Here's a good one for you. The inners of my ignition switch have come loose. so much so, that you have to give the old switch a good wiggle and hold it at a certain angle to get it to turn the car off. Now my question is, can i pull it out and tighten it up, or do i have to take it out and take it to a locksmith. Is it something i can do myself? Anyone had a crack at this?

Cheers
Aaron

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Isn't this just normal

Just buy another Ign switch and Key..you will have the original Key for the Doors thou

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

Keys and barrels wear into each other as they get older. Often a new key will upset the delicate balance. A locksmith can show you how they wear. But they're easily available new for less than the labour of fixing them:

http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?pid=37005
http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?pid=36206

Less than 14 pounds (35 bucks) for both.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Aaron, I bought one in from Minispares- I've yet to fit it but it doesn't look like rocket science. AS LONG AS it's the same length as an Oz one... I think Oz cars from deluxe on got a longer barrel than the Poms to stop the keys hitting the dash?

I'll attempt to do mine up tomorrow if I remember- I've had the new key and barrel for bloody years...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Aaron
you didn't say if it is a dash type or steering column type ignition switch. If the former, a five minute job to replace it, the latter takes a little longer. If your'e desperate for another switch, PM me as I have a spare of both types.

Well, I attempted mine (dash type) just now- 5 mins eh..... not this one
YES the MSC one is the right barrel for the Oz Deluxe/Matic/S switch..
NO the old one just won't come out, I can push the locking plunger in but the bloody key is so worn it won't retract the tumblers. Yet, it works the switch OK. Go figure...

So what now, complete new switch time, or do I drill the bloody tumblers out...

<edit> where's our resident locksmith with his lock picks, I want to keep the switch part as it has an accessory position.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Sorry it's for the van and is a dash type. I've sent a quick PM. I'd rather gett a good 2nd hand one rather than buy a new one to be honest. I havn't got alot of faith in new electrical parts anymore.

Cheers
Aaron

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Hey Doc I have it down pat and I can do it in pretty quick time. Keeping my minis on the road over the last 40 odd years has helped with the experience. Hate those steering wheel ignitions though. PIA to fix.

David

After PMs to and for with David, I finally got it out.
I needed to put a tiny flat screwdriver under the lip, and then push the spring loaded pin in.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.