Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 02:45:45 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
In-Reply-To: <92415faf-a1c8-7f8e-b0ea-41b532ef9891@sbw.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Couple years ago I sent to Steve the code from inside of door handle of my 85 Tintop; easily accessible by gently moving back foam door weatherstrip, and then only 1 screw on door handle to remove handle assembly. I bought a steel key from him as opposed to softer brass; has worked flawlessly on all doors and ignition. Stuff wears out and things get sloppy; Steve is a great resource.
Go ahead...get a new key(s) from him. And be worry free for next 30 years. And find a nifty place under chassis to Duct Tape a spare key....I've got my secret place..no, go the extra step beyond one of those cheapo magnetic box thingies... black Duct Tape, well wrapped, hidden nicely. Ready.
Also...I am a big believer in graphite powder for door locks. "Puff" it into the key channel via the handy plastic squeeze tube; shake up the tube first. Available at Home Depot. Those 5 floating thingies, I forget the name, but the things on springs inside lock mechanism that either engage or don't engage the notches on the key; they need to be able to move up and down freely in all kinds of weather conditions....hence the warning against temporary solutions like WD-40 sprays or Tri-Flow and the like, they can freeze up and/or attract constricting dirt.
If you have used liquid lubricant in the past to try to better door locks, there is probably a method to remove that crud and do it right.
Steve himself might also chime in. Anyway, nothing as frustrating as trying to enter and no go.
Rich
San Diego
From: Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2018 4:55 PM
Subject: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
Steve Sandlin did a great job on my locks and keys this month, so I want
to add my voice to everyone here who has recommended him! If you need
any work done on your locks, contact Steve right away.
http://www.steveslockshop.com/volkswagen.html
Don't be like me: I put up with frustrations for far too long, even
after I saw Steve recommended here. I should have asked for his expert
help much sooner.
When I got my '84 Westy in 2009, it came with only two, badly-cut keys.
They were cut correctly only on one side, so they only worked one way in
the locks. Somebody had cut a notch in one side of the steel key as a
reminder of the right way. But the key with the rubber VW bow often
fooled me, so it was a constant frustration.
And over the years, the front door locks got dirtier inside, so they
were difficult to operate. Except on the side of the van that had sun
shining on it for a few hours. Apparently the sun would melt the grimy
ear wax stuck in the lock, so it was easier to turn.
Then I got a new old stock sliding door handle, which came with its own
key, and I was too lazy to reach out to Steve to get it re-keyed to
match my van. I couldn't be troubled to carry two keys, so I just
reached in from the front passenger door to lock and unlock the slider.
I wasn't sure how to send my front door handles to Steve and still keep
the van secure, since it's parked outside. When I asked, Steve offered
to send me loaner handles for the few days it would take to send him my
handles, let him do the work, and get them back. (I didn't bother with
a loaner for the sliding door, since it's unlikely a thief would know
how to operate it without the handle.)
I sent Steve the three handles and one of the badly-cut keys for
verification. (The ignition and hatch lock were working fine.) In a
few days, he sent them back, clean and keyed alike. And two new steel
keys and two new rubber keys, cut correctly so they work either way.
I put the handles on and tried all four keys in the doors and the
ignition both ways, and they all work smoothly. Yipee!
Even better, Steve's fee was very modest. Why did I ever wait so long!
Thanks, Steve!
https://sbw.org/sbwsty/