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V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 4:01 pm
by classiclife
Hello,

When I got my Daimler it came with only one set of keys, which is not unusual when classic cars are purchased.

I know the key number for the ignition switch, as it is clearly marked on the barrel face for all to see !!!

Thankfully there are no such helpful visible hints, on the driver door lock or boot lock.

One option is to have the current keys cut and a new set made, but that's too easy !! In addition I also have a large number of spare various FS keys, amongst other codes, of which there may be identical matches. I'd rather not keep inserting possible keys which may damage the tumblers or place them out of line.

As such, does anyone know if key numbers are stamped on the barrels of the boot and driver door ??

Many thanks.

Richard.

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 4:56 pm
by Sydsmith
Richard,

They usually are indented on the barrel and mine are. As you say you have to dismantle the whole lock and remove the barrel to get the number, in my case the ignition has one number, like yours indented on the face of the barrel for the information of a thief, the boot and drivers door are the same number, but of course that assumes they were never changed in the life of the car.

Might be worth taking the boot lock out first as it is usually easier.

That all having been said, a friend has a Jaguar and there are no numbers anywhere on his door and boot locks.

The advantage of taking the barrel out is that you can at least test your spare keys whilst it is out, without the danger of damaging the tumblers, in my case the door lock was all gummed up and would never have worked even with the right key. Syd

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 5:31 pm
by classiclife
Hello Syd,

Many thanks for the reply, that has confirmed my suspicions as to the obvious answer.

All the best.

Richard.

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 10:18 am
by Ian Hastings
Try all your spare keys in the various locks, you will not damage the keys or the barrels unless you hammer the key in!! A spot of oil helps too; the simplest way is to use an oil aerosol with a plastic tube attached, like 3 in 1 oil, as that insures the oil gets everywhere inside.

The letters FS identify the cross section of the key so if the FS ones go in easily only use them. The numbers are a code for actually cutting the key for the indentations for the pins.

If FS keys fit the ignition lock there is a fair chance they will fit the others as well unless they have been changed in the past.

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:32 pm
by John-B
Ian Hastings wrote: Mon Apr 15, 2019 10:18 am ... A spot of oil helps too; the simplest way is to use an oil aerosol with a plastic tube attached, like 3 in 1 oil, as that insures the oil gets everywhere inside.
I was told a long time ago not to use oil in locks, presumably because it attracts dirt. Graphite should be used.
1. Coat your door key with powdered graphite or spray graphite into the keyhole.

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 1:32 pm
by Ian Hastings
Fair enough, but if the locks haven't been used for a while and are dried up/gummed up then graphite ain't going to get anywhere and I've yet to see any type of lock non functioning because of oil or grease.

Re: V8-250 Saloon: Key Numbers

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 4:00 am
by tjt77
ignition and door locks were same key ..boot and glove box same key.( but sometimes locks get replaced) IF you dont have the key number(s).. ignition lock barrel is easy to remove.. remove the thumbscrews holding the dash panel and swing it down..undo the bezel and remove ign switch.. look at the alloy body for a hole..use a thin instrument (3/32" max thickness) and push in the brass plunger and gently remove the barrel from front of lock.(a thin screwdriver helps) number is stamped on the outer surface of barrel near front ... door locks.. remove door lock..number is stamped on the cast part immediately behind handle. for glove box/ boot key :- remove lock assy from dash..( 3 chromed woodscrews) ..number is stamped on back face.. or remove boot lock..(4 screws) number is stamped on body on underside of lock assy.. BTW:- most 'willmot breedon'/union keys are back in production again.. not quite same as original as they are now under the banner of 'WBH' ( willmot -breedon holdings) and readily available .