Malbaby Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 (edited) Car has veneered dash fascia.......I have misplaced the key. I think the only option is a locksmith. Edited February 22, 2021 by Malbaby Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hamish Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Mal Is there a key number on the front of the lock ? or in your records. ? they are available if you have . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 The lock will never have been "Fort Knocks" style, & will be worn, so it should not be too hard to pick, either using thin wires, or just another similar key. Then as Hamish says you will probably find the key number on the back of the lock. Or, did the same key fit the boot ? Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Harbottle Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Just now, Lebro said: The lock will never have been "Fort Knocks" style, & will be worn, so it should not be too hard to pick, either using thin wires, or just another similar key. Then as Hamish says you will probably find the key number on the back of the lock. Or, did the same key fit the boot ? Bob X2 never a secure lock. As Bob says have a fiddle with similar key or bit of jagged wire/thin hacksaw blade. Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Get a cheap lock pick set from eBay or Amazon. Tumbler locks are quite easy. I recently needed to open a filing cabinet and did it in under a minute. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 'Fingers Pete' where were you on the 8th August 1963 Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 The 4A was supplied new with two sets of keys. One operated both doors and the ignition and the other the glove box lock and the boot, one of which latter two locks may well have been changed on Malbaby's car. Incidentally, the spare set of keys was supplied inside the passenger side rear light housing. I wonder if any unsuspecting current owners still have those spare keys lurking there. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MKTR Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 I wonder if one can unscrew and take out the wooden dash, and then remove the whole lock mechanism from behind the lid and replace barrel if needed? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 I can't remember how the fibreboard glove box liner is fixed - maybe that could be removed allowing access to the back of the lock? Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 36 minutes ago, MKTR said: I wonder if one can unscrew and take out the wooden dash, and then remove the whole lock mechanism from behind the lid and replace barrel if needed? That should be possible 4 minutes ago, stillp said: I can't remember how the fibreboard glove box liner is fixed - maybe that could be removed allowing access to the back of the lock? Pete Hi Pete, you need the door open to the get to the screws. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gloide69 Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Just wondering if you can use a thin tool to work the the lock plunger down. (similar to what they do in the films with a credit card and door locks) I guess this would only work though, if the plunger is not fixed in position when the lock is locked. (I'm assuming when locked it just stops the button being pushed) Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 2 minutes ago, gloide69 said: Just wondering if you can use a thin tool to work the the lock plunger down. (similar to what they do in the films with a credit card and door locks) I guess this would only work though, if the plunger is not fixed in position when the lock is locked. (I'm assuming when locked it just stops the button being pushed) Paul No when its locked the wedge section that holds it closed is solid. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 To pick a cheap and cheerful lock all you need is a small screwdriver and straightened paperclip. Put the screwdriver into the slot at the bottom (The bottom being the opposite end to where the wavy bits on the key are.) Put a small amount of pressure on the screwdriver in the rotation direction as if it were the key. Now push the paperclip all the way in and slowly draw it out, pressing upwards. You may need to do this a few times, but it often works. Cheap locks, not being precision built (and especially if well used) have the internal pins loose, so there is a good chance that as you put pressure on the screwdriver and you stroke the pins with your paperclip, you will get one or more of the pins to catch on the body of the barrel and not fall back into it’s hole. Eventually they will all be out of their holes, and the barrel will turn. Charlie. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Indeed so. Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 From experience (admittedly limited), in practice the paper clip will bend before it sets the pins. You might get lucky with a sloppy lock but only if your tensioning is spot on. A pick set is cheap. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 If picking the lock fails you could sacrifice the glove box and release the retaining screw from the back of the glovebox lid that holds the lock in place? Should give enough wiggle room. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeF Posted February 23, 2021 Report Share Posted February 23, 2021 As said a similar key could work with a wiggle. The best wiggle is to fully insert key then retract it a fraction. Then push in and turn in one quick movement, you might need to experiment with the amount of retraction. IF the lock is old then this usually works. Then it's mixed feelings - relief that you're in, scary you could do it! Good luck, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barrytr4 Posted February 24, 2021 Report Share Posted February 24, 2021 Hi Mal--Similar to Mike, get a few worn keys if you can, one may open straight away, if not apply light pressure on the key moving slightly in and out, up and down, rocking motion keeping light pressure to open , if not, try the other's--Barry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barrytr4 Posted February 24, 2021 Report Share Posted February 24, 2021 Mike I never lock mine, or the doors and boot and don't have an valuables in the car when I'm out, what's the point on a convertable , even on a hard top it would take them 1 sec' to open it with a medium screwdriver( and damage it)--so might as well leave every thing open--Barry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Z320 Posted February 24, 2021 Report Share Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) This does not help you, but I also never lock it. Reason is, if anyone want to steal what's inside this will cause serious damages on the dashboard. The door I lock, this keeps idiots out of the car making idiot photos for "their" idiot Instagram story. Edited February 24, 2021 by Z320 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Harbottle Posted February 24, 2021 Report Share Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) 3 hours ago, barrytr4 said: Mike I never lock mine, or the doors and boot and don't have an valuables in the car when I'm out, what's the point on a convertable , even on a hard top it would take them 1 sec' to open it with a medium screwdriver( and damage it)--so might as well leave every thing open--Barry I would not mention that to your insurance company. Any reason not to pay . (I am not disagreeing with your reasoning by the way). I also seem to recall discussion on here about clause in insurance about convertables having to have the roofs up if car left for any length of time unattended? Paul Edited February 24, 2021 by Harbottle Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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