Can any kind sole tell me how to find out the number of the key that fits my door locks? I brought a pair of shiny new door handles from eBay for my S3 FHC renovation project but they came without keys.

I stripped one down looking for a number on the barrel but I couldn't see any numbers stamped or otherwise enscribed. Maybe it is my eyesight. Maybe it is my oversight.

Maybe I should buy a new barrel and key set.

Any other advice or sympathy?

geoff reiss
greiss@pm-group.com

Goeff- I have a 65S2 - so my comments apply to that car. When I got a new trunk/boot and glovebox locks, I had the same problem you did. I ended up taking all the locks apart and re-keying them so one key would work them all. It took about an hour, once I had the tumble locks out of the car. It was surprisingly simple. Unfortunately, I'm in Switzerland and the instructions I had written up are no longer on my computer - but check the archives under my name or old email name (Brassrngfm) - they should be there. Pictures also. The tumble locks come out with a screw and a few other bits. Then there are just 5 brass rectangular pieces that fit into each lock that control the lock tumbler mechanism. There are only three positions of the brass pieces - so I simply collected all the brass pieces - inventoried them-- and then chose one key to be the master. Worked great. On one lock - I only used 4 of the five rectangular pieces. I now have one key that does everything. In any case - the car is so easy to break into and drive away key are a cosmetic feature in my opinion anyway!!

Good luck - it's an easy job to do! Write me at brassringfarm@bluewin.ch if you wish.
Paul Zimmerman
26/4600

You should still be able to get replacement barrels and keys. Try Weston Body Hardware (WBH) or one of their resellers - cheaper than most Lotus dealers.

<a href='http://www.wbh.co.uk/' target='_blank'>http://www.wbh.co.uk/</a>

Carl