Common issues: sticky cylinder wafers are unpredictable and worn keys makes bad copies. The old key I sent Steve looked nothing like the new key he cut using the correct code. I'm sure Steve will chime in but I'd recommend #1. The code is stamped into the pronged piece that is attached to the handle assembly and engages the door latch mechanism. You can easily remove the door handle be removing the #3 screw on the edge of the door behind the rubber door seal. I believe the Bentley Manual covers this... You may need to clean off 20+ years of grime to be able to read the code. Follow Steve's advice for lubricating your existing locks (Tri-Flow), then try the new key! If it works well in all your locks you can order additional (and high quality) keys from Steve with confidence. Andrew
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Steve Williams Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 8:55 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: rebuilding Vanagon door locks - Steve's Lock Shoppe My camper has the doors and ignition keyed the same, but badly, so the two keys I have each must be inserted into each lock in a slightly different way to get them to work. Part of the problem is that my keys are not cut symmetrically or accurately, so when I have copies made, the copies usually don't work. Would the following be a good strategy? 1. Send Steve's Lock Shoppe the key code, in the hope that the ignition still matches that code, and ask for one key. 2. Try the new key in the ignition. If it works: 3. Stash the camper in the hangar, send all four door locks to Steve's Lock Shoppe for rebuild, and drive the Beetle until they come back. Ask for a bunch of spare keys. |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.