I've got a '31 RN saloon which appears to have its original external door handles. The offside handle would be lockable if I had a key. The number "27" is stamped on the barrel. Any ideas how I might get a key ?

Location: Shropshire

In 1931 RN's did NOT have locked door handles.

I seem to recall it did not become a legal requirement until 1934.
I'm tempting fate here, and it is 01.12 am, but I think Ruby's were the first Austin's to be supplied with a locking door handle.

Location: The very edge of Europe - West.

Location: Herefordshire, with an \"E\", not a \"T\".

Llangollen Motor Museum have lots of keys. Nice day for a trip!

Location: Wales

Location: Herefordshire, with an \"E\" not a \"T\".

Was interested to learn that cars originally non locking. My RP in the family since 1940 has always had mismatched handles. We assumed this to be the result of a prang. The locking one is of a common aftermarket style, often seen in auto jumbles, whereas the other is more vintage.

The level of security was remarkably low. Anyone can undo the handle screws, punch out the hinges, undo the petrol cap, nick the radiator cap, spare wheel, on later cars the battery. The dynamos must have been a temptation for many.....although the chances of a good one may not have been great.

I fill the handle screws and paint over.

The standard theft precaution was removal of the oh so individual rotor! Today a thief would need to carry a sack full of different types.

I suppose in the UK memory of the prospect of being sent to Oz encouraged honesty!

I used to lock the left door with a lead head nail inserted in a drilling in the catch. Prankster workmates pushed open the ventilator and with a long wire hooked out the nail!

Bob Culver

Location: Auckland

Thanks for the info. If my handles are an after-market accessory then their condition suggests that they were fitted a long time ago. Also the fact that they match (one locking, one non-locking) suggests that they were fitted before the car became "an old banger".
Or perhaps they were fitted when the car was rescued in the '60s ? It was subsequently driven to Monte Carlo and (separate trip) St Moritz, so some means of protecting valueables would have been desirable.
A visit to Llangollen sounds like a good idea for starters.

Location: Shropshire

Good morning. I read somewhere that until 1934 it was unlawful to lock a vehicle as it might 'need to be moved by a police officer'. Quite why a bobby should need to move it who knows but now we live in very different times.
Regards from the creative county
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire

I believe that it was illegal to lock ones car. In those days there were no parking restrictions and so drivers would get to their destination and just leave their cars anywhere. If the car was blocking a road or an entrance then the police would move it, rather difficult if it was locked.
I have fitted a pair of aftermarket handles(both with the same key number)to my RN after suffering the attentions of the public at various events with a Chummy.

Location: Near M1 Jtn 28

My late '33 RP appears to have the original handles - both without locks. The '29 Special has Chummy-type handles, again without locks, which would be a bit superfluous on an open car anyway! The only "security feature" on these cars is a battery master switch with removable key.

My '37 van had a lockable driver's door when acquired. I have since fitted a matching lockable handle to the passenger side, as we have a few easily-lifted artifacts in the van.

So as to be able to use the same key in both, I removed the barrel from the lock (it was going for plating anyway, so had to be dismantled), inserted the key from the other lock then filed off the tumblers still protruding from the barrel. Enough were left to lock the barrel when the key was removed.

Bit of a bodge, and will not always leave enough tumblers to be an effective lock, but worth considering if a matching key is unobtainable.

Rick

Location: Deepest Norfolk

My RP is fitted with locking door handles, separate key for each - I put them in during the last restoration in the 80's. It does help when at shows & stuff to lock the doors if you're not there to keep an eye on things. People are very curious and I've often spied them opening the doors of cars that are on display. I even saw one parent open a car and then encourage his child to climb in for a photo opportunity.

I have developed the habit of locking the car just in case.

Location: A lot further south than Sandy

I've just received an FA 509 key today, ordered on line yesterday from replacementkeys.co.uk for £3.95 plus P &P and tax making a grand total of £5.87. It fits an old Lucas PLC2 switch I have and need to use - the original key was lost.
I'm impressed with the service!
Regards,
Ashley

Location: Bracing East Lincs

I've no connection but know that this guy worked for wilmot breeden for 20+ years

He specialises in classic locks and handles

wilmotlockman@gmail.com

David

Location: Stay in the shade

I too needed keys for door handle locks fitted to my 1932 RN saloon. Mine were in the MW series. I checked the replacementkeys website, typing in the numbers on Saturday evening, paying by Paypal, the keys were with me on Tuesday. I then needed to free off the barrels with penetrating fluid and both locks are now working. An excellent service and thanks to forum members for giving me the info.
regards to all
David.

Location: Notts

I must admit I am getting rather annoyed with the public for opening the doors on my RL without at least asking. Particularly so when I am stood next to it.

The last 'gent' to do so offered me a fight after I asked him where his car was so I could nose around the inside. I think his wife saw swnce and he backtracked and got all appologetic. Good job too, he was twice as fat as me and probalby 20years older, it wouldnt have been a fair match.

Is there a simple, non visually intrusive way of locking a box saloon without fitting those horrid screw on guides to the outside of the door?. I like the look of mine without them, and do not really want to fit them if I can get away with it.

I'm looking for a door lock key for my 1929 Austin16 saloon, key no LL84
any help would be great

Early Minis and older Jags etc had the key number printed on the ignition lock. All one needed was a small pair of opera glasses...

Yes Hedd, acquire a locking handle, remove mounting plate and machine/file down the portion of the handle which was in the mounting plate to suit the tube portion of a Seven door catch. Carefully mark the desired position for the handle locking bar in the tube and cut to suit. Reduce the length of the square in the handle to suit & cut a 1/4" BSF or is it BSW on the end for a retaining nut and securely lock the nut. Voila, no mounting screws for would be thieves to unscrew and rotate the handle.