Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi there,
I am having a problem unlocking the drivers door on our Traveller. The barrel is slightly recessed within the door and is not flush with the panel which causes difficulty using the key. The key is making contact with the door panel when trying to turn it and results on a lot of wriggling and gentle persuasion for the key to actually turn and lock/unlock the door. Assume it requires a new lock? Is the removal and fitting of a new lock difficult and is it a job the the DIY guy can do or is it a trip to the garage? Looking forward to seeing what others suggest?
Mike U

The key barrel is part of the latch and handle assembly, they should be behind the door panel but not by much. If it's moving around either the whole assembly needs replacing / repairing (which means stripping virtually everything out of the door) or the screws holding it in are loose, they are in the rear face of the door, 3 screws one above and below the latch and a third directly outboard of it.

Many thanks for this answer, can I ask if it is accessible if I remove the door panel (interior) or does it mean I have to strip the door down completely?
kindest regards
Mike U

Hi Mike - does your unit look like this? You're the first person who's reported the "recessed" key cylinder issue, which may be like mine. The key lock operates correctly, but I've never known what to do about the recessed cylinder.
Thanks.
Tom in Connecticut
1957 Traveller

Hi there, Yes! that is exactly what our lock looks like. it might be normal (other folk might confirm that?) problem with ours is key has a lot of movement on the vertical and is a nightmare to unlock/lock
Mike U

Check the three securing screws on the side of the door as they can come loose. The door actually cracked on mine and I needed to repair it, the lock is still slightly misaligned but at least it doesn't move around now.

Thanks for this, do you mean where the 3 rubber grummets are?
Mike U

Not them, they are for attaching the window channels if I remember correctly, the three that surround the brass latch are the ones you want.

Many thanks

Do you have any photos by chance as I am trying to get my head around which screws and bolts are related to which parts of the door am taking door card off this week to have a look
Mike U

Longer keys are available.

mike.unsworth wrote: ↑Mon Jun 06, 2022 2:49 pm Many thanks

Do you have any photos by chance as I am trying to get my head around which screws and bolts are related to which parts of the door am taking door card off this week to have a look
Mike U

Here you go, no need to take the door card off to check these

Hi All, if i may highjack this thread for a moment, to also ask a question!!

Re Pankey's photo which shows the other passenger door, The small metal device which locks & unlocks the door. On my Traveller, this little lock/unlock device is very loose.

My question is whats the best way to tighten it up?

The little lock/unlock device is still functioning, but s*ds law tells me that soon something will drop off.

Any ideas gratefully received.
Jonnie.

It attaches to the mechanism with an 'R' clip so there's not much room for adjustment I'm afraid. The little lever is a bit floppy and I was thinking of fitting a grommet but might need to enlarge the hole to do it.

Ok Panky, Many thanks.I'll look for a grommet.

I have to admit, I'm hoping the original poster Mike lets us know the status of his quandary.
Tom M.

Hi there
I will feedback re the screws and 'recessed' drivers door lock once back from garage as my wife today was driving the Woody and had a total brake failure (pedal all the way to the floor). RAC saved the day and towed to my local garage therefore, tomorrow is brake check etc. RAC guy said the brakes did reengage but when driving it into garage area brake pedal faded away to the floor again intriguing??
Mike U

Maybe the brakes failed because the car is jealous of all the attention your Traveller is getting!
Tom M.

Bad luck regarding the brake failure. Regular checks and maintenance is so important on these old cars and it is vital to check the brake fluid level from time to time. I expect yours was rather low due to a leak somewhere in the system?
Regarding the door lock, the locking handle assembly is all made in one piece, so assuming that those 3 fixing screws are not loose, my guess is that a replacement key simply doesn't fit well and that you should obtain a more suitable replacement. These are readily available for just a few pounds