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Which key blank do I need to order?

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 11:39 am
by don58van
All

I have just bought a new steering column for my Austin Minor Van. (I was really after the pristine steering wheel that came with it). It is the type with the integral steering lock/ignition switch. It came with one key, which is obviously a copy--not an original. So it doesn't carry a key number.

My question: The Morris parts suppliers carry a range of blanks. Which blank type do I need so that I can get spares cut? FA, FP, FS or something other than these?

Cheers
Don

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:13 pm
by ASL642
If you've got a key that fits the ignition you can just take it to a key cutting shop and get another one made.

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:28 pm
by 8009STEVE
A lot of shoe menders do keys

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:51 pm
by don58van
Thanks for the replies.

I was assuming the blank would be one that is not readily available from locksmiths, etc. I guess I assumed incorrectly ???? :roll:

I'll try some of the local shops that cut keys tomorrow.

Cheers
Don

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 5:30 pm
by mike.perry
If you go to a proper locksmith with the lock and key, provided they have the blank (Australia might be a problem), they can cut a key to the original spec. The trouble with going to a key cutter is that you get a copy of a copy and eventually you end up with bad copies.
I spent several interesting visits to my local locksmith sorting out some house and car locks and keys

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:01 pm
by bmcecosse
It's certainly not FS, FP or FA!

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:43 am
by frosty
don58van wrote:Thanks for the replies.

I was assuming the blank would be one that is not readily available from locksmiths, etc. I guess I assumed incorrectly ???? :roll:

I'll try some of the local shops that cut keys tomorrow.

Cheers
Don

Scott or Rusty will be able to point you in the right direction Don !!!! 8)

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:05 am
by d_harris
I Know exactly what type of key you mean as its the same as the traveller.

Unfortunatly I'm pretty sure the key blanks aren't available. Although saying that its worth having a chat with ESM, Birmigham minor centre etc etc as they might be able to point you in the right direction

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:54 am
by don58van
Thanks everyone

I went to the biggest locksmith in my city (Wagga Wagga, in NSW) today and after much searching on a wall full of different key blanks, they found one dust covered blank of the type I needed. :D

$7 later I was on my way home with my freshly cut key. The icing on the cake is that it worked in the lock!!!!

Cheers
Don

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:56 am
by bmcecosse
Great success!

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:45 pm
by ASL642
It's truly amazing what you can find on dust covered shelves! :wink:

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 6:11 pm
by 8009STEVE
Well done.
The icing on the cake is that it worked in the lock
Does that mean that you don't have to Wagga Wagga the key in the lock now? :D :roll: :wink:

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:12 am
by moggie-tom

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 12:53 pm
by ASL642
That's really useful to know

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 1:31 pm
by don58van
Does that mean that you don't have to Wagga Wagga the key in the lock now?
I presume you are punning on 'WAGle' back and forth to encourage the key to operate the lock. :)

The city I live in, Wagga Wagga, is pronounced 'wogga wogga' (where the O is pronounced as in dog). The name was given to the locality by the aboriginal people. 'Wagga' means 'crow'. 'Wagga Wagga' means 'many crows'. So this is a place of many crows. It is the largest inland city in New South Wales, with a population of over 60,000. It serves as a major regional hub. It is precisely half way between Australia' biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne.

I am enjoying living here after moving from Sydney a couple of years ago, but there is a serious paucity of Morris Minors here. :cry:

I count myself lucky to have found the correct key blank here -- I was expecting to order one from the UK. The locksmith is trying to get another blank for me so that I can have two spares.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Cheers
Don

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:31 am
by frosty
.... Thank you for the travelogue ... 2 crows :lol: