Thread: Keys issue - 1979 Series 111

I have a 75 series 3 and got 3 keys with that - one for ignition, one for doors and one for the tailgate. My tailgate is actually a garage door T handle so probably not standard but is a testament to Aussie thinking (just use whatever fits)

You can take the locks to a locksmith and for probably around $28 each assuming you remove them from the car and drop them in, they can all be keyed alike to your ignition key. Easiest way is if your ignition key works, take your door locks and tailgate and just have them redone to the ignition key. Should all be the same key profile so not a hard one to do.

Series 3 were different keys for ignition, doors and tailgate - only common keying was the two doors (Same incidentally applies to my 1986 110!).

It is unlikely that the rear door (tailgate) can be common keyed with the doors, although this is possible, since the the cylinders are about the same size, although they are certain to be different profiles, and probably different brand locks.

It is almost certain that these cannot be common keyed with the ignition, which is a much larger key and cylinder, needed to operate the steering lock (I assume it has a steering lock at that date).

The tailgate handle probably is literally a garage door handle - part of the Australian content, and this type of handle, first appearing on car doors in the 1920s, was adopted by garage door manufacturers after car manufacturers stopped using generic door handles.

John

T handle lock from your local hardware store will prob. fit, may be cheaper to replace than re keying, these t handles are easily forced so are a visual deterent only
Brett

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Series 3 were different keys for ignition, doors and tailgate - only common keying was the two doors (Same incidentally applies to my 1986 110!).

It is unlikely that the rear door (tailgate) can be common keyed with the doors, although this is possible, since the the cylinders are about the same size, although they are certain to be different profiles, and probably different brand locks.

It is almost certain that these cannot be common keyed with the ignition, which is a much larger key and cylinder, needed to operate the steering lock (I assume it has a steering lock at that date).

The tailgate handle probably is literally a garage door handle - part of the Australian content, and this type of handle, first appearing on car doors in the 1920s, was adopted by garage door manufacturers after car manufacturers stopped using generic door handles.

John

John,

My Series 3 which is a 75 model has the same key profile for the ignition and the front doors - both are the tiny little key that is only a little over an inch long in total, I frequently put the wrong key in the wrong hole which fits but doesn't turn, both keys also fit my garage door style rear handle but once again do not turn it. Maybe some S3's had different larger keys on the later ones? Mine has no steering lock and they key on the left side of the steering column so maybe this is the difference? I have spoken to other series 3 owners who have just the one key for all 3 locks so possibly it is model dependant?

So is it possible the garage door type handle was fitted from new? It is an Oz built Leyland badged car but is different to the factory type I have seen. Anyone else have a similar one on theirs?

Originally Posted by pfillery

John,

My Series 3 which is a 75 model has the same key profile for the ignition and the front doors - both are the tiny little key that is only a little over an inch long in total, I frequently put the wrong key in the wrong hole which fits but doesn't turn, both keys also fit my garage door style rear handle but once again do not turn it. Maybe some S3's had different larger keys on the later ones? Mine has no steering lock and they key on the left side of the steering column so maybe this is the difference? I have spoken to other series 3 owners who have just the one key for all 3 locks so possibly it is model dependant?

So is it possible the garage door type handle was fitted from new? It is an Oz built Leyland badged car but is different to the factory type I have seen. Anyone else have a similar one on theirs?

Not sure when steering locks came in for all vehicles in Australia, certainly fitted to the 81 model I have, and this key is about three times the size of the door keys. These small lock cylinders need only a little wear to where just about any key will go in - but probably won't turn.

The T-handle on the rear hatch may be original or a replacement (The S3 I have here is a trayback, so that does not help), but from memory there was no difference between a garage door T-handle and the one fitted to the hardtop on the Series hardtops I have owned - other than perhaps a small difference in shape. I would be surprised if locally assembled ones did not use a local handle, and for that matter, most Qld hardtop Landrovers used a locally built hardtop, different in style to the Rover one and made of steel.

John

There must have been a change over some time between mid 70's and early 80's as a lot of the early series 3 seem to have no steering lock and a small key.

My hardtop is alloy though, not steel, and has sliding windows with alloy frames so not sure of the origins of that one - didn't think they made them with steel roof?