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RL keys

studmobile

Diamond Level Sponsor
Have been trying to sort out the different keys used in Rootes cars. Most Tigers were RM series, with about 15% being ST keys/locks. Who used the RL keys? Any Alpine owners have RL keys, or might they belong to other Rootes models? RM and RL keys are interchangeable, with the only difference being the size of the head. Thanks
 

puff4

Platinum Level Sponsor
Also, the Rootes Archive Center in the UK has a stash of NOS keys.... might want to contact them and see if they have your key number.
 

Rootes 66

Donation Time
RL keys were produced for a boot (trunk) lock that was set back in a recess hence the longer shaft, it was still on the drawing board Jan 67 so possibly for the Arrows range. I doubt our vehicles were supplied with them though. The cut profile is exactly the same as RM keys and can be used without problems as Studmobile has already stated.
And a tippet for the nerds It appears the coin dies for punching the key blanks or at least a sample cost £55.
Pete
 

studmobile

Diamond Level Sponsor
I'm not sure about later Rootes vehicles, but an RL or RM key will not fit into the trunk or cubby lock on Tigers or series Alpines. They have different fluting, the horizontal groove cut into the key. The trunk locks used FS keys, usually the hexagonal "Polybow" head with Union printed on one side. Having two keys allowed the valet feature, by leaving the valet only the ignition key. Mark (Volvoguys) helped out on the RL keys, apparently they are listed in the Alpine parts book.
 
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