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/