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TR2/3/3A Ignition switchesl

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BobbyO

Jedi Hopeful
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I'm installing the instrument panel for my restoration. I have three different ignition switches but no keys. Reading old posts you need a key to remove the lock barrel from the ignition switch if you want to change it out. Is there any way to either obtain a key given the lock barrel code (FA or FP + a number in my case) or to remove the lock barrel without having a key. If I had a key I wouldn't need to mess with the ignition switch. Moss has blank keys. Is it time for a locksmith?
 
There are a couple of sources around that can cut keys from the code. One is (or was, my contact info may be out of date)
Pete Groh
British Triumph and Metropolitan
9957 Frederick Rd.
Ellicott City, Md. 21042-3647
U.S.A.
Tel. (410) 750-2352 Evenings
Email: british_car_keys@yahoo.com

Another is George Richardson https://www.key-men.com/

What I did was to just learn to pick the lock. They are very simple locks, almost trivially easy to pick. I figured it out on my own a long time ago, but there are all sorts of videos on YouTube and so on that show the basic technique. Once you've got the barrel out, it's not too hard to machine a key to fit it. Just slide the key in, note where the tumblers ride on the key and which tumblers stick up too far. Shave a little bit off the key (I used a Dremel and a barrel-shaped burr but a small 3 corner file would work as well) where each tumbler sticks up too far and try again. It's repetitious, but doesn't take very long for each repetition, so you should have a working key in 15 or 20 minutes. Smooth out the ramps between each tumbler position (so it goes in and out easily) and you're done.
 
TR3driver said:
There are a couple of sources around that can cut keys from the code. One is (or was, my contact info may be out of date)
Pete Groh...
Click to expand...

The email I have used most recently to work with Pete is pete_groh-at-yahoo-dot-com

I've used both Pete and George and between them one or the other has always had what I needed.
 
2liter4cyl said:
If you have the 2 letters and the code numbers, any locksmith will make a key for $2+/-. Le T.
Click to expand...
In my town of 100,000 people I could not find ANY locksmith with blank keys for a TR. They can cut the blanks if you have them, but no blanks could be found. I got mine from TRF and have used Pete Groh in the past. He does good work. You just need the letters and numbers, which are usually on the switch.
Charley
 
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