Morris Minor Owners Club

I dont have a key for my boot handle , there is no number on the square shaft . How difficult is it to change the lock barrel ?
Regards Phil

The ignition key ought to open it, if it's the original. If it's not the original, then you could replace the whole assembly with a more secure lock from one of the Minor Parts places. You'll have another key for it, but if your ign key doesn't work with the boot anyway...

Alternatively, it is possible to change the original-type barrel for a similar one, but it's a fiddly job, not made any easier by small rusty parts, I understand. I don't think you can change the later type 'high security' barrel for the original type.

The barrel with 2 keys costs £5-95, the complete handle with barrel
and 2 keys costs£15-95. The very early boot handles with external
screw fitting are slightly more expensive.

thanks willie
but how difficult is it to fit the new barrel ????

Phil

No idea how to remove the barrel (pin hole spring?) but it only takes 5 minutes to change the whole lock and handle.

but it only takes 5 minutes to change the whole lock and handle.

I'd say 30 minutes if the screws are stuck and if you struggle to get anything on the 2 nuts (or 3?) behind the latch mechanism that hold it to the outer skin)

It is two screws RAY and they are 2BA. trouble is you need a fairly
deep socket spanner to reach the nuts because the studs are quite
long. It is worth shortening the studs to make assembly easier in
the future.

Presuming you mean 2 studs, not 'two screws' (I'm a bit tired and am mildly confused).
Yes, you've reminded me that the length of the studs does make it a bit more 'interesting' to get at them - my everyday socket set was as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot (1/2" drive therefore to podgy) but I used a socket from one of those cheap ratchet screwdriver sets and a teeny extension bar made up using things scavenged from the garage.

Yes, two studs, only the early models had screws. You're not
the only one who is tired and confused.!

If you remove your handle and take it to a 'good' locksmith they'll make you one from the lock.

James

Hello,
Just to let you know I've changed a barrel. My original boot handle had some pitted chrome and I got a better second hand one to replace it. I went through the stud/screws variations too before I got the right one. I obviously wanted to fit my old barrel into the new housing. Anyway, its pretty straight forward and the main thing is that the square shaft of the handle has the corners locally peened to retain a pressed steel cover. If you hold the shaft in a vice, you can push the steel cover away from the peening (its spring loaded a bit) enough to file away the peening and make the shaft square again. Then it all comes apart reasonably easily and you can get the old barrel out. As the best manuals say - assembly is the reverse etc etc so put it all back together, hold the shaft in the vice with the jaws holding the pressed cover in the original position and bray the edges of the shaft with a chisel to make a burr to hold the cover. Do it on all 4 edges of the shaft as before and hey presto, job done. good luck.
Cheers, Colin.