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MG MGB Technical - Ignition Key Replacement

I have an 80 Limited Edition. The ignition switch has always been a little difficult to turn with the key provided by the previous owner. It was a duplicate, heavily worn, almost broken in two so had some duplicates made on proper blanks from Moss. However, since key shops that I have used can only "copy" the configuration of the original worn key, I wonder if I'm getting an accurate "cut" that matches the ignition tumblers. The steering column is apart at present for electrical wiring, so I have access to the complete assembly and hope for some suggestions. First, can a locksmith cut a more accurate key (at least better than from a worn key) based on the internal cylinder configuration? Or are there identifying numbers on the switch that will allow a locksmith to provide a perfect original by key code? I've worked on a few MGBs along the way and the condition of the switch assembly's bolts makes me suspect that it's not the original, thus British Heritage information may be useless.
Rick Penland

If you can get the barrel out of the lock then you can file the tumblers level with the barrel with the "new" key inserted.

This will allow the barrel to turn smoothly.
Chris at Octarine Services

Rick,
If you have the key number British Car Keys can cut you a new one...
http://britishcarkeys.com/
Bob Dougherty

Have a look inside the glovebox. There might just be a label in there which contains the key number.
Iain MacKintosh

Its a long shot but look under the bonnet (sorry hood!) and see if there is an Ignition key screwed to the inner wing on the right hand side. Apparently they came out the factory like that and my 1972 GT still had it in place! Graham
Graham Mayes

Bob, thanks for that link. I'll send them an e-mail and see what they can do. The ignition switch assembly has 3 numbers stamped into it and I hope those numbers will result in an exact key.

Graham, that's an intriguing thought and I'll look into it. It doesn't make sense at first since it would mean that anyone familiar with the secret could steal any MGB they wished. However, back in those days, ignition keys were not as secure as they are nowadays. I don't recall the exact number, but US built General Motors cars (chevrolets, etc) only had about 20 or 25 different keys back in the 60s. Thus, it could be that MGs were shipped with a hidden key for transporting with the intent that dealers remove them from the hiding point and furnish as part of the set to the buyer.
Rick Penland

This is a real long shot - but the key numbers were recorded on the Heritage certificate that I obtained for my car, and it apparently still had the same ignition lock. I had duplicate keys made from those numbers and they work great.
B Dubuc

I know this is no help at all but I bought a 1966 MG Magnette IV (the Farina type) this summer. As the car only had one set of keys, I decided to have a copy of the keys made. Even in Berlin, this is no problem. As the newly cut keys had a familiar shape to the keys for my 1964 MGB, I decided to try the MGB keys in the Magnette locks. Amazingly they fit!

How many different keys were used by the factory? OK, the locks on both cars have worn a bit in the past forty years or so but the chances of this happening must be minimal.

Mike

PS: I have a steering lock on my MGB, NOS from the 1960's bought in 1988. I have no record of the key number so I have had two spare keys cut!
Mike

This thread was discussed between 14/11/2010 and 18/11/2010

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