Lucas PLC2 ignition lock/switch

[GY1939]

Dear Lock Buffs the world over,

I have inherited my Grandmother's 1939 Vauxhall GY sedan. The ignition lock/switch ... a Lucas PLC2 .. is so badly worn that if I manage to get the key in and working then I have to leave it there 24/7 - not a major problem in the sleepy little country town where we live but it prevents me from taking the car for longer runs.

I can't find a locksmith prepared to even take a look at it, let alone rebuild it ... and am struggling to even be able to identify the type of barrel. I'm no locksmith but it can't be rocket science - it must either be worn tumblers or springs.

A brand new Lucas PLC2 identical to mine was sold at auction unbeknowns to me in New Zealand on Feb 23 for $50. You can view that assembly here ....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/vintage-parts/electrics/auction-849093927.htm

I'd be grateful of any advice, suggestions, identification, whatever.

Cheers,
Keva Lloyd,
Sea Lake,
Australia.

[nick08037]

Is your key similar to the one displayed in the recent auction link you provided?

Have you looked at the information on either of these 2 websites?

http://ttypes.org/ttt2/the-lucas-plc-2-switch

http://www.mg-cars.net/mgtd-mgtf1500-bb ... 613440.htm

[GY1939]

Yes Nick ... my key is identical ... except for the groove pattern down the side of the key.

Yes, I've seen pretty much every webpage that google brings up for the PLC2 assembly. None that I've found ... except the NZ auction site ... have shown the key as in my Vauxhall. I've even been trying to find an exploded drawing to give me some idea of what I might find inside the barrel.

Cheers,
Keva

[billdeserthills]

Have You considered a steering wheel lock and a kill switch?

[nick08037]

Yes Nick ... my key is identical ... except for the groove pattern down the side of the key.

Yes, I've seen pretty much every webpage that google brings up for the PLC2 assembly. None that I've found ... except the NZ auction site ... have shown the key as in my Vauxhall. I've even been trying to find an exploded drawing to give me some idea of what I might find inside the barrel.

Cheers,
Keva

You may want to consider trying to find another working barrel / lock cylinder that will fit or be made to fit your ignition switch assembly, the website shows some examples of disassembly down to the barrel and if you search ebay for lucas ignition lock there is an assortment of lock cylinders that might be a working candidate for the swap. This might yield a more practical alternative to rebuilding the cylinder itself.

[Squelchtone]

Folks, does anyone read any rules here at all any more?

Forum Description:

This Old Lock
Need help fixing or installing a lock? We welcome questions from the public here! Sorry, no automotive questions, please.


ONLY, and only because its a 1939 vehicle will I allow this thread to continue, but in the future, please note area is not for automotive locks. We help you today, and we may be helping a car thief tomorrow, and since we'd rather not do that, we simply don't discuss automotive locks/ignitions in the public areas of the forum.

Thanks for your understanding
Squelchtone

[GY1939]

My humblest apologies. I just saw "This Old Lock" and thought, "I'm in here!"

I'll keep looking for a replacement barrel but the last clown who convinced me he'd fix it also broke the bakelight toggle so I'm in the market for one of those as well!

Cheers,
Keva

[Squelchtone]

My humblest apologies. I just saw "This Old Lock" and thought, "I'm in here!"

I'll keep looking for a replacement barrel but the last clown who convinced me he'd fix it also broke the bakelight toggle so I'm in the market for one of those as well!

Cheers,
Keva

You should look on ebay

Here is a PLC2 without key cylinder http://www.ebay.com/itm/251637641241 in Cyprus

and a PLC5 with key with key cylinder http://www.ebay.com/itm/361150323822 in the UK


also, have you contacted Lucas? they seem to be in business still, maybe they make a direct replacement to your cylinder, bet they could even pin it up so match your current keys if you send them the numbers off the key or a photo of the cuts.

see this ebay ad, http://www.ebay.com/itm/231464713418 the Lucas box looks new, so look them up and call or email them

good luck
Squelchtone

[Squelchtone]

oy.. another PLC2 with key I just found on ebay UK http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321689612811

[GY1939]

Thanks Squelchtone, I'd been looking on ebay ... but ebay Australia it seems doesn't necessarily bring up items in the UK. I might just have to chase one of those and get our London-based son to bring it with him to Thailand at the end of the month when we catch up!

Cheers,
Keva

[Squelchtone]

Thanks Squelchtone, I'd been looking on ebay ... but ebay Australia it seems doesn't necessarily bring up items in the UK. I might just have to chase one of those and get our London-based son to bring it with him to Thailand at the end of the month when we catch up!

Cheers,
Keva

I was thinking, since you found *our* forum, is there possibly a Vauxhall forum where other members may have spare parts to trade or sell? and there seems to be one, maybe worth to sign up there and post what you need. http://www.voc1903-57.co.uk/mybb/archive/index.php

There's this one too, not sure if they would cover your year and model http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/index.php

good luck
Squelchtone

[cledry]

You might take the key to a locksmith and have him cut a key that is shallow this will compensate for the worn pins. I usually throw about 4 sheets of paper under the key to start with.