• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Spitfire Spitfire key/locks?

Share this page

frankenstang57

frankenstang57

Jedi Warrior
Offline
Question for you guys about locks on a Spitfire. Is it one key fits the ignition and doors or was it multiple? I'm to the point on my JPS to install the steering column. I never got a key with my donor car. I swapped out the column with a one from a '74 to test drive it before I disassembled it. I had to jumper a bunch of wires since they changed the wiring harnesses between '73-4. Anyone ever remove a ignition lock without a key? I haven't really looked at it yet, just looking for some inputs!
 
On the later Spits it is one key for both door and ignition. I think the same for '74. A separate smaller key for bootlid lock.

You can get the ignition lock out without a key. Triumph protected the ignition lock by using 'break-away' hex-bolts (shear-bolts) that hold the lock in place under the steering column. To get them out you need to either drill a hole in them and use an easy-out, or get a chisel or something to drive and loosen them or make a slot for a screwdriver.

Once these bolts are out the ignition switch and lock drop out together.

I think earlier models (with the key and lock down to the right in a separate shroud) you may have to drop the steering column to get at the shear-bolts, because I think they come through from the top. On later models where the key goes in higher on the rh side, I think you should be able to get at the lock bolts from underneath.
 
Back
Top