Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 13:44:08 -0800
Reply-To: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon key blanks
In-Reply-To: <CACaL4aNFG5XHKAE8N8LgKHMuxwwTybEbq4+tO7Z7jkZ9ojD7rA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Vanagon came from the factory with one key to work all the doors and the gas cap. Later replacement caps can be had with a shorter key which will not work in the doors. The glovebox also got a different key which was often keyed alike only to the lockable box on the optional single middle seat.
The likely problem on the rear hatch is either someone had changed the other locks or your key is worn out. The rear hatch is used the least and typically has the least amount of wear. What happens then is your keys are too worn to operate the hatch lock. I would try to get a get cut from code and see if that works. Can't tel you which key to make it on because you did not provide a description of your keys. That is long gas key or short. Best to try the ignition key first.
BenT
sent from my hatchless Syncro
On Dec 6, 2011, at 1:20 PM, Steven Yoon <drssyoon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Speaking of key issues -
>
> My 83 Westy's rear hatch cannot be locked. I tried both the ignition key
> and the gas cap key, but neither will turn the lock. Was there a third key
> for the rear hatch or something else going on here?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> /S/
>
> On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 3:54 PM, BenT Syncro <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Andrew,
>>
>> Perhaps the problem might be the key you had copied was worn at the tip.
>> If it's too short, you might not be engaging the lock wafers at the right
>> spots. The tip of an unworn Vanagon/T3 key should be shaped almost like an
>> arrow. At least that is how all new keys I've had came. I've had a couple
>> of hundred at least. And when I took my featureless old key decoded, the
>> new key cut by code had the miraculous arrow point at the end again.
>>
>>
>> Best of luck,
>>
>> BenT
>>
>> sent from my sharp keys
>>
>> On Dec 6, 2011, at 12:25 PM, "Andrew Martin" <ramblinvan@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Interesting... I tried every which way but loose to get them to fit and
>>> even thought about shaving them down a bit...
>>>
>>> I will investigate this further. Thanks Ben!
>>>
>>> Andrew
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: BenT Syncro [mailto:syncro@gmail.com]
>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 10:13 AM
>>> To: Andrew Martin
>>> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: Re: Vanagon key blanks
>>>
>>> Andrew,
>>>
>>> My VW factory rubberheaded keys operate all the treasure chest doors in
>> all
>>> three of my Doublecabs just as well as my plain head keys.
>>>
>>> Steve has cut a number of Vanagon keys and rekeyed a number of locks for
>> me
>>> as well.
>>>
>>>
>>> BenT
>>>
>>> sent from my electronic leash
>>>
>>> On Dec 6, 2011, at 7:36 AM, Andrew Martin <ramblinvan@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I had Steve rebuild the lock cylinders and make new keys for my
>>>> Transporter single cab. I received at least one each of the style
>>>> options mentioned below and all of them are very high quality and work
>>> perfectly.
>>>>
>>>> Doka and Sinka folks please note: The plastic headed keys (VW logo or
>>>> Italian made) cannot be inserted far enough into the treasure chest
>>>> door locks to operate the locks. Be sure to retain a good all metal
>>>> "hardware store generic" key for your treasure chest!
>>>>
>>>> Steve's work is excellent and my door locks operate as new.
>>>>
>>>> Andrew
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>>>> Behalf Of Steve Sandlin
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 6:08 AM
>>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>>> Subject: Vanagon key blanks
>>>>
>>>> There has been a bit of discussion on the availability of key blanks,
>>>> and several people asking me what I have available, so here goes. I
>>>> keep in stock plain metal hardware-store generic blanks, an
>>>> Italian-made black plastic headed key blank, and the VW original with
>>>> the plastic head and inset chrome logo. There has never been a
>>>> replacement blade made for the flip keys in the Vanagon keyway. With
>>>> worn locks, yo can force the key for the other water-cooled cars into
>> the
>>> Vanagon locks, but it is not correct.
>>>> We see lots of Vanagon keys sent to us that are incorrectly cut on
>>>> that keyblank.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the continuing support.
>>>>
>>>> Steve Sandlin, Registered Locksmith
>>>>
>>>> Steve's Lock Shoppe
>>>>
>>>> www.steveslockshop.com
>>>> =
>>>
>>
