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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - MRN Lock Insert & Key

Anybody have an MRN lock insert & key suitable for an early TD they are willing to part with? I have 2 original ignition switches which are correct for later TD's, FA 525, & FA 578 which has a damaged brown pointer tip, as well as the later version with the window, but I would like to use an original MRN lock & key. I have contacted Pete Groh & he may be able to help but thought before I placed an order I'd give you guys a try. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter,
MRN lock cylinders were not used on a TD. They ended in 1948. The following may clarify:

Series Sequence Numbers Dates of Use
MRN 1 – 50 1932 - 1948
FA 501 – 625 1948 – 1955
FP 626 – 7xx 1955 – 1962
FS 7xx – 925 1962 -
FT Not MG
FR Rover Only
Lew Palmer

Lew I just might have to disagree with you. What is your source? My TD4834 has a MRN 50 non window dipper switch that I believe is original to the car

Cheers

Bill Chasser jr
TD4834

W. A. Chasser Jr

The key sequence numbers came from and confirmed by two well respected sources. Pete Groh and a fellow in the UK. I don't remember his name right off, but I spend a few hours with him in the UK a couple of years ago discussing the whole subject of PLC switches. His whole professional career was spent as a locksmith specializing in auto ignition switches and related equipment. I have also confirmed this by looking at untold numbers of these switches over the years.
Lew Palmer

And of course, Bill, the earlier TDs could have been made with a lock left over from earlier production, since MRNs were used up through 1949. It is also possible that the lock was replaced early in its life. I am only quoting the information from fairly knowledgeable sources, and may not reflect what the factory or a dealer may have done on a single car. Although not specifically MG, another source of this information is: http://www.bobine.nl/jaguar/12-body/wilmot-breeden-union-locks-and-keys/
Lew Palmer

My TD4224 came "out the door" on Nov 7th 1950. The original ignition switch is still in the car and is identified as MRN 50. As the original owner, I can verify that it is the same switch that was in the car as delivered by the dealer.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

You gotter love this site! Keep it coming guys. I'm pretty sure that some MRN switches were used on TD's simply because there were probably a pile of them still sitting on a shelf when the production of the TC ended in 1949 & the first TD rolled off the production line. They were almost certainly used even when the FA came along simply to get rid of old stock. One simply can't or shouldn't doubt an original owner like George. In the T type world & certainly in my book these guys are international treasures & we should treat them as such & hang on every word! Seems TD 4224 & TD 4834 both had MRN switches so the question is or should be when did they run out of MRN's? My baby is TD 5801 so it's possible, probable, likely even that she came with an MRN. Does anyone have a later TD with a MRN? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Anybody else out there have a TD with a MRN lock? Also still looking to buy a MRN. George & Bill's TD's both with ignition locks MRN 50 is some coincidence as the range was MRN 1 to MRN 50. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Now I'm curious. My switch says nothing but "Lucas." The key is Wilmot FS888. Could be a '74 Moss repro. Ideas? Pic may follow if I can figure it how on an iPhone. Jud

J K Chapin

JK. These windowed ignition switches were the Lucas replacement starting in the 60's and beyond. Look at the cylinder and see what it says for letters and numbers. Probably a FS nnn.

I took one of these and used the bezel and knob from my original and made a hybrid when my original was no longer functional. They are functional equivalent to the FA and MRN that were standard on the T's.
Christopher Couper

Thanks Chris. I'm sure it's a replacement from during the PO's refurbishment in the early '70s. The key says FS888 but there is no writing on the barrel. It looks good, works well and I can live with it. non-anal Jud (Peter, I love the work you do, I just lack the skill and patience. Keep it up for the good of the marque) BTW, I did sucessfully post that pic directly from my iPhone.
J K Chapin

Thanks Jud. I get so much from this site I'm pleased to be able to give a little back. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Chris - you've spoiled my Sunday. Here I was thinking that my TC (owned by me for 25 years and only the third owner) was virtually original. My ignition switch is a "windowed" FS934 and key number the same. Logic dictates that it was replaced sometime in the 60's.
Many thanks all for your great contributions.
Peter (TC9356)
Peter Malkin

Peter your TC almost certainly had the MRN series lock & key though is is just possible that it may have left Abingdon with an FA series as they were introduced towards the end of 1949. According to Craig Seabrook & Pete Groh very late TC's & early TD's could originally have had either but the FP & FS are definitely incorrect, as Chris suggests. I believe I have located two MRN locks in the States & a source for the original & very moderately priced Wilmot Breeden Union keys in England. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I've only seen two codes, MRN 48 and MRN 50.
David
D. Sander

I know of the existence of the following MRN's: 7, 28, 39 & 46 as well as George & Bill's 50 & now the 48 that you mention David. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter snag a couple of mrn keys for me
W. A. Chasser Jr

Bill if you contact me off line I'll pass on my source in England for the Wilmot Breeden Union keys. The postage is actually a bit more than the cost of the key! You'd be better off contacting them direct. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter
I have a few spare switches. Contact me at
GARY KRUKOSKI AT YAHOO DOT COM

Gary
gl krukoski

Hi Gary. The switch I've just restored came from you. I'll contact you off line. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Gary & Hugh. You have mail. I have the details of the supplier in England Bill if you still need it. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I now know of MRN 7, 9, 27, 28, 39, 46, 48 & 50 that still exist. I've also found most suppliers of MRN keys & blanks acknowledge the MRN as being used on both the TC & the early TD. Though what an early TD is, is anybody's guess. Bill's TD 4834 is fitted with the last MRN I'm aware of but I'm still not sure how far into the TD production run the MRN was used. Perhaps we'll never know.. Cheers
Peter TD 5801.
P Hehir

Just purchased two original MRN's (28 & 46, locks only, with extensions & no keys) from Pete Groh & he still has a couple more. Original unused 50+ year old NOS Wilmot Breedon MRN keys are available from Triple-C in the States @ $20 each & I've ordered one each of the above. I'll fit the best MRN & keep the other as a spare. I have a bezel coming from Gary & will use this & the body from the windowed switch that was on the car in 1969 & Pete's other lock. The FTFU switch decals arrived this morning & they are a perfect reproduction of the original silk screened lettering. Cost is $8 each. The Whitworth Shop service is very attractive but is beyond my budget. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

This thread was discussed between 01/01/2015 and 08/01/2015

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