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Date:         Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:59:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
Comments: To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
In-Reply-To:  <591771955.2272817.1517193945849@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

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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