10 replies to this topic

[BaronVonchesto]

About a year or two ago (cant quite remember, some time before my rebuild) I replaced my car's original ignition barrel, as the original had worn down considerably.

 

I have to say, the quality of those plastic keys are appalling! Because of the stupid spring retention thingy that minispares decided to fit to the barrel, a lot of stress is put on the cheap plastic head of the key when taking it out of the barrel.

The other day the head of my spare key broke. Yup, the spare key, as the main key broke a few months prior and I was just too lazy to get a replacement urgently.

Ive botched the key backtogether with metal epoxy (its probably stronger now than from the factory!), still I need to get a replacement ignition key. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like any of the keysmiths here have an appropriate blank in stock. I've tried on and off for a few months now.

I DO NOT want to order another useless plastic key blank from minispares. Preferably, Id like to get one of the old fashioned all metal ones. Does anyone know the appropriate key blank to buy? Someford mini has a whole range of keys by code.
https://www.somerfor...index&cPath=192

Other alternative suggestions are welcome too of course.

[MikeRotherham]

You could try somewhere like Timpsons if you have one local to you.

 

They may have a generic all metal blank that they could cut for you.

 

Failing that a locksmith that specialises in cutting keys for classics.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Not sure how many Timpsons branches there are in Kuala Lumpur.

[Ethel]

AA3 springs to mind , depending on year.

 

I think this is the same?

 

https://www.ebay.co....gsAAOSwY75eFg3R

 

FS is the prefix for the door keys

[BaronVonchesto]

AA3 springs to mind , depending on year.

 

I think this is the same?

 

https://www.ebay.co....gsAAOSwY75eFg3R

 

FS is the prefix for the door keys

thanks Ethel it looks pretty close to mine. Worth a shot for that price.

[panky]

I had some cut a fews years ago from the local shoe bar, the number NE-11 is embossed on the key blank.

 

Just found this one on ebay

 

https://www.ebay.co....z0AAOSwOspdANUq

[BaronVonchesto]

the key arrived about a week ago. Sadly its not the right one... length and shape is the same but the trailing edge is on the wrong side... so i just wasted about 10 quid

[Ethel]

Sorry to hear that, my link or Panky's?

 

I don't follow the wrong side bit, the key should fit either way round.

[panky]

I got one of the ones I posted and it's the blank for the key I have. A little bit of surface rust but easily cleaned off.

 

 

 

 

 

He's still listing them.

Edited by panky, 27 March 2020 - 11:10 AM.

[Tornado99]

Thinking of this place as it claims they can make up keys for classic mini's with correctly made blanks...using either key ID codes or even good quality pictures:

https://www.keysinthepost.com/

If they ship to N.A., I may give them a shot. The spare blank I got from a local mini parts supplier was incorrect for my 1988. Key cutter could not get it to work on my ignition.

Edited by Tornado99, 17 September 2020 - 12:20 AM.

[Tornado99]

Thinking of this place as it claims they can make up keys for classic mini's with correctly made blanks...using either key ID codes or even good quality pictures:

https://www.keysinthepost.com/

If they ship to N.A., I may give them a shot. The spare blank I got from a local mini parts supplier was incorrect for my 1988. Key cutter could not get it to work on my ignition.

Today I received my two keys from Keys in the Post.
The ignition key is a solid metal blank with no plastic like original. The photo profile I sent them worked very well for the cutting of the blank. Fits and turns nicely in the ign swtich.
My door lock key had a discernible code number they used to get me the right one. Though it'a bit stiff in the locks, seems to do the job.
So glad to finally have a spare set. Almost found myself locked out other day after we parked at a hiking trail head. I go out and by time i'd walked to passenger side found it was too hot for my jacket so tossed it, with keys in pocket, into still open passenger door as wife had just climbed out. She then closed the door which was already locked. Didnt think of this until after getting back from hike, searching my pockets for key.
Fortunately, I'd left window open enough to get an arm in to reach the lock.