MG Midget 1500

[Dilk]

I have a 1977 MG Midget 1500 and have possibly broken off part of the ignition key in the barrel. I can see how to take the switch off the back but that is not the problem, how on earth do you get the barrel out of its surround so that I can either replace it or check to see if a bit of key is still in there.

[Miserablegit]

I seem to recall you have to drill out two shear bolts to remove the whole unit. You’ll need replacement shear bolts to reinstall and it might be easier to just replace the whole unit?

[bobtail4x4]

is there a pin or button on the side?
with the key in its often possble to remove the barrel.

[Miserablegit]

https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/steering-lock-assemb...

Here’s a link to what might be the replacement part- sorry I can’t be of more help

[carinaman]

An MG specific website may be of more use.

[ARHarh]

You will probably need to replace the whole unit, I seem to remember this was the case. I had one fail way back in 1989 and I replaced the whole unit. I would not have done this if i could of changed the barrel for less money. But my memory of it is a bit fussy now.

[Penelope Stopit]

Please upload an image for me to look at

[Dilk]

Thanks for the replies so far, I can't get the key into the barrel and had difficulty at the outset which is why there may be a broken piece in the barrel. I can't see any way of getting the barrel out without removing the whole unit as has been suggested. Seems a pain but there we are. I will post a pic of the offending item to possibly help. Thanks again all.

[Dilk]

Pic herewith - hope you can help!

[Hammer67]

Try cutting/modifying a junior hacksaw blade so that it ends in a point.

The teeth on the blade can be useful in retrieving broken keys from locks.

[InitialDave]

The one you posted for sale from Moss, the heads of the bolts shear off when fitted as a security measure, but I'm not sure it's correct for your car - I think this may be the one:
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/steering-lock-assemb...

But the comment about the shear bolts stands.

I'm not familiar with Midgeds specifically, but on many cars, the lock barrel is effectively hollow all the way through to the electrical switch itself, so you may find that if you remove the electrical plug from the back, you can use something narrow to poke the remains of the key back out from that side. Certainly worth a look.

To remove the entire lock assembly, you'd probably need to drill out or cut the shear bolts.

To remove just the barrel, again, no idea on Midgets, but I've encountered two common designs: A spring pin, actuated through a hole in the housing, which you push to let the barrel come out, and a roll pin pressed into the housing, but with a blanking bung smacked into the hole afterwards.

Oh, and it's a common security feature that you can only remove the barrel if you can turn it to the first or second position.

[Penelope Stopit]

You will need to look for a pin that holds the barrel in the lock. It's going to be difficult but, try and remove some of the castings material from around the pin so that you can grip it to pull it out or drill the pin out (Nearly impossible to do as the drill will slip off the pin)

[JT111]

Dilk said:

I have a 1977 MG Midget 1500 and have possibly broken off part of the ignition key in the barrel. I can see how to take the switch off the back but that is not the problem, how on earth do you get the barrel out of its surround so that I can either replace it or check to see if a bit of key is still in there.

If you need advice on all MG Midget/Austin Healey Sprite matters, go here, it's contributors are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful:

https://mg-cars.org.uk/cgi-bin/or17?runprog=mgbbs&...

[Dilk]

Thanks for all the advice - I have sorted the broken bit with the hacksaw blade - great idea! I have found that the 1977 switch unit fitted has been superseded twice and the first unit is not made anymore, nor is the second one but the third one has been given the same part number as the first one! So ordering what seemed to be the correct switch was incorrect. I have damaged the switch but I can start the car by using a screwdriver in the key hole of the switch. The barrel is OK but I need a new switch. I need someone who has an old 1977 Midget for breaking or any other ideas?