Door Locks, Keys & Ignition Key

[Shire_GTV]

Those who have read of my recent barn find purchase will know I own a car without any keys.

I have removed all locks etc and handed them to my local locksmith. I'm pretty sure I have given him all the correct information so I just want to confirm that it is correct.

1. The ignition key is used in the ignition only.
2. The door key should be the same for both the passenger and the drivers door.
3. The same door key is then also used for the glove compartment and the trunk release lever.

I should only have two keys.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance.

[Erik]

Nobody remembers anymore.
For my Spider '70 I got 3 keys, ignition, LH door, glove box, but niethe fit RH door or trunk release.
But I think you're right, maybe a separate one for the glove box and trunk, as this would alaw you to lock somethings in there and a repair shop would still be able to drive and lock the car.
Erik

[Shire_GTV]

Yeah, that's what my 74' GTV is like.

I figured I should get it back to correct seeing I don't have any keys what so ever for my 71' GTV.

[Erik]

You can always file the tabs on the key barrels (maybe exept ignition) to fit a given key (and some others, no daught). The locks arn't exactly of the studiest kind.
I never lock the doors of the Spider. Either a window gets smashed or (worse) top knifed to get at my antiquated Becker Gran Prix Stereo self seeking wireless set - doesn't even works.
I've fitted a MC vibration alarm and no start dingy insteat, Aus$ 100, and hide valuables in the trunk.
When parking in town someone always looks at the Spider, I always ask them to look after while I'm gone, most often they really DO!!!!
Erik

[la_strega_nera]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shire_GTV I should only have two keys. Is this correct? Thanks in advance.

[papajam]

There should be only two keys; one for the ignition and one for everything else.

[dimitridodys]

Found a good source for key blanks if anyone is interested.

[rafael]

Dimitri,

can you post a picture of the keys? Are they similar to the original keys?

[Andrew Stevens]

Check out Replacement car and motorcycle keys, keys for classics (which is located in Australia). They have a big range of key blanks for all sorts of old cars, especiall Italian ones, and can cut you a key from the code or even a good series of pictures if you e-mail them some. They have made keys for one of my Italian cars already.

Note that if you buy new doorhandles, (recommended as most of them are worn from years of pulling up on them!) you will get two different key patterns - one with each new handle. Any good locksmith should be able to adjust one of them however, so that you end up with them keyed alike.

[dimitridodys]

I can post a picture if necessary. I need to get the pictures and download. However, the blanks are identical. Also, the vendor shows pictures of the blanks on the web site.

Key-Men
279 Harriman Heights Rd.
Monroe, NY 10950-3625 USA

(856) 218-4642


Key Men - Classic Keys for Classic Cars

Quote:

Originally Posted by rafael Dimitri, can you post a picture of the keys? Are they similar to the original keys?

[Peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Stevens Check out Replacement car and motorcycle keys, keys for classics (which is located in Australia). They have a big range of key blanks for all sorts of old cars, especiall Italian ones, and can cut you a key from the code or even a good series of pictures if you e-mail them some. They have made keys for one of my Italian cars already.

[Shire_GTV]

Well, I finally got my freshly keyed locks back today. All work great although I'll probably look at brand new door handles later as the restoration comes together to be completely sure they work 100% properly.

The next issue is now re-installing the door handles. I know that Alfaholics sells rubber door handle gaskets. These gaskets weren't present on my 1750 and I've not seen them on my 2000 but I assume that they should be there since someone has bothered the reproduce them?

Also on the 1750, the passenger door handle was connected to the interior door handle mechanism via a kinda "L" shaped bracket held with press on type plastic ball joints. Is this only present on the passenger door, or should it be present on the drivers door also?

I'll try to get photos soon.

Another observation is that the internal brace that ties in the door handle inside the door needs repainting. It seems to have acted as a pool for water leaking in around the un-gasketed door handle. This brace seems to have the remains of a felt pad glued on to the edge that presses against the inside of the door skin. Is this original and if so should i replace it with something else to prevent it holding moisture and causing rust. Maybe a soft rubber strip?

Thanks in advance.

[giulia_veloce]

Hi adam.
Where have you been.
We are all still waiting for progress.
Australian delivered cars didnt have that gasket between the door handle and the door.
That L-shaped braket is usually found on both doors,but sometimes doesnt work if the mechanism is worn.
Its there to be able to lock the doors from the inside.
If you lift the inner door handle to open the door,you push it down to lock it.
Most of the time,if things are not adjusted properly in the door lock,if you lock the door with the key from the outside,it might not lock properly cause the L shaped braket etc keeps it open.
If you want to know more about it,ill write more.
Have fun,and keep posting,

Robert

[Shire_GTV]

Thanks Rob for the fast reply.

Given that the gaskets where not fitted to Australian delivered cars should I bother fitting them. Someone obviously felt they were neccessary in other markets. What do they look like fitted? Ugly? Does someone have photos of them installed?

I do want to work on both doors of my car a bit, so I think I'll try to install both levers and get it all working "correctly".

Any advice regarding the felt on the handle braces.

I found both parts in a photo so here they are.

[Chris1750]

Adam,
I know the question has been answered and that you've got your keys, but I thought you may be interested in this photo that I took from the inside cover of the 'instruction book' that came with my 1750.
Chris