The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Help Needed.

13 years ago I parked up my MK IV Spitfire in a lock up garage & pretty much forgot about it.

Now I have to move it out of the garage but I have lost the keys, I have turned the house upsidedown but no luck.

The car isn't locked so I can get in but the steering lock is engaged.

How can I get a new set of keys are there any numbers anywhere?

Is the ignition barrel the same as a dolomite as I have spares with keys?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tony

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Modified Dolomite Sprint MSO 662P VA485 1973 Mimosa Sprint

Not sure about compatibility, but rimmers part numbers should help. If it is a mk4 or early 1500, it is tucked down on the column, and possibly unique? well, to that and GT6 adn the uber-rare heralds with a lock. certainly the late 1500 type (up on the cowl) is tricky to get and unique to the spit and TR7 I think. I had to get a spare after mine packed up when we tried to start the car for the 10CR last year. (typical, it was undone in the garage at home and stayed like that for the entire trip)

But easy solution for now is to remove the lock off the column. Yes, they are shear off bolts, but I have used a small grinder to cut slots in them and used a screwdriver. A hacksaw would do, but take longer......... And replace with cap-head bolts after.

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Clive Senior
Brighton

And somewhere I think I have a few bunches of keys. Could pop them in the post for you to try? Once I find them.

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Clive Senior
Brighton

Hi Clive

Thanks for the advice.

If you do find your keys let me know and I will pm you my address. .


Thanks

Tony

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Modified Dolomite Sprint MSO 662P VA485 1973 Mimosa Sprint

Right, apologies for the delay.

I have LOTS of FS series keys, they fit the bootlock of my toledo, and herald/vitesse/early spit etc doors/ignition
A couple of dozen FT keys, spit IV/1500 boot.
And only 2 of the larger keys for late spit doors/ignition.
pm me if you want to try that selection....

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Clive Senior
Brighton

Thanks Clive, I've sent you a PM.

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Modified Dolomite Sprint MSO 662P VA485 1973 Mimosa Sprint

With most Triumphs of that era the deal was to have the number stamped on the passenger side door lock.

If that was the case and yours was a single key for doors and ignition car, then that will almost certainly work for you.

Even so cutting slots in the shear headed bolts on the column may still be your best bet....undo and remove and get a key done at your leisure.

Jonners

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Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.

Well thanks to Clive I now have a key for my Spit.

After 13 years, I put some air in the tyres, cleaned the points, topped up the water, fitted a new battery, squirted some easy start into the carbs & she burst into life & it sounds sweet. It's even running on 13 year old petrol!

I thought my luck couldn't continue, the clutch must be stuck, but although the pedal was solid at first I eased it back into life, selected 1st gear and drove it out of the garage to it's new home, another lock up 1/2 a mile away.

I don't really know what I am going to do with it, it was given to me by my boss as he knew I was into Triumphs, but I have never driven it any distance so not sure what they are like, but I guess one day it will make a good project.

Once again thanks Clive.

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Modified Dolomite Sprint MSO 662P VA485 1973 Mimosa Sprint

Isnt it good when a story like this comes up just to readdress the balance now and again? Instead of the usual "turn the key - click, spend ages checking various options - click, etc etc!

That looks to be Inca yellow and a 1500 due to the black rear wing top trims and the front spoiler.

I'm a bit biased having owned one for 35 years or so but I think they are great and a good stable mate for a Sprint.

I would get cracking on it and get it tidy....get some waxoil or whatever on your bonnet front edge and wing seams....

And take VERY good care of the screen trim. Hens teeth...

And yes you were VERY lucky that the clutch still worked. Almost unheard of!....I bet it now looses all its fluid in the slave though for next time though as the rubber seals abraded on the corrosion....but I hope not....

Jonners

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Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.