Refurbishing door handles/locks

[Robbiee]

Hi
I’d like to refurbish my door handles (March 1962 OTS RHD)
Yeah ...I know you can buy new but they are original with keys. They have that “to lock” with an arrow on them that the replacement parts don’t have.

Questions..1. Has anyone got any advice or knowledge please?

2. I have 3 ignition keys which are the same serial number FP*** The door handle locks each have a key that turns the barrel FS~~~ and FS^^^ (different each side).
Is it normal to have different keys for each side that also differ from the ignition key?

Thanks in anticipation of a deluge of knowledge!

Robbie

[Philk]

I would say that it is not unusual to have a different ignition key but I would expect the locks on both doors to have the same key (which is what I have on my '64 3.8 S1 OTS).

[mark10337]

You can change which key the barrels take by swapping around the parts in the barrel. If you want to get really original, you can ask Jaguar Classic parts (not Heritage), which key numbers your car originally came with.

Here is an email I received from them.

--------------------------------------------------------

Hello Sir,

Your email has been forwarded by my colleague in the archive. They are not able to answer parts or technical enquiries, these need to come directly to us.

Regarding the keys for your vehicle, there are two key codes listed for your Chassis Number. I would expect the ignition to be one key and the door, trunk and glove box the other.

Key codes can be supplied at £21,98 + VAT each - Part No. JHP1175.

Please be aware, cut keys and/or key codes are supplied from the original data, recorded on the vehicle build record. Keys and codes cannot be accepted for return or refund, should they not function correctly, due to locks being replaced.

A scanned copy of the vehicle registration will be required with any order, as proof of ownership

Best regards
Glen Parkes
Internet & Technical Parts Coordinator

Jaguar Land Rover Classic

T: +44 (0) 2476 565708
E: jclassic@jaguarlandrover.com (Jaguar Classic Parts)

[Robbiee]

Thanks for all the responses
Robbie

[Jeremy]

I tried refurbing mine Robbie - replated the handles, fitted new lock barrels. But the insides (esp that mazak bit) were too badly worn and the whole mechanism was sufficiently sloppy that the plungers would catch and stick, and the locking lever would not turn reliably to lock and unlock cleanly with the key despite my attempts to fettle things with little files. Faced with the real possibility of locking myself out of the car and not being able to get back in, I bought a new pair from Wilkinsons...

[Herblay]

One question related to keys. Does the Series 1 have two separate keys, one for the doors and the other for the ignition?

[abowie]

Good luck. I've tried this on several occasions and have finally given up in frustration and bought new handles and locks each time.

The locks are incredibly cheaply made and are very hard to get to work properly again if they are broken. Rechroming the handles looks nice but then you have to get the lock barrel to fit properly into the handle and his is often dam near impossible.

If what you want is to retain the "lock" marking on the barrel you could probably get a locksmith to transplant the plates into new locks. Were it me this is what I would do.

AFAIK the ignition and door locks should match, and certainly the door locks should match. This is trivial for a locksmith to do with new locks if you can provide a key.

[lopena]

One question related to keys. Does the Series 1 have two separate keys, one for the doors and the other for the ignition?

My ‘64 OTS has its original keys...one key unlocks both doors and the ignition.

Alan
N.J.

[288gto]

It is possible to transfer the barrel and locking mechanism from your originals into a new set of handles. This is what I did with mine. It is very fiddly but can be done. As with most of the repro stuff, the new mechanisms aren’t as good as the originals.
There is a little pin in the barrel that you have to remove to disassemble it. I’m not at home at the moment but seem to remember I took pics of mine so I knew how it all went back together.

The dilemma once apart is do you rebuild them with both key slots the same way or as what I’m informed is original, one up one down.
Just typing this upsets my ocd again.

Simon

[rswaffie]

If it’s of any interest, these are my locks/barrels stripped down during the rechroming of the handles.

[Robbiee]

Hi Richard
Thoroughly enjoyed the derbyshire run last year ..sorry I couldn’t make Tissington

I’m just doing mine at the moment

Question....what are the flat spring and ?circlip-like parts in your photo at the far left and right of the photo?
I don’t seem to have these

Thanks
Robbie
(Derbyshire)

[rswaffie]

Hi Robbiee
The springs fit over the barrels, as do the washers to enable them to ‘return’ when the key is turned.
I’ll see if I can find a pic of them in-situ.
Btw, I think you may have me mixed up with someone else - I haven’t been involved with the Derbyshire event - I will try and make it next year though!

[Robbiee]

Apologies Richard
Thanks v much
A photo would be great
Can one purchase these parts separately???
Regards
Robbie

[Robbiee]

Hi Richard..or anyone else
I don’t know if it’s possible to get a photo showing the dimensions of the washer and return spring
I have a friend who could make them both for me
Robbie

[rswaffie]

Unfortunately, the only pic I’ve got is the one posted above.

[288gto]

Hi Robbie,

If you can wait until the weekend I have a spare pair of originals I can maybe measure for you. Failing that, you say you were on the Derbyshire run so you can’t be too far away, you could call in person and have a look/measure/borrow.
I might even be able to show you how to sort the keys.

Simon

[Robbiee]

Hi
Great
I’ll PM you
Robbie

[Robbiee]

Hi Robbie,

If you can wait until the weekend I have a spare pair of originals I can maybe measure for you. Failing that, you say you were on the Derbyshire run so you can’t be too far away, you could call in person and have a look/measure/borrow.
I might even be able to show you how to sort the keys.

Simon

[Robbiee]

Hi all
I have found someone who will make me some door lock barrel return springs (torsion springs)
They are the flat ones with about 5 coils and two bent ends to locate them
They are often missing in old locks and are not available

Would anyone out there be interested in having one or two as it would be cheaper per item (a few quid) to get a batch made?

Robbie

[tonyabacus]

Robbie
Here is a link to an article on Willmot Breedon locks as fitted by Jaguar, it relates to XK120,140,150, but I think Jaguar continued to use the same keys on the S1 E Type, so it may give you some answers as to which key and style of key fitted where.

Also some of the responses talk about having the handles rechromed and then not being able to refit the barrels, this is due in some cases to a thick layer of chrome being deposited on the inside of the hole where the barrel fits. If you check the tightness of your barrel in the hole first and then talk to the rechromer, he will usually if requested put something into the hole to prevent the chrome being deposited, so the barrel can then be refitted.

The bigger problem is the wear of the thin fingers that are in the barrel as these over the years get very worn as does the carriageway that they sit in, from continual use. But if they are not too worn then you can strip the barrel (beware the very tiny springs in each of the finger locations), clean all the parts but when reassembling don't use grease, just a light oil, otherwise the lock picks up the dust and rubbish into the grease and increases the wear.

As far as I am aware to cannot buy the thin fingers any more, so will have to use the existing.

Let me know if you can definitely get those other springs made please.
Tony

http://www.bobine.nl/jaguar/12-body/wil ... -and-keys/