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Date:         Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:59:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Tom Buese <tantonbz@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Buese <tantonbz@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
Comments: To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <16142b61c56-1716-cc13f@webjas-vad034.srv.aolmail.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Here’s what Steve S recommended to me, & I have this stuff & it is the bomb! YMMV

https://www.triflowlubricants.com/category/lubricants <https://www.triflowlubricants.com/category/lubricants>

Mr. BZ

> On Jan 29, 2018, at 11:18 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET> wrote: > > That's an interesting theory. I have wondered what's the best to do for lock maintenance, as my research has gone been somewhat vague. From what I have heard, Steve Sandlin knows his stuff. Anyone want to chime in on this? > > Dave B. > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@GMAIL.COM> > To: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> > Sent: Mon, Jan 29, 2018 8:59 am > Subject: Re: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin > > I had an email exchange with Steve Sandlin and he does not support the use > of graphite: from our email: "...The rear hatch is not difficult to remove, > but as I recall the inner trim panel must be removed. I would try cleaning > and lubricating in place. Get some carburetor cleaner or electronic > cleaner with a spray tube. Spray through the key slot and work a key in > and out. Do this a number of times until the cleaner running out is > clean. Allow it to dry for a few minutes, then lubricate the lock. I > would strongly suggest TriFlow. Many bicycle shops and some good hardware > stores stock it. I've not found it at the big box stores, however. Do not > use graphite or WD40. They will gum it up. I really suspect graphite had > been used fairly liberally in the past on the handle I tore down. Te flush > and lube procedure, though not as good as a full teardown, is generally > effective."... > > Karl. > > On Sun, Jan 28, 2018 at 9:45 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> > wrote: > >> 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/ >> >> >> >>


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