biggles633 Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Hello I have a 1978 Spitfire 1500 with a sticky ignition barrel. Sometimes it requires lots of wiggling to get the key to turn to start and sometimes it just wont release the key. I have been looking for a replacement switch/barrel but cant seem to find the correct one. Rimmer bros show one part No. UKC27191 but the details say up to FH100020 and my chassis number is FH1134790. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 think first i would check the alignment of the lock case to the column, if its been moved by some heavy handed operation the plunger will stick , or not engage/disengage as it should. the switch is removable from the lock set and you can test with a screwdriver to turn it if this is problematic. barrels can be removed from the lock casing , could be a small roll pin or a semi hidden plunger may need a small pin to press and release but they all come apart, if in the end you have to remove the whole assy you will have to drill out the sheared bolt heads but a quick check on its alignment and a squirt of lube may resolve a tedious job. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Is it to obvious to ask if you've tried squirting the barrel full of WD40? It worked for me on my old Peugeot 306. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles633 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 I've taken it off and it appears to be a problem with the steering lock engage release. There is a crunch from inside but I cant get access inside it to see whats up. I think a replacement part is my best option. Any thoughts on the Rimmer Bros part ? Many thanks Update: Well after a bit more research on the Rimmer Bros site, It seems the correct part for late 1500 Spitfires is RKC3982 of RKC3983 but both of these are "no longer available" ! So that's a first for me, my car is too modern to get parts for !!! Should anyone know of one available I would happily pay in bullion or send you my soul etc. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 How about this? http://www.lbcarco.com/parts/switchsteering-lockign-667-905.htm http://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/parts.aspx?categoryID=8&vehicleId=2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bonnett Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 I don't know if this is any help http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-SPITFIRE-1500-LATE-TYPE-IGNITION-SWITCH-RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE-/182207774575 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles633 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Thanks so much for the replies. The ebay one looks to me like someone has had a go at removing the bottom plate which is a concern. Looks like the one at James Paddock could be the best option. £90 + Vat + postage !!!!! how come its the little jobs that "can't be difficult or expensive" that come back to bite you ? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 its the joys of classic cars.... get some stronger tea bags and all is smiles , ignore the deep pocket syndrome happens to us all from time to time . just never add up the folder of receipts Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bonnett Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 If mine failed I think I'd be very tempted to fit an after market switch for £7 with the benefit of an accessory position and not worry about the steering lock. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Car-Motorcycle-Boat-12V-Ignition-Key-Switch-Barrel-Kit-w-Keys-NEW-UK-/400687626942?hash=item5d4ad7fabe:g:0UsAAOSwuTxV9-IN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AidanT Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Paddocks have free ecconmy shipping over ten pounds Not much difference but every little helps Aidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Even so, £90 +vat or £7 for something that will do the job? Who is gong to know? It's not like anyone can see it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 I'm not sure if this unit is suitable for your car, but have a look at Ebay 131884712869 believe to be NOS and open to offers with free p&p. Regards. Richard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 On my list spit I mNGed to remove the steering lock bit, wish I could remember how! Last year just as I got in the car (different spit) to do 3000+ miles in 5 days, literally in my home garage, I had a problem getting the key in the ignition. Squirt of oil and telling got us to the port, but in the queue I took the thing off and spent the rest of the journey using a screwdriver to start the he car. A used spare is now fitted, and another kept just in case. However, I wish I had just bought a new one. As long as they are genuine nos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juppy Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 You should not use liquid lubricants in locks, although it might work as soon as you apply it, all it does is turn into a sticky paste over time, a mixture of worn metal powder and WD40 which then makes matter worse. Powdered graphite is the correct product to use, and is also useful for lubricating starter bendixes on inertia starter motors. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/131857546388?lpid=122&chn=ps&googleloc=9045954&poi=&campaignid=620865095&device=c&adgroupid=27378760866&rlsatarget=pla-181484355666&adtype=pla&crdt=0 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 Hello Juppy. I presume that graphite spray also falls in to the lubricant sector; despite its graphite properties ?? Regards. Richard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 While I totally agree regarding the starter Bendix, I never had any more problems with my Peugeot 306 ignition switch, once squirted with WD40. I passed the car onto my daughter and it ran for another 5 years. I guess the difference is the Bendix is in a very mucky environment and the ignition switch isn't. However, I would have used graphite if I'd had any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 so the fire brigade never had well we ve got the blues and twos , who's got the keys then on production we had to make sure the key was resin glued in the lock so it never went missing as part of the fire tender spec. dont ask what happened when it got snapped off.....they probably cut the roof off !! pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles633 Posted July 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 0715hrs this morning, FedEx arrived with said part. The driver told me they are not supposed to deliver before 0800hrs, but in his experience, people are more than happy to get their delivery before they go to work. I like this chaps attitude. Part fitted by lunchtime and guess what.......... I can not only start the car..........but...........when I stop, I can actually remove the key !!!!!!!!!!! It's the way forward !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 Well done! It's great when a plan comes together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 If it wont start is that the lock is not turning the switch suffiently to get the starter live or something else going on will it fire if you operate the switch with a screwdriver.? pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles633 Posted July 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Hi Pete The key would not turn to live, it would stick solid, although with lots of jiggling to and fro eventually I could get it to work. This whole thing started a couple of years ago with not being able to remove the key until several minutes of jiggling and swearing, but I just put up with it. However this year, when the covers came off for summer, the new symptom of it sticking preventing starting the car I decided it was time to act as you just know it will leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere with no mobile reception. Its something to do with the steering lock engage/release mechanism locking solid. I am going to drill out the retaining rivets on the bottom plate and have a look. I will post an update. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 thats good if you find the offending culprit it may allow others to DIY a repair on old sticking locks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles633 Posted July 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Ok - so I drilled out the two bottom rivets that hold what looks like an access plate. Sadly having done this it does indeed reveal the internals but it is quite clear this part is not designed for refurbishment, it is a sealed unit. What happened to mine is, I suspect, due to aggressive turning of the key (I've owned this Spitfire for over 10 years so take full responsibility), it had sheared off a semi circle of the barrel mechanism that was inhibiting the turn of the key. I was surprised not to find an easy way to just remove the barrel for a key swap (maybe after a broken key) this would not have helped my situation as it was the barrel casing that had sheared, but I wonder if a more experienced lock smith/expert could remove just the barrel. Despite being nearly 40 years old, the internals were remarkably clean and well greased, despite having made the mistake (as pointed out in the feedback) of squirting in some wd40. I think - if it happened again, and due to the lack of parts and the cost if available, I would be tempted to fit a starter button to the dash. After all - who doesn't like a big shinny button that says start !!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Hello. I see the seller of the ignition barrel I flagged up earlier in the thread has dropped the price to £50 with offers invited. Originally it was advertised at £100. Ebay 131884712869 refers. May be of interest to someone. Regards. Richard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 27, 2016 Report Share Posted July 27, 2016 There's a tee shirt about mending things to destruction Ha Good to try , there are some good buttons about from the demure classic to outrageous pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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