Morris Minor Owners Club

Could anyone comment on whether it’s worth fitting high-security door lock inserts to Minor?

While replacing worn original locks operated by a conventional key seems a good idea, it struck me that it wouldn’t take much for a thief to prise open the quarter lights and open the door using the interior handle.

Would you agree?

That's one of the reasons manufacturer's stopped with the opening 1/4 lights in the 60s.
I remember my Mk1 Ford Escort were fixed glass in the 1/4 light.

I wouldn't bother with the locks myself. Can you even get ones that are not 'additional locks'?

I don't suppose high-security and 50's / 60's vehicles usually go together in the same sentence That's why when you look through old motoring magazines, you find there were so many aftermarket locks and security gadgets available.
To be fair I think most cars built before the 90's were fairly poor on the security front. After this manufacturers started fitting more models with 'deadlocks', so even if someone broke the window they still couldn't unlock the door from the inside. You could fit separate key operated bolts to the Minor doors, but it would probably take lot of effort and spoil the originality.

Geoberni is quite right regarding the 1/4 lights, manufacturers and owners started to see them as a security liability.

Yes, there are high-security lock cylinders that are a direct swap for the originals

Haven't done it myself, but thought that Sleeper's suggestion of an electronic lock on the door locking bar sounded a good way of preventing the operation of the handle via the quarterlight.

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Somebody once said locks are there to keep honest people out.
I would use something visible to make entry unattractive.
A disk-lock is ideal and don't leave anything of value in the car removing temptation.
For someone to enter the car illegally, they are either going to steal the car or something in it.
I have etched windows, a disk-lock, a wheel clamp for overnight stays elsewhere, a battery disconnect and theft paranoia to keep me company.
Anything such as high security locks will not stop some scroat trying, by which time he has (although you have defeated him) made a right mess of your locks and paintwork.
Your average tea leaf wants speed, if he spots anything to slow him down, he will nick something easier belonging to someone else.
Prevention, is always better than cure.