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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Remote locking

I get very annoyed when the sidescreens freeze and I can't get into the car with the hardtop on. OK I can get a kettle of water, but that makes the neighbours laugh at me. Has anyone tried fitting remote locking to a Frogeye? Such as this kit?

https://bit.ly/33Nf92I

Seems cheap enough. Some of them come with an alarm.
Les Rose

I have fitted kits like that to a number of cheap '1st' cars that my clan have had when they just had basic cars. Pretty easy to fit on those cars where the lock is operated by a rod from an inside handle located near the front of the door. The actuators then clamp to that rod. Fitting to a Spridget wouldn't give that option and would need some ingenuity to make it work.

I do happen to have a part complete kit for central locking that you could have to play with if you want it Les. But its central, consisting of the wiring and actuators, but not remote locking so no key fob which is what you really need. Even so you could see if the parts can be fitted to work the locks.

Actually my kit looks almost identical to that one Les, but less the two key fobs. I wonder if I may have them somewhere. I will need to have a search!
GuyW

That sounds interesting Guy. As the Frogeye doors actually don't have locks, just catches, this might take a bit of working out. I'm also wondering if I can rig up a microswitch to turn on the alarm. I suppose the system is really for unlocking not locking.
Les Rose

Les

You could fit some Speedwell external latches that connect with the existing internal catch mechanism:
http://www.sebringsprite.com/speedwellparts.html

Replica sets of these external door handles are available but pricey as well as secondhand ones (best bet if you are lucky you can get two old Frogeye doors that happen to have them on and at not too high a price, e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255357090543?hash=item3b7477faef:g:jCAAAOSw7OBh9CyM). See the Speedwell replica parts at: http://www.ashleygt.co.uk/ & https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292369975123?hash=item44129bc753:g:k9UAAOSwUMxaMbRd
IIRC there is someone in NZ or Australia making replica latches too (keep an eye on a certain auction site)

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Les
I can't see how remote locking would enable you to open the doors in the absence of handles.
Bill Bretherton

Les, the kit you linked to (and mine) simply attach to the lock actuating rod and pull on that. They don't actually act as a lock mechanism. If you remember cars of the '80 usually had locking buttons or little pull up knobs on the top of the doors that you lifted to unlock the door. (This was sometimes with a bit of bent wire or industrial parcel wrapping strap inserted through the door seal rubber)

I had forgotten yours was a Frogeye, with no locks (distinguishing between latches, which of course it has, and locks) You would need to devise some sort of lock mechanism and then I dont think these cheap remote kits would be of any use if you can physically reach in and move the exposed mechanism by hand.
But you are still welcome to my part-kit if you want it?
GuyW

I have thought about this overnight, and yes this kit would not work where there are no door locks. I wonder about simply fitting a single solenoid that operates the door latch, then returns when the door is open. I have a key operated switch on the rear wing just behind the door for the alarm, and maybe I could piggyback the solenoid onto that.

Many years ago I stayed in a hotel and there was a severe frost. Had to go back up to the hotel room for hot water, or I would miss my flight.
Les Rose

Kit still available if you want it to play with, Les?
See photo.




GuyW

Guy, I can't resist the challenge for some fun! TBH I don't really need it to be remote, just to pull the latch down, which I might be able to do via the alarm switch. I should give you something for it, and pay the postage. Email me at lesrose1959 at gmail.com.

Actually I was inspired to try this by watching that recent show about restoring an Alpine A110 (can't remember the channel). They fitted a touch-operated lock secured by a proximity gizmo.
Les Rose

Les

Some Speedwell door catches for sale and you get a pair of doors too!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234450630683?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11021.m43.l3160&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=80a5b5b46dd04246b605cf5609c11a8f&bu=42986122776&ut=RU&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20220304070224&segname=11021&sojTags=ch%3Dch%2Cbu%3Dbu%2Cut%3Dut%2Cosub%3Dosub%2Ccrd%3Dcrd%2Csegname%3Dsegname%2Cchnl%3Dmkcid

You do not even need to work out where to cut the slots in the doors! (dimensions here, including for the lever that links to the lock if they are missing: http://www.sebringsprite.com/speedwellparts.html) For piece of mind could also fit a simple lock to the door separate from the catch mechanism.

Pity no postage otherwise I would be after these.

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2022 and 04/03/2022

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