Lost the keys for an old/classic Fiat! Help!

Lost the keys for an old/classic Fiat! Help!

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Discussion

MJK 24

Original Poster:

5,648 posts

235 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
quotequote all
I have in my care a 1974 Fiat 127 that has covered precisely 1,286 miles from new. I have also lost the keys for said vehicle :-(

As we speak the car is parked in my yard with the wheels on a right hand lock. It's locked and there's no spare keys.

Can anyone offer any advice on where to go from here?! This car is virtually perfect and I don't want to damage it getting back inside!

trashbat

6,005 posts

152 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
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Well... assuming no deadlocks, it's easy enough to break into an older car without damage, but that won't get you very far will it? You'll presumably have to source new locks and ignition barrel.

There's also a possibility that cars of that age don't have many different key combinations, but then there's not exactly an abundance of ancient Fiat owners to try it with.

minky monkey

1,524 posts

165 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
quotequote all
Call a mobile locksmith. They can cut a key to the barrel usually. Not a cheap option, but it'd save breaking barrels etc.

Or if it's just to move it around, see if you can get a set of dollys to go under the wheels.

Personally, I'd go with the locksmith, as you've got to get keys for it anyway.

BritishRacinGrin

24,602 posts

159 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
quotequote all
The logical thing to do would be to find the keys?

NigelAllen

104 posts

186 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
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I own a lot of old Fiats, and have quite a few spare old keys. Dependant on whether you are local ( South Coast).

Or I have a selection of replacement ignition switches, complete with keys that you could replace your ignition with.?

Or, I am happy to tell you how to remove the existing switch from the column, so the steering lock won't engage, if that helps short term?

None of it complicated or difficult

MJK 24

Original Poster:

5,648 posts

235 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
quotequote all
Hello,

Thanks everyone for the help. Nigel has offered some very helpful advice and is able to source some parts which is a big help. I've also managed to source some new parts if needed at quite sensible prices. This surprised me being an ex Alfasud owner where sourcing something like a lock set would extremely difficult.

I'll keep everyone updated!

PS no chance of finding the keys. They're gone forever unfortunately!