Morris Minor Owners Club

So, I cleverly decided it might be nice to have a spare set of keys. The door/boot one works fine, but then I tried the ignition key, which seemed slightly notchy as it went in, but it won't turn. Never mind, I thought, I've still got the old one! Well, now that won't turn either, and it's now also slightly notchy on its way in or out.

It seems the earlier style ignition switch is not so easy to find (being for a pull start Minor). So, is it possible to replace the barrel while it's in the 'off' position?

Don't you just love old cars!

You could try lubricating it, preferably with graphite powder (ground from pencil lead, say), or maybe a wee squirt of WD40.

Perhaps also try tapping the barrel with a rubber mallet or similar, then waggling the key(s) about in it to hopefully shake the lock cylinders loose again...

That's far from the worst idea. I'll give that a go.

Is it this type?

on ebay...
3H810

Taupe

I've not attempted removal yet.

Disconnect the battery before you remove anything!
Regards
Declan

So, I've managed to get the switch out, given it some WD40, and a couple of taps, but still no joy. As it's in the 'off' position, I've no chance of getting the barrel out. Seems these two position switches come up on eBay, but not with keys, and I've already got one that won't turn...

Here's hoping I can source a new switch. Failing that, I'll see if a locksmith can get it to turn.

taupe wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:53 pm Is it this type?

on ebay...

switch morris.jpg

3H810

Taupe

It's similar, but the back is different. I'll see when it arrives. I'll still try to find a new one though - I think I'd be happier with one that hasn't seen a few decades of work ;-)

If you are not worried about originality, then you can use a later switch with starter position, just not use that position.

are you concerned about security? (they're not particularly secure anyway)

If not there are solutions available to you. Happy to discuss via pm.

PS, im not a car thief!

taupe wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:53 pm Is it this type?

on ebay...

switch morris.jpg

3H810

Taupe

That fits fine. It's all working (although I'll probably go back in to tidy up a bit). Many thanks for spotting that.

Grumpy21 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 7:49 pm are you concerned about security? (they're not particularly secure anyway)

If not there are solutions available to you. Happy to discuss via pm.

PS, im not a car thief!

Quite right on the security issue! Back in the latter half of the last century, I had enough single and double sided Ford keys to open most Fords (until they fitted round keys).

I once locked my keys in my MklV Cortina. I was in a car park next to the police station, where they gave me a selection of keys to try. I must have looked honest! I did not need to try many before I gained entry.

With early Fordson tractors, we armed ourselves with a bully beef can opener to use as an ignition key! Cheapest key on the key ring!

I agree about the (lack of) security - by today's standards anyway - but is it really that difficult to get hold of a replacement ignition switch now? Perhaps I've been particularly lucky but I've never had any problem getting parts for my Minors.

ManyMinors wrote: ↑Fri Feb 04, 2022 9:25 am I agree about the (lack of) security - by today's standards anyway - but is it really that difficult to get hold of a replacement ignition switch now? Perhaps I've been particularly lucky but I've never had any problem getting parts for my Minors.

It seems it's easy to get the later switch with three positions, but mine is an early two position type with a starter button.

Yes, I realise that. Mine is the same.
Out of interest, I googled "Morris Minor Ignition Switch". There seems to be no shortage of them for sale?

ManyMinors wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:39 am Yes, I realise that. Mine is the same.
Out of interest, I googled "Morris Minor Ignition Switch". There seems to be no shortage of them for sale?

Yes, late type (no starter button) are easy to find new and used. Early type (starter button) can be found used on eBay without keys, but try finding a new one with a key. An old one without a key is no more use than the one I already had.

Yes, I realise you require the early type which is just an ignition switch - hence typing that into google NOT ebay.
Why limit yourself to searching on ebay?
Most search engines will do exactly that - and search!!

As I wrote previously, you can easily use the three position switch in place of the two position version. The three position works perfectly well as an on/off ignition, just don't turn it to the 3rd point, for which you would have to push against a spring anyway. Unless you are entering concours, I doubt that anyone would even notice.

What is the problem...??

There are 2 position switches available, they just cost more than 3 position.
But as already said, you can fit a 3 position, just don't use the 2nd ON/Start position, which is Sprung loaded anyway.
For 'Safety' you could always link the 2nd & 3rd position Contacts....
https://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/dash-mo ... osition--/
https://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/ ... 1347-p.asp