’d hate to think how much.

The barrel slides out when it is turned slightly, opening a hole in the side just big enough to push a small screwdriver in.
You need the key to turn the barrel unfortunately.

if you have a selection of old keys you may be able to wriggle one in the ignition switch enough to move it to the first position then depress the pin and pull the barrel out. most old barrels are pretty worn

The ignition and the door will not be the seam key. as mentioned above door locks are cheap and easy to replace the set. You may be able to order a new ignition key if you can find the serial number on the barrel, if not I would get a complete switch unit either new or second hand and fit that. You may find a new full replacement is about the same price as getting a locksmith out!

If you have time take the ign lock out complete and go to an autojumble, there will be trays of keys and one will fit as there are not many options. The 1950's Jaguar series only had 99 keys, the best bit was the key number was on the front face of the switch and so thieves would read it with binocolars through the rear window then buy a replacement key from the local spares shop as it was the same as the door lock.

My 68 Rover P6 has the number on the barrels for the FS keys did the early series have the same if so can be ordered on line...

The old MK5 Cortina we had you could open with pretty much any Ford key.

I used to get a lift with a coleague who drove a blue Hillman Imp. One eveing we got in his car and he started it up them said, "somethiing's not right". We looked at each other and at the same time saw his car parked 2 spaces down!
We got out very quietly and locked the door.

rob1miles said:

I used to get a lift with a coleague who drove a blue Hillman Imp. One eveing we got in his car and he started it up them said, "somethiing's not right". We looked at each other and at the same time saw his car parked 2 spaces down!
We got out very quietly and locked the door.

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Aah how I would love to have my old hill climb prepared Imp here in the hills of the Algarve it would be fab...

dag019 said:

The ignition and the door will not be the seam key. as mentioned above door locks are cheap and easy to replace the set. You may be able to order a new ignition key if you can find the serial number on the barrel, if not I would get a complete switch unit either new or second hand and fit that. You may find a new full replacement is about the same price as getting a locksmith out!

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Thanks. Where would be the best place to get hold of a full replacement? Also what would be the best way of removing the old barrel?

Series 2a with the ignition in the centre panel? How original do you need it to be?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Univ...535580?hash=item33899463dc:g:wSYAAOSwENxXmJdB

At the end of the day just buy a new ignition complete switch that comes with key and 3 new barrels with keys and fit...it's an old Landy using 2 different keys to get in and start will be the least of your problems to be honest...

Just drill out the nut that holds the unit onto the steering column. It’s a remarkably soft nut. You can’t unscrew it as it has a snap off head.
Spoze you could try an easy out or whatever they call them.

Bobsticle said:

Just drill out the nut that holds the unit onto the steering column. It’s a remarkably soft nut. You can’t unscrew it as it has a snap off head.
Spoze you could try an easy out or whatever they call them.

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And then you refit it just use normal bolts so next time it you need to it can be removed and refitted easily. For the amount of added security the shear bolts provide (virtually none!) they are not worth the additional effort and cost of maintenance.

Dan78 said:

Thanks. Where would be the best place to get hold of a full replacement? Also what would be the best way of removing the old barrel?

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I use paddocks for most of my parts, but ebay is also good as long as you know what you need. A quick google for series lock barrels will give you a whole host of suppliers you then just have to choose who you are happiest with.

Having said that, and only coz I’m tight, I would try a 10 mm drill down the key barrel first. If your going to throw it anyway you might as well try smashing the bejesus out of it in the hope it turns enough to get that screwdriver in the release hole.

Might just save you a few quid.

Bobsticle said:

Just drill out the nut that holds the unit onto the steering column. It’s a remarkably soft nut. You can’t unscrew it as it has a snap off head.
Spoze you could try an easy out or whatever they call them.

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Did they ever put the ignition on the steering column on a 2a?