I have three different keys for my County. Is it possible to need only one?

[alittlebitconcerned]

Hello wise forum.

My 85 County has a key for the ignition, a key for the front doors and another for the back door. My ignition key is much longer than the door keys.

I’ve seen I can buy new barrels for all the doors that are all keyed alike but I’m hoping I can have the ignition use the same key. Anyone know if this is possible?

[Homestar]

I just use the ignition key in my 101 then lock the doors by reaching in through the window, then slide the window shut - it keeps the honest people out. [emoji106]

[Tins]

Hello wise forum.

My 85 County has a key for the ignition, a key for the front doors and another for the back door. My ignition key is much longer than the door keys.

I’ve seen I can buy new barrels for all the doors that are all keyed alike but I’m hoping I can have the ignition use the same key. Anyone know if this is possible?

Pretty sure it's not. Maybe you could get one of the myriad of central locking kits from one of the usual online suspects.

[windsock]

My 1984 cab chassis 110 has only the one key for ignition and both doors.

[alittlebitconcerned]

My 1984 cab chassis 110 has only the one key for ignition and both doors.

Interesting! Do you know if it’s original?

[windsock]

I have no idea really but I have no reason to think otherwise. Ignition and driver door tumblers are loose enough to be original and the passenger door is still relatively tight. The key is a copy of a very worn key I got with the truck back in 2008. Unless there was a supplier of Land Rover tumblers that came in a set before I purchased it I cannot think of any way they are not original.

I have transferred the drivers door tumbler to a new door latch mechanism and that is the only change I have made.

[Gav 110]

Hello wise forum.

My 85 County has a key for the ignition, a key for the front doors and another for the back door. My ignition key is much longer than the door keys.

I’ve seen I can buy new barrels for all the doors that are all keyed alike but I’m hoping I can have the ignition use the same key. Anyone know if this is possible?

I believe you are missing 2 keys[emoji12]
One for the console cubby box and the one for the bonnet[emoji481][emoji481]

I have tried different locksmiths to try and achieve what you are asking, one bloke did try to find a solution to no avail, every other one didn’t have a clue or give a rats arse, so my solution is don’t worry about locking it and keep the ignition key in a safe place (usually the ignition).
I have found if it’s not a landcruiser , people aren’t interested in stealing it🤣

[econti]

If the door keys have the same profile then they can be keyed the same. Just try put the driver's door key in the back door. If it fits then take it out and take it to a good locksmith.
The ignition, if it's like mine, is a separate profile and so cannot be keyed the same.
I'm a locksmith by trade.

[cjc_td5]

I have no idea really but I have no reason to think otherwise. Ignition and driver door tumblers are loose enough to be original and the passenger door is still relatively tight. The key is a copy of a very worn key I got with the truck back in 2008. Unless there was a supplier of Land Rover tumblers that came in a set before I purchased it I cannot think of any way they are not original.

I have transferred the drivers door tumbler to a new door latch mechanism and that is the only change I have made.

Windsock, is you single key short single sided like to usual door ones, or longer double sided like the usual ignition key?

To the OP, you could fit a new ignition switch in the dash, from say a series 2, which uses a very similar short single sided key? You'd lose the steering lock though, which technically would not be legal....

[windsock]

Interesting! Do you know if it’s original?

Your question made me hunt down the original key I got with the truck. Took me 3/4 of an hour but I found it [thumbsupbig]

It was so worn I was worried when I first got the truck in 2008 that it would stop working one day. Very well worn but I can still make out the Union Brand and the stamped key number. I can see "Made" & "England" on one side and it is too worn on the other side to make anything else out other than the stamped key number. It is an old Union FT Series key. Can we assume that because it is a stamped key number it is original? Key cutting place had to cut to the registered pattern of the key number it was so worn so I had to go to a security key place to get it, not the one ubiquitous one you see in the mall... new key had no number stamped into it.

[windsock]

Windsock, is you single key short single sided like to usual door ones, or longer double sided like the usual ignition key?

To the OP, you could fit a new ignition switch in the dash, from say a series 2, which uses a very similar short single sided key? You'd lose the steering lock though, which technically would not be legal....

Double sided, see my second post above this... Just measured the depth of the key in the tumbler... approx 25mm of useful key.

[JDNSW]

Pre-1987 110s had different size key barrels for the ignition, doors and (where fitted) rear door. The bonnet lock (where fitted) is the same size barrel as the rear door, and on mine they are keyed the same.

Common keying them seems to be only feasible by replacing the locks (and hence doors) with those from 1987 on.

I simply fitted central locking for all five doors and I don't lock the bonnet as a general rule.

[Tins]

I simply fitted central locking for all five doors and I don't lock the bonnet as a general rule.

John, did you just use one of those generic CL kits? Obviously I don't need it for the Discos, but it would be brilliant on the OKA, which needs a key to lock all three doors.

[JDNSW]

John, did you just use one of those generic CL kits? Obviously I don't need it for the Discos, but it would be brilliant on the OKA, which needs a key to lock all three doors.

Yes, I had to get a bit creative both with the rear door (took off the inside locking knob and added a small lever for the actuator to pull on) and the key operation (added a microswitch on the back of the key barrel). It only operates off the driver's door, and does not have remote operation - it was more money and I did not think it was worth it. That was in 1994, from memory.

[Tins]

That was in 1994, from memory.

And it's still working?? Can't see that happening with one of these $30 jobs from guess who.

[alittlebitconcerned]

Many many thanks everyone for the effort gone to and advice given, very much appreciated.
So far doesn’t seem to be any easy answer, and yes I am missing the keys that fit the bonnet, or the lock is broken because the keys I have don’t fit.

Ignition key is much bigger than the rear door key which is slightly bigger than the side doors which is a bit bigger than the cubby key. Sounds like in my year model this is just how it was. What the hell were they thinking?!

I had briefly considered central locking but installing supposed good quality steelmate central locking kits on two previously owned hilux ‘s (before I saw the light) didn’t prove reliable, but that was many years ago. Perhaps there’s better more reliable options now? Kinda want to keep it simpler though but if that’s the only option; just dunno. Twice bitten.

Also briefly considered the newer doors but I was dreaming. Too pricey for me.

I spoke with 4wd industries who believe their products can get me all doors keys keyed alike but not ignition, but even that is in doubt now by the sounds of it. I’ll have to take the door skins off and have a look.

I love my 85 County but it sure has its quirks!

[JDNSW]

.....What the hell were they thinking?!

.......

I think that what you need to remember is that this is a direct descendant of the original Landrover. With door tops and tilt optional equipment, door locks were not even thought of. They became optional somewhere in the 1950s, but did not become standard equipment until much later. Since they were optional, common keying with the ignition was not even thought of, although at this stage it would have been possible. Rear doors initially used the door lock, but this was not very satisfactory and later special locks were used - but I suspect they were not from the same supplier, so there was no impetus for things such as common keying or having interchangeable cylinders.

Then somewhere in the 1970s, some jurisdictions mandated steering locks. These needed a much more massive key to work the locking mechanism, and the length needed could not be fitted to the door locks without redesign of them, which did not happen until 1987 (Leyland treated Landrover as a cash cow from about 1970 until the breakup of Leyland, so money for change was not available).

[Arapiles]

Ignition key is much bigger than the rear door key which is slightly bigger than the side doors which is a bit bigger than the cubby key ...... What the hell were they thinking?


Well, we lost the key to our HR Holden one time and Dad was getting very distressed about it until I showed them something that 11 year old me had sussed out about a year earlier - the key for our HD Holden would start the HR. Turns out that Holden only had 1000 keys and ours were close enough to each other to work on both cars.

[econti]

What the hell were they thinking?!

LR were probably one of the last to do it, but it was very common for cars to have different keys for everything. Most old GM stuff, Italian, etc they were all different. Germans were some of the first to try and make everything the same.
Yes, I think it's dumb too. But it did make me a good bit of money when I was doing automotive locksmithing.

[Specialist Developments]

Hello wise forum.

My 85 County has a key for the ignition, a key for the front doors and another for the back door. My ignition key is much longer than the door keys.

I’ve seen I can buy new barrels for all the doors that are all keyed alike but I’m hoping I can have the ignition use the same key. Anyone know if this is possible?

I would fit a central locking motor to the lock mechanism so you could use a keyring button 😉

[DeeJay]

Many many thanks everyone for the effort gone to and advice given, very much appreciated.
So far doesn’t seem to be any easy answer, and yes I am missing the keys that fit the bonnet, or the lock is broken because the keys I have don’t fit.

Ignition key is much bigger than the rear door key which is slightly bigger than the side doors which is a bit bigger than the cubby key. Sounds like in my year model this is just how it was. What the hell were they thinking?!

I had briefly considered central locking but installing supposed good quality steelmate central locking kits on two previously owned hilux ‘s (before I saw the light) didn’t prove reliable, but that was many years ago. Perhaps there’s better more reliable options now? Kinda want to keep it simpler though but if that’s the only option; just dunno. Twice bitten.

Also briefly considered the newer doors but I was dreaming. Too pricey for me.

I spoke with 4wd industries who believe their products can get me all doors keys keyed alike but not ignition, but even that is in doubt now by the sounds of it. I’ll have to take the door skins off and have a look.

I love my 85 County but it sure has its quirks!

Having owned a few Counties I found the ignition key quite different to the door key and that was different again to the rear door key. As highlighted above. Given that I had to look at the key before using it, I found the best solution was to select the appropriate key. Somehow I never tried to put the smaller door key in the ignition, or the large ignition key in a door. Land Rover, in their wisdom continued this tradition on to the Defender ( up to the TD5- the extent that I have experienced) My thoughts on a console key run along the thinking that a thief is hardly going to break into a car & then say "oh, this flimsy console has a lock on it, I give up" so I've never bothered, I just lock the door. Anyway, I drive Land Rovers & cant afford any valuables..[smilebigeye]

[barney]

Having owned a few Counties I found the ignition key quite different to the door key and that was different again to the rear door key.


As much as the door key is different to a small swiss army knife nail file, yet they both work in my locks. Just as well no one wants to steal them.

[nevik51]

My 85 county Ive had it since 1989 show room condition(close to it) 4 keys only 1 key for front doors,one key bonnet & rear door,one key ignition,one key console.I have managed well all these years i dont keep keys in one holder only ign & front doors bonnet & rear doors are mainly always locked.I have a bag w/proof hidden 4 keys else were.

[alittlebitconcerned]

The county in question is my daily work truck full of tools so opening and closing all door constantly is a pain. I like the idea suggested of putting a series barrel in the ignition (allowing the wheel lock) and matching all barrels and keys, but there’s enough (cough) mods done already I want to comply as much as possible.

By the sounds of it the central locking might be the way forward although as I mentioned I’m a it shy to go to the trouble if it doesn’t last more than a few years which is my experience. Others have had better luck. With reliability being my main consideration can anyone recommend a kit? Not bagging them but for what it’s worth my last two were steelmate kits.

[JDNSW]

I just had an unsuccessful look to see if I can find any identification on my central locking - no luck. Over about 25 years it has only had a few problems, invariably due to broken wires where they bend with opening of the doors, or very occasionally wear in the locking mechanism has required readjustment of the actuators. Note that low battery (or a poor power connection) will make them unreliable. On at least one occasion, this has been the result of an otherwise undetected loose fan belt combined with short trips.

[alittlebitconcerned]

Really appreciate you going to the effort John. When I bought my county it had a lot of electrical gremlins causing bat drain just sitting in my driveway. I’ve sorted them out (I think) but thinking about what you’ve said I’m going to wait until I permanently mount my solar panels before adding any extra load to the system.

See how these things go? Started with wanting one key and ended up with central locking and solar panels. I can’t help myself.

[gossamer]

I only got one key with my County, anyone know where you can buy a replacement bonnet lock?

[Gav 110]

I only got one key with my County, anyone know where you can buy a replacement bonnet lock?

Not sure where to get a replacement lock, but before you get to far into getting a new lock, check you have a latch, one of my 110s had the lock but no latch on the bonnet[emoji848]
I replaced the bonnet with a new (second hand) bonnet with the spare tyre mount and got the latch
Changed the bonnet to my new 110 and found the pin that latches into mechanism to hold the bonnet down was too small and had to swap from the original
Both 110s 1985 build, so obviously Land Rover were using up some leftover series parts[emoji12]

[emoji481][emoji481][emoji481]

Gav