Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2018 16:55:26 -0800
Reply-To: Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
Subject: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
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/