| Author | Message | ||
     David M Unregistered guest Posted From: 203.39.81.13 |
Hi Everybody, My recent purchase of a Bentley Eight was supposed to come with books, but now that it has arrived I haven't been able to find them. However, I haven't been able to look in the glovebox as the one key that came with the car doesn't open it. If I contact Bentley in UK with the chassis No. will they be able to send one over? If the glovebox is opened and empty should I again contact Bentley UK for an owner's book and service book to (re)commence a service history? Or are there local (Australian, I'm in Adelaide) places I could try first? Thanks. David (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| Gordon Norris Frequent User Username: crewes_missile Post Number: 78 Registered: 2-2005 |
David, The cars come with 2 keys: a master key which opens everything and a "limited" or "valet" key which only opens the door, and the ignition, so a valet cannot delve into the glovebox, console or boot. Assuming no locks have been changed on the car, it looks like the one key you have is a valet key. Now, here's the rub. The keys can be ordered ex-factory either as nice encapsulated blanks with little chrome insignia, to be cut by a locksmith to code IF you know the keycodes, or fully cut from the factory for a small fortune, but again you must know the codes. These are usually recorded in the owners handbook, or original delivery order, which may well be locked in your glovebox! The code is also on a small metal tag which originally comes with the keys, and may be on the keychain if you are lucky. Sometimes owners attach it to the emergency fuel filler ring-pull on the left boot wall, or in the toolkit case. I'd search for this tag first in every orifice! The factory didn't record keycodes with chassis numbers routinely or consistently, but it MAY be on the original factory build sheets, again if you're lucky, as these can be obtained via the RREC (UK) I would get a locksmith to open the glovebox first without damage. I would also contact who you bought the car from...if it was advertised "with books" that is what you should get, otherwise you are entitled to remedy under the Trade Practices Act. When I bought my car the books and spare keys were kept aside by the owner for safe keeping rather than put at the mercy of the transporters (they often get nicked as they know they are worth $$) and he simply forgot to send them until I gave him a ring. So it could be as simple as that. Also as I said, someone transporting it may have lightfingered them. Owners handbooks and new service books are available from Bentley dealers, but the handbooks are expensive! If you keep a watch on eBay, they come up regularly second hand or even new at (sometimes) better prices. Hope this is helpful. If you need further advice don't hesitate to let me know. All the best, GN. | ||
| David Modistach Yet to post message Username: bboy_8 Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks Gordon. Will get in touch with a locksmith first and hopefully the books are in the glovebox. | ||
| Stephe Boddice New User Username: stephe_boddice Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2005 |
If you get really stuck, try the following. He holds R-R key blanks and all of the chassis:key codes. Theo Hendrickson 17 Hare Farm Avenue Farnley West Yorkshire LS12 5QB GB Tel: (+44-113 255 9908) SB www.boddice.co.uk | ||
| David Modistach New User Username: bboy_8 Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks Stephe. I found another key yesterday behind the flap in the boot where the tools are. It looked about the right size/shape to open the glovebox but alas didn't. Haven't figued out what this key does yet. | ||
| Gordon Norris Frequent User Username: crewes_missile Post Number: 83 Registered: 2-2005 |
David, if it was a smaller key in the pocket of the flap, it is usually the spot where the key for the locking wheel caps is kept. GN. | ||
| mark heathcote Unregistered guest Posted From: 81.153.135.105 |
David, the pattern which is cut into the key is the same for the master and the valet key, it is the manufactured profile of the key blank which distinguishes them. The valet key has an extra ridge which prevents it from being inserted in the glovebox and boot lock. Accordingly, as you have one key, you can have the other one cut providing that your locksmith can get the correct blank. I don't know if you can get the same blank supplies as in Europe, from SILKA the master key is an RR5, and the valet an RR6. JMH Moderator's Thanks, Mark, on behalf of our users, we are very appreciative of this information which is extremely useful for those of us, including myself, who were not aware of it. (Message edited by david_gore on March 19, 2005) (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| David Modistach New User Username: bboy_8 Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks Gordon - that info will be very valuable when I change the tyres. Thanks Mark, I'm learning more and more about Rolls Royce/Bentley ownership everyday. | ||
| Gordon Norris Frequent User Username: crewes_missile Post Number: 86 Registered: 2-2005 |
I've just checked my keys and Mark is correct re the key blanks; they differ by one ridge only, never bothered to look before - you learn something every day - and I can confirm everyone from "Mr. Minute" to the genuine locksmiths in Australia carry the blanks..I had a third set cut using SILKA plain blanks.(they cost me about $5 each, if that. Don't be sucked in by exhorbitant prices on eBay) As mentioned earlier David, the encapsulated blanks are available from Bentley..the master has the "B" emblem (about $70) and the valet plain black plastic (about $35). They do cost alot, but are nice for originality, and just plain nice to have on at least one key ring! I would recommend going to a genuine locksmith to have them cut (cost me about $25 total for 3 Masters and 3 Valets to be cut), and they have keycodes in their computer databases for virtually every car. They DON'T list the Bentleys under "Bentley" in their index; tell the Locksmith it is under "Rolls Royce", or so it was when I had my keys cut. They should be able to match your key to a code providing it's not too worn, and then you can record it somewhere safe. Having keys cut to code is preferable as you are getting a NEW key. All keys wear, and a copy is just a copy of a worn key and won't last as long or might stick etc. Also you can get to the point where you are making a copy of a copy of a copy etc, which multiplies the errors and makes it unusable. I've seen lots of cars where complete locksets have been needlessly replaced when the problem was with the key copies all along. And DO get several copies of the wheel key. They seem to go astray regularly for some reason. GN. |
