Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks, lo (2016)

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ElTigre1

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Proof that I am getting too old to ride, but not enough proof to make me actually hang up the keys (If I could find them)

I have somehow misplaced the ignition key and the Corbin seat key. I have a couple of questions. Is there any avenue for finding a key blank? I have looked on EBay but am unable to confirm that available keys will fit the MK III. Some sources say there is a difference among years. Local locksmith says many different brands use the same key blanks. If I can find one, he says he can make a key for it. This would cost somewhere near $100. Problem is, I don't have a truck, and I'm not so sure how hard it would be to remove the switch and take it to the locksmith. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

For less than $100, you could get a whole new ignition switch with keys. On the Corbin lock, I got nothin'. I've heard their customer service is horrible.

See if there's a number on top the switch. The lock barrel can also be changed out without changing the whole switch, but I think that requires a key.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

if you cant get a key cut remove the ignition unit from the consol ,then on the side of the ignition unit there is a hole,push a peg in the hole and the tumbler will come right out then replace with a new one that will come with 2 keys, as soon as you have done that you will find your keys then you can open your seat cheers
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

baz said:
if you cant get a key cut remove the ignition unit from the consol ,then on the side of the ignition unit there is a hole,push a peg in the hole and the tumbler will come right out then replace with a new one that will come with 2 keys, as soon as you have done that you will find your keys then you can open your seat cheers
Click to expand...

Can that be done without the key? Pretty sure the tumbler barrel is locked in without it.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

$100 is way too much for a locksmith to cut a key. They have a tool which goes in the lock and figures out the pattern to cut. It takes less than 10 minutes. I think it was $15 with me bringing the lock into the shop. Key blanks are available. The originals were made by Union but there are several other makers too. There are sellers on the internet who have used Brit keys and can match up the numbers also.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Danno said:
baz said:
if you cant get a key cut remove the ignition unit from the consol ,then on the side of the ignition unit there is a hole,push a peg in the hole and the tumbler will come right out then replace with a new one that will come with 2 keys, as soon as you have done that you will find your keys then you can open your seat cheers
Click to expand...

Can that be done without the key? Pretty sure the tumbler barrel is locked in without it.
Click to expand...

I believe the barrel can be removed from the 4-position (Lucas 149SA) switch without having to insert the key, but the earlier 2-position (S45) switch it can't.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

My MKIII uses an FS key blank in the ignition and factory seat lock
http://www.keys4classics.com/html/British_early.html
But without a code or makings on the lock it is doubtful you will be able to cut it correctly. If the ignition has a number a Norton dealer might be able to cross reference it to a specific key or bitting. A IN8 blank will fit into the ignition in a pinch but it is better to get the correct blank.

My Corbin seat uses a Ilco IN8 blank. It has a number on the lock which I tried to cross reference using my key code software but I could not find a bitting to match that lock. It might be Corbin specific code. If you PM the lock number I will research it for you.

The fork lock might be a Neiman NE7. It is a steel key as opposed to a brass or brass/alloy key (I guess that is to avoid breakage) that is a longer key to clear the handlebar. I do not have a code stamped on the one lock installed or the two in my scrap bin.

Hope this helps a little bit.

Pete


EDIT:
Looking into the Corbin seat lock more it appears to be a Corbin specific number. On the plus side it is a common cam lock, but if the seat is on the bike you can't remove it to replace it, unless you pick it open.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Danno said:
baz said:
if you cant get a key cut remove the ignition unit from the consol ,then on the side of the ignition unit there is a hole,push a peg in the hole and the tumbler will come right out then replace with a new one that will come with 2 keys, as soon as you have done that you will find your keys then you can open your seat cheers
Click to expand...

Can that be done without the key? Pretty sure the tumbler barrel is locked in without it.
Click to expand...
hmmmm i'm sure i have changed them without a key but it was a long time ago so i could be wrong !!
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Long shot but I heard of guys keeping a spare in the Headlight shell?
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Any lock shop will have blank in stock Early Jaguar and Austin Healy are the same blank, amongst many other British make. There is nothing proprietary about this blank.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Thanks, all. The tip about the seat key and the ignition being the same was helpful. I still have the seat key, as I have the Corbin on now, so seat key was in a drawer. At least I have something to take to the locksmith to match. I am trying to avoid the expense of having the bike towed to the locksmith, as I don't have a truck. I have now found a locksmith that will do it for $50-60. I am someone whom friends keep away from all wrenches. I am 75 years old and more than a bit forgetful. As I look at the bike, it is different from the earlier bikes with the switch below the seat. I see that two 12mm bolts hold the assembly to the bars. Before I go removing any bolts, I'm wondering what I will find, and if the entire piece could then be removed and taken to the locksmith. I am assuming that what I will find is a nightmare of wires that would have to be sorted out, one by one. to remove and replace. Any further ideas? I have looked for spare lock and key set online and can't find any. Even if I did, I would still be faced with the task of replacing it.

Thanks
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

ElTigre1 said:
As I look at the bike, it is different from the earlier bikes with the switch below the seat. I see that two 12mm bolts hold the assembly to the bars. Before I go removing any bolts, I'm wondering what I will find, and if the entire piece could then be removed and taken to the locksmith. I am assuming that what I will find is a nightmare of wires that would have to be sorted out, one by one. to remove and replace.
Click to expand...

The Mk3 console is fixed to the upper yoke/tree by the two 1/4" UNF bolts* (so 7/16" hexagon not 12mm) but you will have to disconnect the wiring from the ignition switch and warning lights to remove the console.

*(parts lists show studs & nuts) Edit: I replaced the hex. bolts with Allen heads which makes refitting the console easier.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

We have a mantra at our house. We say, "How hard could it be?" Then we cry. So...How hard could it be? What will I find interms of complications?

Thanks.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

ElTigre1 said:
We have a mantra at our house. We say, "How hard could it be?" Then we cry. So...How hard could it be? What will I find interms of complications?
Click to expand...

It shouldn't be too difficult to remove/disconnect, and we will be here to help you when it comes to reconnecting the wires.

The lugs on the original plastic consoles have often become brittle with age, so just take care.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Thanks. I have the little bugger in my hand, I took pictures and drew a diagram to mark wire positions. High Hopes.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Thanks again, all. Mission accomplished. All back together. Lights, ignition, turn signals...check,check,check.. I drew a diagram and took photos. No sweat.Following the advice as to price, I shopped around and got the lock re-keyed and three keys for $41.
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

thats good well done mate
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Give it a day or two and your old keys will show up. ;-)
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

gortnipper said:
Give it a day or two and your old keys will show up. ;-)
Click to expand...

How many times has that happened, I have never lost any key in my whole life but my wife on the other hand, eveyday she is always looking for the car keys, if she hung them up as soon as she come in the front door she have no problems, but she is always in a hurry to go to the bathroom and always put the keys down where their not surpose to be put and expect everone to drop everthing to look for her keys or sun glasses, bloody women :lol:

Ashley
 
Re: Lost key 1975 Norton MK III. Where do I find key blanks

Not to be a smart ass here but I lost the Norton keys twice; once it took me a week to find them after I had tossed the house and garage two or three times, they turned up in the pocket of the drivers door. As soon as I saw them(I had quit looking for them) I remembered the circumstances of why I placed them there.

The other time (it actually happened twice) the lost keys were attached to the magnet on the bottom of my tank bag. I look there first now.
Ride On
Dave
 
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