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Getting it opened!

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R6MGS

R6MGS

Yoda
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I am looking at another TR6(I think this one is a 74)...Yellow, hardtop, nice interior.....WAS a really good car that was parked in a gravel/mud lot behind a storage facility for the last 7 years, it's sunken into the mud up to the rocker panels which are now almost non-existant. I'd say it's safe to assume the frame is in similar condition. BUT, like I've said before, I just can't turn down a cheap LBC.....Now here comes my question; the owner lost the keys and with the doors looked I wouldn't even be able to get in there to get it on the tow truck, and even once I get it home I still gotta find a way of opening it and getting some keys cut....Any idea on how to open it without causing any damage? Also how much would it cost to get new locks(including ignition) put in, or get keys cut for the original ones.
 
You are kidding, huh? It's a convertible.

Now, seriously, unless you have a hardtop, unsnap the convertible top behine the door. Then, reach in with something long and grab the door handle. Pulling it back sharply unlocks the door. Ya'll didn't know that? Easier yet, if the rear window is a zip type, unzip it. It can be done from the outside. Also, Triumph windows are notorious for allowing someone to press down from the outside in a jiggling motion and they will roll down. I never lock mine. If they want in, they are gonna screw up something to do it.
 
I am not sure.....I'd assume it's locked. But if it isn't what advantage does that have?
 
Bill, it's got a factory hardtop installed on it /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif
 
Pry the door window out ever so slightly and use a long wire to grab the door handle.
 
If the rockers are non existant the floorboards may also be just skeletal remains. how about trying to lift it up and reach up through the bottom to get at the inner handle.
It's a long shot, but if the floorpans are that bad, who cares if ya peel em back a bit.
Another idea would be to cut the windshield seal (likley needs to be replaced anyway, and they're failry cheap through Moss) and gently lift out the glass.
If you pull out the beading, then come in flat from the side (knife laying agenst the glass or window frame) you can cut those lips right off, and the glass comes out fairly easily.
 
If the other ideas fail, I was thinking you could open the trunk, remove the gas tank (since it is probably rotten or at least stale) and wiggle through from the back....

Please take video if you decide to go that route - LOL.
 
I don't know if it will work on a TR, I would try a slim jim. You can make one easily out of some discarded steel banding. Get a piece about a foot long cut a notch on the side on one end and slip it down between the window and the door seal, notch facing the lock. Work it around till you feel the mechanism and pull up. Might take a bit. Opened my sons Mazda a few months ago. He didn't think his father should know how to do that.
 
lol...the floor pans are probably gone...so that might work? Could a locksmith open the locks? and provide a key for them? I've never had to use a locksmith before...
 
R6MGS said:
was parked in a gravel/mud lot behind a storage facility for the last 7 years, it's sunken into the mud up to the rocker panels which are now almost non-existant. I'd say it's safe to assume the frame is in similar condition.
Click to expand...


Let's see: rockers, floors, frame gone. Why in the world would you want this car, save maybe the hardtop and engine (maybe)? That is not like the others that you have scored.
 
A buddy used a locksmith this past Monday
to open his truck door and re-key it.

$450.

He got home and his wife reminded him she had
a spare key and why had he not called her?

Poor SOB.

d
 
Up until the 80's or 90's American cars were very easy to open with a coat hanger or slim jim between the outer seal and window glass, I assume our LBC's would be at least as easy. Just hook the locking lever from the tumbler and unlock it.
 
If you can get in the car, there are complete lock sets available. They include door, trunk, glove box, & ignition locks & keys. I think Victoria British has them.

Pete
 
https://britishcarkeys.com/

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]The door locks, glove box lock, trunk lock will have numbers stamped on the body of the lock (No letters). For example, on my TR 4 the number stamped on the handle. You will have to remove the handle to view the three digits stamped on the housing. On the trunk handle stem, look for three digit code numbers. For the glove box lock, the number is stamped on the housing side. For cars after 1967, no key code number is stamped on the glove box housing. I do have a ring of pre-cut keys, can send the owner to determine the correct key code numbers.

The key code number may be listed on your car build record. You can order from British Heritage web page listed on my site. I would requests the key code number with you inquiry.[/QUOTE]

I have never dealt with them, but have read good reports.
 
I have dealt with Pete... got a nice set of keys, not just a copied set of keys that work but original keys like those that would have come with the car.
 
Of course a "Locksmith" can make a key and unlock the doors.---Fwiw--Keoke
 
TR6BILL said:
R6MGS said:
was parked in a gravel/mud lot behind a storage facility for the last 7 years, it's sunken into the mud up to the rocker panels which are now almost non-existant. I'd say it's safe to assume the frame is in similar condition.
Click to expand...


Let's see: rockers, floors, frame gone. Why in the world would you want this car, save maybe the hardtop and engine (maybe)? That is not like the others that you have scored.
Click to expand...

It's been for sale for awhile now....so I can probably get it for next to nothing, I want the hardtop(badly!), plus the interior is nearly perfect and the engine is probably good too....It's really sad to look at it, because before it was parked it looks like it was a VERY nice car. The current owner seems pretty well off(just bought his son a new Corvette Z06 as a graduation gift) so he doesn't really care about an old TR6, I think it needs a good home.
 
Is this car very near to you? As I am only about one hour away and would be willing to open the doors. I have rekeyed a few locks in my time for warranty and do know how. Give me an e-mail (see my profile for address) and I'll return my phone number. Dave
 
R6MGS
I have original lock barrels on my '74. The drivers door will unlock with a similar size and shaped key to the original due to wear over the years. This might be worth a try. Or if the rubber seal around the lock barrel is decayed, you should be able to turn the whole barrel with a scew driver to a point where it will move the locking bar enough to unclock to drivers door.
Regards
Craig
 
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