Ignition key

[Jeepster]

I need to replace the ignition key/switch on my BJ8.

I have seen several different new units for sale but they all have different keys.

What does an original key look like? Does it have a circular end or a square one?

thanks

 

[Johnny]

earlier models have a rectangular shape, BJ8's have a circular shape.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I have the original keyset for my 66/67 BJ8. The ignition key has a rectangular end, and the glovebox/boot key has an oval-shaped end.

IIRC the ignition key works in the door locks, and the glovebox/boot key works in the ignition.

 

[RAC68]

My original Healey ignition key is rectangular, small, and also fits the glove box and boot (all original tumblers).

Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Randy Forbes]

I have a bunch of old-worn keys in a jar, and it's a rare car that I can't make one (>1) of them work in.

They really came in handy when someone would drop off a car to be worked on at Austin Healey West, leave it in front of the door during the weekend or afterhours, and NOT leave the key in the mailslot.

Ahhh, good times... :wink:

 

[Jeepster]

My, that is interesting.

It seems that opinion is divided. I imagine the factory used different shaped keys during the manufacture?

My existing key is very small with a rectangular end (it is just about to snap off, so hence the need to replace). I thought the chances of it being the original key were very slim but after reading your replies, maybe it is the original one?

 

[Bob_Spidell]

My original keys say 'Wilmot' and 'Breeden' on one side, and 'Union' and 'Made in England' on the other, with an 'FSXXX' stamping ('XXX' is three digits). At least, I assume they're original, with markings like that.

 

[wheelguy]

Pete Groh use to make any british key you need. I think you can reach him at www.britishcarkeys.com He made me a spare set that was cut on the original key blanks. All I had to do was tell him the number stamped on the face of the tumbler and he mailed me a perfect and correct set. They worked perfect and were just like the original ones. Wheelguy

 

[bob hughes]

Jeepster

You can get keys cut in the UK of the correct pattern, unfortunately I am not sure where, as I had keys cut through the CIA, ( that is - Christies Intruder Alarms, for our American Cousins) and they had to send away for them. Look them up on the web and give them a call, or try any good security firm near you they may be able to help.



Bob

 

[IanIrving]

I too used Pete Groh for keys, he supplied just from the number which I got from the Heritage certificate. Two keys only now for the car, boot plus glovebox one key, ignition and doors the other. The locks and ignition switch were original to the car. He can also supply locks to the numbers as well except i think for the glovebox lock. Highly recomend his service and a nice guy to deal with.

ian

 

[57_BN4]

I got an original old stock key to match my locks by googling Wilmot Breeden FP654 https://planefacts.co.uk/keys/

Andy.

 

[bob hughes]

I got an original old stock key to match my locks by googling Wilmot Breeden FP654 https://planefacts.co.uk/keys/

Now that you have mentioned it I just googled FS and FP keys for the UK and got a whole load of possibilities - plenty out there.

Just got a surprise, whilst I was looking for that key that CIA obtained for me I looked at the keys I found under the dash, one was an FP and the other an FS and both work the ignition? and there is a slight difference between the two.



Bob

 

[Randy Forbes]

... Just got a surprise, whilst I was looking for that key that CIA obtained for me I looked at the keys I found under the dash, one was an FP and the other an FS and both work the ignition? and there is a slight difference between the two.



Bob

See what I mean? We used to joke that there were really only ten (10) different locksets, so it didn't take long to find another car that your own key would work in; either unlocking the trunk/doors or turning the ignition on switch.