The door lock and handle arrangement changed fundamentally in the early production run. The earliest Roadsters from 1962 to 1964 used a distinctive pull-out exterior door handle, the only MGB to use this type.
In April 1965, improved door locks with push-button exterior handles were introduced, the handles set in a rectangular chrome-plated casing. At the same time, the inside locking knob on the passenger door was discontinued and interior locking was integrated into the door handles on both doors, with the trim panels modified to suit. The push-button handle was set centrally in the door, just above the door pull, from the MkII in late 1967.
MGC Application
This early lock specification applies only to the very earliest MGC production cars, those built in the first months from October 1967 before the changeover to the later type. The MGC entered production right at the end of this specification's use, so most MGCs will have the later 1968 to 1980 type locks. The easiest way to identify the lock type is to examine the striker plate on the door pillar, as the early and late types have different profiles and mounting hole patterns, and if in doubt, photographs of the existing locks will confirm which type is fitted.
Components Available
Pull-out exterior door handles are available in left and right hand fitments for the earliest cars, with the lock link, private lock clip, door lock repair kit, and lock finisher available for the pre-1965 arrangement. Push-button exterior handles for 1965 to 1967 3-synchro cars are available alongside the 1968-onwards 4-synchro type, the two using different door assemblies and not interchangeable. Interior door handles, chrome door pulls for pre-1971 cars, the locking knob and finisher for pre-1965 cars, lock barrels with keys, and remote control mechanisms are all available. The anti-rotation door lock kit addresses the common fault where the lock barrel rotates in the door skin rather than operating cleanly.
Striker plates, shims in multiple thicknesses for door alignment, door buffers, and all associated fixings are available, and a matched set of lock barrels provides the convenience of a single key for both doors.