ignition keys

8

8866nk

New Member
i have a p6 with no keys
grrr
i bought it and the owner said he would dig them out and that was that!
is there any way of buying a key ?
is there a record of key numbers anywhere that i can use?
i may be making this up or dreaming it so can anyone shed some light please.
or is it a new ignition barrel,? its a series 2 so thats bad news isn't it?
cheers
jules
 
8866nk said:
its a series 2 so thats bad news isn't it?
Click to expand...
Errr, yeh, sort of.....

....a lot more messing than a S1 that's for sure!

To be honest, if it's a well used car, the barrel will probably be so worn that you can turn it with anything. Squirt a load of WD40 in there and give it a twist with a flat bladed screwdriver!

This batch of spares has some keys in it. If you're a PC subscriber, there was an article a few months ago about modifying locks to fit a different key, but you would obviously have to get the barrel out of the car first. The bolt heads are accessible from the glove box, as I'm sure you've seen before.

I'll have a go at scanning the article for you, if you want it (PM me). But it may be easier to get a replacement one from somewhere like Wins.

Michael
 
I've done key to barrel fitting before, very easy assuming you've got the barrel out, just insert the key you have and file the brass pins until they are smooth to the barrel.
 
cheers guys
i think i have that pc article somewhere.
i have a spare barrel with keys so i'll try fitting that
door keys could be fun mind
i of course should be ok at this as its sort of what i do for a living except its door locks! :oops: :oops:
 
The door, boot and petrol cap keys are easy - simply change the barrels! New barrels and keys to match are available. Give Ian Wilson a ring at Rover Classics, he knows how to get hold of them. He'll also know the score on the series 2 ignition lock. I strongly suspect this could be a bit of a disaster. My recollection is that you have to change the complete lock, which involves busting it off the column where it is rivetted on. I hope I'm wrong!

Later P6's do have the key numbers recorded in the factory build records, but it can be a bit hit and miss. Even if you knew the ignition key number, I'm not aware of anywhere you could get the key - Ian has blanks only.

Chris
 
The column ignition is very easy to change. Not sure we should post details on how remove the steering lock on a public forum though.

THIS PART OF THE MESSAGE WILL SELF DESTRUCT !!
It is only really held in with the shear head bolts so look like domed heads and you can't get piers into them. There is sometimes a little recessed dot, if you get a dart/screwdriver or even a small chisel you and rotate the bolts off. If you open the glove box you will see a guard which needs to come off but very straight forward. You get the complete unit off. try not to break the electrical switch, is it held in with a couple of small allen head screws?
THIS PART OF THE MESSAGE WILL SELF DESTRUCT !!


It would be possible to change the barrell but unless you want match key numbers not worth the effort.

Door locks are fiddly to get at but only held in with 2 pins. They have a number stamped on them so you could get replacement keys. Same goes for the boot lock. Keys by number are available from timpsons and ebay selllers.

I got a heritage certificate which listed the key numbers as my car left the fatory in 1977. you could get oe of these, maybe you could make an enquiry with them without going for the full certificate.

If you need to get in tot he petrol filler and it is locked. you can slacken the lock plate off but it is fiddly.




Colin
 
The whole steering lock unit with the extension to the ignition key is held to the upper steering column by 2 sheer bolts - i.e. they're tightened until they snap off.
The good news is that I have two in my spares cupboard and they both have paper stickers with the key number stuck to them. Chances are the OP's does too!
P6_lock.jpg

Photo shows a spare lock and steering column in my car to see the position. Sticker is to the right of the key. Dunno how you'd see it when fitted to the car... oh, and be careful, the sticker on the other spare lock disintegrated when I tried to wipe the dust off it.

If all else fails, I'll flog this one for £20 + postage. :D

The sheer bolts can be undone - my other spare doesn't have the column attached and the bolts are loose. I can't remember how I got them undone, but marks around their heads suggest I used a hammer and drift.
 
Hi, I hate to say this but don't be tempted to do away with the steering lock. Not
just for security or insurance reasons, but I understand this is going to be part of
the MOT test from next year.

Colin
 
Hi, I hate to say this but don't be tempted to do away with the steering lock. Not
just for security or insurance reasons, but I understand this is going to be part of
the MOT test from next year.
Click to expand...

I assume series ones without the steering lock should be exempt?

Rich.
 
Hi, yes. It is just that if cars have them fitted they have to be working correctly.
In other words not with the guts ripped out and the electrical switch dangling
on the cables.

Colin
 
And will your average MOT tester know whether or not a car has a steering lock fitted?

What's the rationale behind including the steering lock in the test then? Can't be a safety item :?

Dave
 
Dave3066 said:
And will your average MOT tester know whether or not a car has a steering lock fitted?

What's the rationale behind including the steering lock in the test then? Can't be a safety item :?

Dave
Click to expand...

Purely a guess Dave, that the MOT test will be looking to see if the steering lock mechanism is defective in any way. I assume the concern is that if the lock comes on while you are driving, this would be rather unsafe :?:
 
Hi, my MOT man said it as a supplementary. To having to check the wiring in general
on the vehicle i.e. spot lights and other accessories wired with the wires trailing around
the vehicle unsecured and steering lock with electric switch dangling. But there is, as said
a concern with butchered steering locks still in place on the column.

Colin
 
Maybe it's an indication that the car is stolen ?

I remember a comment from a "professional" car thief, that standard steering locks are pointless, takes about 2 seconds to snap them.
 
webmaster said:
I remember a comment from a "professional" car thief, that standard steering locks are pointless, takes about 2 seconds to snap them.
Click to expand...

I agree. I think Saabs had the best solution in 99s and 900s with the ignition lock between
the seats and only being able to remove the key with the gear lever in reverse.

Colin
 
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