Date:         Mon, 15 Nov 2004 09:52:20 -0800
Reply-To:     Jim Thompson <jim@KARMANNGHIA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Thompson <jim@KARMANNGHIA.COM>
Subject:      Re: Making keys
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Considering the price of a new ignition lock cylinder from VW (or even Bus
Depot - $40), you might want to have that locksmith remove it, look at the
code stamped on it and make a key from that.
BTDT - I use to make keys for the earlier VWs.  Still do it from time to
time.

I've got tons of Vanagon (N) key blanks (aftermarket) sitting in a box, but
unfortunately I do not have the code section of the book for "N" series
keys, nor the correct carriage and dial setup for my Curtis #15 Code Gun.
Sorry I can't help.

If you have to replace the ignition lock cylinder and if you're not so much
of a purist or adamant about having a Vanagon "N" series key for it, you can
go a cheaper route and use the replacement sold for the Beetle and other
water cooled VWs - PN 113 905 855 B or 191 905 855.  The lock cylinders are
the same, the difference is in the milling (grooves) or as VW calls it - the
profile of the key which is different looking  from the Vanagon.  I run one
of these on "Ole Putt" with no problems.  Yeah, I have two keys - one for
the ignition and one for the doors, but then again I don't mind the extra
key on the ring (it allows me to unlock/open the rear hatch to quickly
access the engine while it's running or unlock/open the sliding door).

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "jbange" <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 8:11 AM
Subject: Re: Making keys
<SNIP>

>If you had a different key for
> the ignition, you're looking at a new ignition lock.
>
> John Bange
> '90 Vanagon "Geldsauger"