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Ignition Switch Replacement.... Which is Best??

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NardisCNC

NardisCNC

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Unfortunately, I lost the keys to my Midget. And now after turning my house upside down multiple times in a couple weeks, I have resorted to replacing the whole unit.

Which is the best or which one should I get? My car (1966) has the original Lucas switch. Should I simply use my orig switch and replace the lock cylinder and keys, or should I go ahead and replace the entire mechanism due to its age?

Also, which company sells the highest quality part if there is even any difference between them? For the switch, cylinder and keys, Victoria British comes to $33.90 and Moss adds up to $40.90 Or is there a different place I should also look? Any insight on this? Thanks for any help!!
 
Without a key to remove the barrel you'll HAVE to replace the whole assembly. And PM "The Autoist" Tony Barnhill to get a Moss replacement price.
 
Was there a Start position by '66? If you're cheap (or frugal or just in a hurry) and don't care about originality, any ignition will do, hardware store for $10. That's what my PO did. I had the original so I took it apart cleaned it up and put it back in. But I have a '63 with a separate start switch so it was stupid easy.
 
'66 should be a "three position" Lucas switch: Off, run and start.

As for what "quality"... again, Tony is a Moss reseller, he will quote you a price. He may even have a used original he'd part with. Gotta ask 'im.
 
I bought one for my 67 (same as the 66) and it was Lucas India, It was pure trash.
Looked like tin foil for keys, the cylinder did not fit the hole correctly and it just rotated around when I tried to turn the key, the back nut did not fit the threads either.
I checked Ebay for NOS orange or red Lucas box, not anything in a green Lucas box.
Garbage in a new box!
 
Keep an eye on eBay for an orginal.
 
While on the subject, where can you get the correct key blank? No one locally has a key blank so I can cut a spare. Also don't spose a guy can figure out what key fits trunk and doors either? It would be nice to lock the "boot" now and then without having to replace the assembly's.
 
There is a guy who sells blanks on Ebay, or if you have an old hardware store, many of them who have been around since the 60s or 70s still have those blanks.
The blanks are Union blanks. Most Locksmiths have the blanks too.
As for the boot lock, I have removed the tumbler from the boot lock and filed the tumblers to fit the ignition lock, same on the doors, 1 key fits all.
 
Here ya go for folks that have key blanks, they will also make keys if you have the number which I did. Nice folks, fast service.

https://www.triple-c.com/
 
well when snoopy wouldt start i popped the switch and used a scew driver
but now i have the key to turn on the fuel pump and then a button on the dash for the turn on.

cheery
steve
 
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