T3 Key

[smsw]

This is not going to be a hot tip since I have a feeling there are not millions of '70's T3's on the road looking for ignition keys.  For my current project of getting my old T3 running, I doscovered that I only had one ignition key.  That would not do - I misplace keys and eye glasses 3 to 5 times a day.  A visit to my locksmith got me one duplicate - but it cost $12 (or 2 for 20).  I decided to live w/ one dupe.

Fast forward to today.  The project is getting closer to the road, but in prep for tomorrow's MG breakfast in Kent, Ohio, I decided to quickly look through my back issues of MGNOC Newsletters - going back to the '80's.  I'm going to bring them and offer these newsletters around.  Low and behold, I had written 'T3 key, pg 3' on one of the 1984 issues.

It seems that James Mariner in KY discovered that a Master #15 key blank fits the ignition lock "if you file 0.012" off each side".  A trip to my basement, grabbed a key, popped it in my key machine and duped my T3 ignition key.  Cat's Pajamas!  It works...without filing 12/1000 off the two sides.  Yes its a bit snug, but it works fine.  I'll hit it with that file, but Master #15 or Ilco 1092 (same blank) fits.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If one has the original switch still installed and the first letter of the key code (stamped next to the key slot) is "H", then the following blanks will work:

    Silca AF5D
    Ilco F91H
    Dominion 63SH
    Taylor F69H
    Curtis FT31

[smsw]

If one has the original switch still installed and the first letter of the key code (stamped next to the key slot) is "H", then the following blanks will work:

    Silca AF5D
    Ilco F91H
    Dominion 63SH
    Taylor F69H
    Curtis FT31

That is correct.  And go price those key blanks.  Better yet, try and find them.  Master #15 (and that Ilco number) are about as common as fleas on a camel.  And probably cost as much (as those fleas).  I had half a dozen keys for my Honda, Have 4 or 5 for my VStrom, and now I can have all I want for the T3.  Why do I need so many keys?  One gets hidden on the bike, one for everyday use, one flat in my wallet thru two slits in a credit card sized piece of cardboard.  Overkill?  When I make them myself very cheap insurance.  YMMV.

Better yet, here is a more complete list.  Most made of unobtanium unless you are a locksmith.
ALBA - F27C
BOERKEY - 715%
CEA - CRM4S
CHARLES BIRCH - 5563
CURTIS - FT-31
DOMINION LOCK - 63SH
ERREBI - 123H
HD - 63SH
ILCO - F91H
ILCO - F91HS
JMA - FEM-2I
KIS - F14
KRAGA - I22
LOTUS - SP4
ORION - FAH
RR - SPA19
TAYLOR - F69H

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

A five second Google search yielded a source for both the Ilco and Dominion blanks, about $10 ea.

One can always order keys already cut to code from Keys4Classic.com. A little slower and a bit more expensive than it was two years ago, but still a viable alternative.