Replacement keys for MG BGT

ZV Yoda

Howdy folks,

I've lost/misplaced the keys for my 73 Mg BGT. Luckily, the boot is unlocked, so I can access the car. The PO gave me a spare set of keys when I bought the car (they were obviously a newly cut set). Problem is, when I try to use them now, they don't work/fit. I know I'm a plonker for not testing the spares out before now, but there you go.

Other than getting a new set of locks fitted, any ideas on how to get out of this? There are 3 keys - 1. Driver & passenger door plus boot 2. Ignition 3. petrol cap.



What makes it even worse is that I've just put the car up for sale

:mad:

PaulK_CCI

I would certainly not give up on the spare set you have. It might be that they just don't fit 100% and the just need a little tweaking/coaxing to get them to turn. I presume you can slip them into the barrel but just can't turn them. Or do they not even fit the barrel, then the keys are indeed of no use...
I would take a file or something and gently take the harshnesh of the edges of each key, and gently keep trying them, and I mean gently!! never force them and don't file too much off them. (Again I presume you have tried putting the key in not all the way to end...)

If that doesn't work, you can get a locksmith involved, because the key is not broken off in the barrel, it should be possible to find a match eventually...

On a different note, I know a Lock specialist here in holland where you can send the barrels to, and he will make them fit one key! I've done it for a Merc I had, which was so good, apart from two sets of key for the locks and the ignition. I sent the door and boot lock (just the barrels), and the key for the ignition to him, and he fixed them so that now the ORIGINAL ignition key, fits all locks as how it should be.

ZV Yoda

Thanks for that Paul - yes, you are correct - they keys fit in the barrels but do not turn. I'll get out the file this evening.

Good advice on the Holland guy - will consider that on my next classic!

MercMad

I have over the years cut keys for several cars, most dont work the first time. I normally used some emery paper to clean up the edges. You can be quite aggresive with the emery paper as it does not take much off. Keep trying it every few minutes !

If all else fails contact SteveGuard - 086 2554848

ZV Yoda

Hi folks - some success. After some filing/jigging around, I got the ignition key to work, so at least I can start/drive the car. Not a great fit, but it does the job.

The door/boot key just doesn't fit - the key itself is too thick - filing won't help here. Can't imagine how the PO didn't spot that (but then again, neither did I). Look like I'll have to remove the barrles & see if I can get somebody to make new keys (or get replacement barrle/s & keys).

Just need to have another go at the petrol cap key tonight!

Any other thoughts, let me know - thanks!

8~)

Don't know if records are kept as far back as the 70s, but for a couple of cars I've had (80s and 90s), I have got keys cut just off the chassis number. I go to the locksmith with the chassis no. and they check the computer and cut the key to suit.

Another alternative might be to get some really worn similar keys... locks and keys wear over the years - I've started a Morris Minor using a lollipop stick.

gipi

Just a thought - if you got a thinner key cut from the one you have, perhaps that might fit the lock? Presumably it was cut from the original so is the correct shape if not the correct width. Might be worth a try before you remove the locks.

ZV Yoda

Thanks Gipi - good thinking. Will try that today

Spit62500

A lot of cars (most that I've owned/driven) from that era had a different key for the ignition lock - I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I don't think you'll have any luck with cutting a thinner version of the ignition key. Check with the Irish or UK MG Owners clubs or contact a reputable MG parts supplier in the UK - someone there may be able to tell you how to solve this one with the minimum expense.

PaulK_CCI

Spit62500 wrote:

A lot of cars (most that I've owned/driven) from that era had a different key for the ignition lock - I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I don't think you'll have any luck with cutting a thinner version of the ignition key. Check with the Irish or UK MG Owners clubs or contact a reputable MG parts supplier in the UK - someone there may be able to tell you how to solve this one with the minimum expense.

ZV Yoda mentions he has THREE spare keys, and he was able to get the ignition key working. The key for the locks is too thick to go into the barrel, and that is the key the posters are suggestion to work on, NOT on the ignition key which he "more or less" got sorted himself.

I would take the car and keys to your local key maker, and ask them to shave a bit off/polish each side of the key little by little, until it is thin enough to fit in the barrel. Then at least you know wether the key actually fits in the barrel or not...

MercMad

No I think if the key is too wide then you have the wrong key blank and shaving it wont help !

It should not be too difficult to get the correct blank and then remove the lock and bring it to a locksmith !

ZV Yoda

Hi folks,

I'm not religious or anything, but somebody must have said a prayer to St Anthony. I got a call from a hotel we stayed in last week-end... my keys have turned up.:D I've called the hotel 4 times since Sunday to check, but they only turned up last night.

I can put the nail file & coathanger away for now.

Thanks to all for your input - I learned a few new tricks if nothing else.:cool:

Also, just to clarify how many keys.. there are 3 keys for my car:
1 x petrol cap
1 x doors/boot
1 x ignition

The only spare key I could get to work was the ignition key (after some fiddling). The other 2 keys were just too thick & just wouldn't fit in the barrel.

Lessons learned?.. check your replacement keys work b4 leaving the shop!

Dades

Great news...

Now get some proper spares!

ZV Yoda

Yip - will be organising new keys this evening...