Extra keys for 1950's Bentleys

[Paul Bennett]

How are spare keys obtained?

Can I order just using the key / lock number, and if so from where?

Or, does a blank have to be obtained and taken to a locksmith for cutting?

In the 1960's, I recall that most garages (ie. petrol stations) had all the keys hanging up behind the counter and you just asked for, eg. an FS 123!
No doubt you had to go to an authorised dealer for Rolls / Bentley ones.

Apparently, professional car thieves would would peer through car windows with a pocket telescope to read the lock number from the ignition, then just buy the key, (which is probably why things changed.)

Any advice appreciated.

[John Murch]

These people used to be helpful with these type of keys, I don't know if they still are!
http://www.silca.biz/en/156552/united-kingdom.html

[Stephen Blakey]

These people will cut to the RDA number for £15;

https://keysinthepost.com/product/bentley-car-key/

[Paul Bennett]

John and Stephen

Thanks for your advice.

Just ordered from the latter company who obtain their blanks from the former.
It seems too easy! I wonder how they can make the key from the number? Will see if it fits as well as the old key.

I have always been impressed by the smooth and positive action of the 63 year old lock barrels; five of them feel like new, (but the driver's door one has a slight glitch with the tumblers.) I just slide across the bench seat and lock the nearside, (which I think was the only option on older cars, in case one tripped on the gear stick, I presume.)

regards

[Paul Bennett]

Be aware!

Keys ordered by the number alone (and thus cut to the manufacturer's original profile,) will not work in lock barrels that have had 63 years of wear.

Whereas, blanks cut to your old key by your local locksmith will work perfectly.

[Stephen Blakey]

Hi Paul,

Perhaps you could enlighten us as to the experience which led you to say that?

I don't claim to be an expert. I've had an RDA key cut by the company mentioned above and it worked fine, and another elsewhere (for a different MKVI), which also worked fine. The RREC has been selling computer-profiled RDA keys for years and I think we would have heard if they have a high proportion of duds. I don't remember seeing keys among the complaints on their forum. Maybe there are and I've missed them?

[Paul Bennett]

Stephen

Have sent you a p.m.

Regards
Paul

[Stephen Blakey]

Hi Paul,

Sorry to say it hasn't arrived.

Regards,

Stephen

[Paul Bennett]

Ok Stephen,
have e-mailed you

[PeterWilliams53]

ordered keys for six cars '49 > '75 a few years back and NONE worked! Just cannot remember where they came from, but would have been one of the Co's that advertise in BDC or RREC.
Also for one car got the blanks and had keys cut locally, none worked.
Anyone want a box full of new unused keys?

Peter Williams

[Charles Skinner]

If you can find one of the very few remaining alladin's cave-type traditional hardware shops you might have better luck. It is no use putting old, worn keys in one of the "copying" machines found in jack-of-all trades shops that offer dry cleaning, shoe repairs and key cutting. An experienced chap in one of the old established shops will recreate the effects of wear on the new blank. Of course, a good locksmith should be able to the same, but again, they are becoming hard to find among the forest of franchised wallers.

Charles

[Robert Craven]

I've had what may be similar problems with household door locks. If the keycutter (locksmith or franchise) has to use a copy or a worn original to make the new key from it may not work. I was advised to have the locks themselves replaced.

[Gary Andrews]

introcar did one for me probs at all