Lock swap: Toolbox / glovebox

slotrod65 · Post by **slotrod65** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:38 pm

So... in my quest to rid my Stella of all black plastic parts, I changed the stock toolbox lock for a chromed Piaggio PX Vesp lock. This looked great, and the swap of the entire lock was simply a matter of pulling out the retaining clip, and anti-rattle spring, then sliding the LML lock out and reversing the process with the PX lock. The only annoyance was that I now had to carry two keys: one for the ignition and seat and another for the toolbox.

Since it is 5 degrees outside, and I am not riding, I figured I would work on swapping out the lock barrel from the LML lock into the PX lock. I removed the PX lock from my Stella and brought both locks inside where it was nice and warm.

slotrod65 · Post by **slotrod65** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:41 pm

After inspection, I was still not sure how to get the barrels out, so I virtually headed over across the pond to the LML Owner's Club Great Britain forum. If you have a Stella, it is well worth joining this forum as another great resource for LML scoots..

http://www.lmlocgb.co.uk/phpBB3/index.php

The Blokes over there did not fail and an answer for me in an hour or so:

Basically, there is a little tang, much like a last tumbler that resides in a small slot through the catch. See below:

slotrod65 · Post by **slotrod65** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:45 pm

It's simple they said... just depress that small tang and the lock barrel will be released they said. Easier said than... I tried a variety of tools and found that either a heavy paper clip, or a very small screwdriver was the tool to use. The LML lock barrel popped right out, but the PX was a PIA. It took me a good 15 minutes of pressing, wiggling and finally grabbing the barrel with pliers as it started out of the lockplate. Once it was out, the reason was obvious: It had a goopy grease/graphite mix all over the barrel.

I also found that keeping the key in the lock helped with all of the wiggling required for the removal of the barrel.

slotrod65 · Post by **slotrod65** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:51 pm

Once the barrel comes out, be careful. The only thing holding the catch into the lock housing is a small spring. Lose this and you will be buying a new lock.

Henway...

I cleaned/lubricated the inside of the PX lock housing with Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant. Several locksmithing sites recommended this stuff over WD-40 or graphite, plus I found it at my local hardware store.

With the key in, I slid the LML lock barrel into the PX housing, and after a few wiggles, I heard the retaining tumble/tang snap into place. I was quite relieved as I was not sure that LML tolerances would be the same as Piaggio, but in this case, everything worked out.

Now I have a lock that works and looks great, without the hassle of an extra key.

Now to get my hands on a chrome seat lock...