TR2/3/3A Original Style Coach Key?

[CJD]

I am once again at a loss interpreting the Judging guide. It says "The grip section should be straight, not dogbone-like." I thought I knew what that meant, but now I don't think I do.

Has anyone got a pic of what an original key looks like?

 

[TR3driver]

Not very clear, but there is an image in Practical Hints.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Also - I have seen them both cast (or maybe forged) as one piece and others that had the cross piece welded on. I'm thinking the originals were welded but I could be wrong.

 

[mallard]

Mine looks like the one in Randall's picture, and it's welded on the top.

 

[mrv8q]

Here's a pic of three keys.

The lower left is a spare I got from TRF.
The top is a spare someone gave me.
The lower right is one that came with my 3, and dates to at least 1984.

So the "correct" one is the TRF key? Hmmph...

 

[CJD]

Great...thanks to all of you for the pics and info!
Kevin, your reaction was just like mine after I read the guide...but I guess the TRF style in your pic is correct.

 

[TRopic6]

FWIW, the key that came with my '59 3 in 1980 was 'dogbone' like Kevin's, even with the stamped number in the handle. Maybe they added a different style along the way.

Jeff
TS44864LO

 

[TomMull]

FWIW, the key that came with my '59 3 in 1980 was 'dogbone' like Kevin's, even with the stamped number in the handle. Maybe they added a different style along the way.

Jeff
TS44864LO

Yes, that's what I remember but my memory is not all that reliable. Perhaps the straight type was only supplied with early cars?

Tom

 

[TFB]

No help with whats original but maybe of interest that a friend made several out of cheap flea market old wood bit shanks.
Tom

 

[PeterK]

I keep a "church" key from a VW bus in the door as well as my original in the tool kit. I also have the VW key holder that mounts in the kick panel. Here's an eBay photo. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RiwAAOSwiLdWBfWd/s-l500.jpg And yes, perfect fit for the 3A.

 

[Geo Hahn]

FWIW, the key that came with my '59 3 in 1980 was 'dogbone' like Kevin's, even with the stamped number in the handle...

By 1980 the repros available were the dog bone style. The one I bought back then is stamped with the number '5'.

 

[sp53]

Hi John the original is 6 inch long and 3/8 di and says nothing on the casting. The bottom piece looks like it is cast because of the bottom being bigger and a seam running down the round side, but not on squared off tapper end. Note the little notch at the last; they are heavy also perhaps harder steel
steve

 

[TRHARDTOP]

My first post....Factory chromed "T" key, used on the TR's at the New York International Automobile Show,
at the New York Coliseum 1958 or 1959.
Cheers,
Colin
1961 TR3A TS/81208-L-O

 

[TR3driver]

By 1980 the repros available were the dog bone style. The one I bought back then is stamped with the number '5'.

Also available earlier than that; I bought one in the early 70s. From JCW IIRC.

 

[Don Elliott]

Here is a photo of the original coach key that came new with my 1958 TR3A (TS 27489 LO) at the bottom. The square end is square and parallel to the handle. Notice the upper key. The square end is cast as a diamond. This key is one of several that I purchased since 1990. The angled square end is probably to facilitate the casting process steps by providing a draft angle to the mold.

 

[Geo Hahn]

So Don - It appears that the TRA Judging Guidelines would cite your original coach key as incorrect:

E. Coach Key - All models use the same basic coach keys. There are slight variations in length. The grip section
should be straight, not dogbone-like. Finish is natural metal.

I'm not doubting you - just pointing out the difficulty in knowing what is correct.

 

[CJD]

Thanks again for all the responses! I'm glad to see I had reason to be a bit confused. Don, once again, shows us the Judging guide is off. But, until it gets changed I'll start looking for a key like in Colin's, Steve's, Kevin's and Randall's pics. It is interesting that the originals have the flats parallel to the handle, while most of the repros are at 45 degrees.

 

[pdplot]

When I bought my TR3 back in 1956, it had the key as shown in Colin's post. We called it a "T Key".

 

[TomMull]

Thanks again for all the responses! I'm glad to see I had reason to be a bit confused. Don, once again, shows us the Judging guide is off. But, until it gets changed I'll start looking for a key like in Colin's, Steve's, Kevin's and Randall's pics. It is interesting that the originals have the flats parallel to the handle, while most of the repros are at 45 degrees.

John,
In your case, 55 TR2, the straight grip would be appropriate as well as judge pleasing. No so much for later TR3s, and the Standards need revision to that affect. I also think that the straight grip keys might be a bit scarce. I'd start looking for an old wood bit shank as TFB suggested above. And weld the handle on with oxy-acetylene too.
Hope to see you on the Concourse.
Tom

 

[sp53]

John what does the TRF sell? Moss sells the dog leg deal, but TRF is good about originality-- if not. I will look this summer at the local show..
Steve