Brian,
My '64 TR4 [CT38895/LO] has a German Manufacture steering column /
ignition switch lock installed under the dash. When I bought the car in
Germany in '67, and for many years after, I thought the lock had been
added either by the German dealer or the previous owner since there was
an empty hole where the ignition switch/lock normally resides. When I
finally got a BMIHT build record a few years ago I was surprised to find
the steering column lock had been installed at the factory since it was
mentioned on the certificate. (no mention of the empty hole! - since
used to mount a 4 way hazard flasher device).
About a year ago I exchanged some email with John Macartney about this
lock arrangement and he wrote:
"STEERING LOCK: This was available as an extra, but not line
fitted if the car was going to a market where they were not
a legal requirement. AFAIR, they were made by WASO, a German
company and this would explain the German writing on the
lock barrel. WASO locks were more often than not a standard
fitting on Belgian built cars and it's clear some of those
with Belgian origin have ended up in the States- e.g.
Injected TR5's and 6's. Hope this clarifies. Jonmac"
The only occasion I've had to look at this lock closely was during the
restoration on my car 5 - 6 yrs ago. As best I remember, and it's been a
while, the lock is mounted with a pair of screws designed to self
destruct if removal is attempted - the lock was not removed from its
mounting on the steering column! I don't know how to disassemble the
lock cylinder.
The original key to my lock is marked "Neiman, ser. no. 14231A". In the
early 70's I had a duplicate key cut - blank is by Dominion Lock Co.
(Canada) # H61 YR. Both these keys are now worn so thin that they are
too fragile for ordinary use. Sometime in the 80's I had another key cut
- blank is Taylor #X12. Several months ago I set out to have a second
useful key made and no locksmith in my area (suburban Chicago) had or
could (would) get the exact correct blank. After a lot of messing
around, an Ilco #NE9 blank was cut and I filed the thickness of the key
tang somewhat to fit into the lock and function. I now have 2 useful
keys.
A year or so ago one of these locks (a NOS kit) came up for auction on
eBay and as I recall it went for several hundred dollars - I was amazed
at the time.
I've never seen another TR4 fitted with a steering lock and it's
interesting to me that you are involved with one - I assume it was
originally delivered to Germany, etc.
By the way, the DESMO badge/light bar you sent me early this year has
been rechromed and I think it looks great on the front of my car with a
pair of Lucas 576 lights plus VTR & TSOA badges.
brgds, Jay
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