Moss Motors, Ltd

I recently purchased a '61 BT7 with no key for the ignition. I bought the replacement cylinder and key from Moss, but can't get the old one out. I removed the ignition switch and have been trying to push through the hole a the bottom with no luck. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

The cylinder is designed to be removed with the key in it, without the key that's difficult. Since you have the switch off the car I'd take it to a locksmith along with the new cylinder and key, I'm sure they can fix you up.

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'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better.

I can't seem to find any locksmiths that want to touch it (a growing pattern). Any advice on how i could take care of it?

Being too lazy to look up your switch, I am guessing your Healey has the ignition-starter switch (as opposed to the ignition-lighting switch on Sprites).  The switch must be in the on position with the correct key inserted and can then be pulled out after a very small screw driver is is pushed into the small hole in the switch barrel.  You can try to pick the lock (which is not hard) with a small screw driver by pressing on the rear most tumbler while trying to turn the switch.  You can gradually work your way up the tumblers (there are six of them).  A brute alternative is to simply pull the entire old cylinder out of the switch with a dent puller.  This has worked fine for me and has not destroyed any switchs-but you could wreck the switch.  Finally.... there is a fellow in Baltimore who comes to all the British cars shows in central NJ who has a COMPLETE set of British car keys.  It takes about 1/2 hour to try them all, but when you find the one that fits, he can cut you a new one.

 

Janius

Janius,

 Thank you very much. I was able to find a locksmith, and after a very detailed discussion we was willing to give it a try. He pulled out the old one in a matter of seconds, and put the new one in.

 Phil