Date:         Thu, 25 Jan 2007 03:41:34 EST
Reply-To:     JordanVw@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         JordanVw@AOL.COM
Subject:      how to make your locking gas cap accept the same key as your
              doors/ignition
Comments: cc: vanagon@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

how many of you out there have a seperate key for your locking gas cap
because you lost your cap and got a used one with a different key, or a new one with
a different key, and it doesnt match your other keys?    having too many keys
is a pain in the ass..

heres how to make your gas cap work with ANY vanagon key..

note: this will only work with the gas caps that have the same style "long"
keys as the ignition/doors.. not the gas caps with the "stubby" keys..

first off,  remove the little metal pin at the back of your gas cap.. at the
top of the red plastic part..  use a finishing nail or center punch to tap it
out.

then push out the lock cylinder (the part you put your key into) from
behind..it will come out the front of the cap.

then using a small screwdriver, and small needlenose pliers - remove the
brass "teeth" or "keys"  from the lock cylinder..  press them out..one way.. then
grab them w/ needlenose and pull.
remove all of them..

then reinsert the lock cylinder into the gas cap..  and tap the pin back in..

your done..

now your cap will accept any vanagon key..

and, no, other vw keys wont work in the lock, just any vanagon key. (i tried
the key from a '90 jetta, and it wouldnt work)  so you still have security..

anyway.. easy job..
hope this helps someone..

chris