Date:         Sat, 29 Apr 2000 00:07:21 -0500
Reply-To:     Steve Sandlin <ssandlin@LCC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Sandlin <ssandlin@LCC.NET>
Subject:      Vanagon keys-a little more discussion

Since yesterday, I've had a few people email me to tell me that their
ignition key fits the gas cap.  I would not put it past VW to pull a
"switcheroo" an make a running change late in the model run to allow this.
I stated that the information I supplied stated that the key was different
from the ignition.  This is corroborated by 3 different key guides.  That is
the best information I have.  If your's works with the ignition key, that's
great.  I just cannot rekey them to match for two reasons.  Number one,
replacememt wafers for the cap are not available.  Number two, although
sometimes the cap cna be disassembled, after repeated exposure to gasoline,
the plastic housing becomes very brittle.  I've found that they break too
easily for me to comfortably work on them.  The syncro caps just do not come
apart without drilling the side to release the lock retainer, and I'm not
comfortable doing that on a sealed fuel system component.

 As far as the winter freezing, WD40 is an excellent water displacement
chemical.  That is supposedly what the "WD" stands for.  Otherwise, though,
it is primarily a solvent and not a lubricant.  I strongly suggest using the
WD40 to displace the water and grime from the locks, and then lubricate them
with either a teflon or silicone based lubricant such as Tri-Flo.

The above information is what I believe to be correct.  There are surely
some exceptions, but generally I have found all this to be correct.  Thanks
everybody.

Steve Sandlin
www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle