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Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:23 am

I need to replace the guts in my sliding door handle (71) Does anyone know how to do it? I have an extra one that has a working key and want to swap the guts.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:29 am

Does the original work except for the fact that you don't have a key?

If so, there is a nice writeup on re-keying a lock that should be useful to you.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=312340&highlight=lock

It will show you how to tear the lock down. Once you have them both apart, you may be able to use the cylinder from the good lock on the other one.

If the parts aren't interchangeable it will show you how to either ID the lock to get a new key made, or how to work the existing lock to use the key you have.

Good luck to you!

DJ Roberts

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:39 am

I took a look at the site. The problem is getting that part out so I can change it. The sliding door handle is way different from the other doors.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:19 pm

Do you want to know how to get the handle off the door or the lock cyl out of the handle? to get the hanle off the door just take out the screw on the inside handle. to get the cyl out clean the handle and on the round part that go's in the door look for a tiny screw you will need a very small screw driver to get it out then slide out the cyl.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:57 pm

Is to get the guts out of the sliding door handle....I guess I will have to look closer and do some cleaning to find that screw. I just glanced at it.

Thanks for the help...

Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:21 pm

Like most things this seems a lot harder than it actually is. Once you do it you'll be an expert on rekeying the locks. It's pretty simple once you understand it. Get the lock cylinder out and in your hands. Slide the key into the lock cylinder. Any wafers still sticking out just grind them flush and you're done.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:15 pm

You can "grind" them but its a poor way of doing it. put the key in and find the one's that are out of alinement and move them around sometimes that work's. Of corse the lock shop can do it but that cost. if you have some other lock's rob them for parts thats what I do. but when all else fail's grind away.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:58 am

I found the little tiny screw, boy is it small. I also found another problem, well not a problem the locking lever is working now so at least I can lock the sliding door from the inside. Then by having a working handle in hand I am able to see how it works. So now by playing with the lever a little I should be able to get the outside handle out so I can put in the locking guts with key in.

Thanks all for your help will let you know how it ended.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:13 am

this is from memory but I seem to recall on my 1971 that if you locked it from the outside it must be unlocked from the outside. And if you locked it from the inside it must be unlocked from the inside. One cannot unlock the inside lock from the outside or vice versa. But that is from memory. Maybe someone with a 1971 can chime in.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:31 am

I would like to remove my outside handle so I can remove the lock. I removed the screw on the inside of the handles shaft, but it wont budge. Is there something else?

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:38 am

SGKent wrote: this is from memory but I seem to recall on my 1971 that if you locked it from the outside it must be unlocked from the outside. And if you locked it from the inside it must be unlocked from the inside. One cannot unlock the inside lock from the outside or vice versa. But that is from memory. Maybe someone with a 1971 can chime in.

Correct, 2 separate locks until 1974, kinda makes it like a police car back there if you have a bench seat bus and it's locked from the outside :P

Gus, is the inner handle off so there is nothing but a square shaft sticking out? If so lots of PB blaster, tapping and patience is all that's left, careful you don't screw up the end of the shaft beating on it though.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:40 am

I haven't tried my yet. I have some running to do and when I get back and get my bus in the shop I will give it a try. Right now it is raining like hell and I sure ain't going out in this shit. Just walking out in it to get in the bus is bad enough :(

I use a plastic hammer.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:40 pm

busdaddy wrote: SGKent wrote: this is from memory but I seem to recall on my 1971 that if you locked it from the outside it must be unlocked from the outside. And if you locked it from the inside it must be unlocked from the inside. One cannot unlock the inside lock from the outside or vice versa. But that is from memory. Maybe someone with a 1971 can chime in.

Correct, 2 separate locks until 1974, kinda makes it like a police car back there if you have a bench seat bus and it's locked from the outside :P

Gus, is the inner handle off so there is nothing but a square shaft sticking out? If so lots of PB blaster, tapping and patience is all that's left, careful you don't screw up the end of the shaft beating on it though.

Thanks SGK, I wanted to check befor I wailed on it

Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:27 pm

foxtail1 wrote: I found the little tiny screw, boy is it small. I also found another problem, well not a problem the locking lever is working now so at least I can lock the sliding door from the inside. Then by having a working handle in hand I am able to see how it works. So now by playing with the lever a little I should be able to get the outside handle out so I can put in the locking guts with key in.

Thanks all for your help will let you know how it ended.
There are 2 types of lock's R type and L type did you try your key to see if it will fit? if thay are diffrent you can't use the same key unless you change the cyl from your original handle.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:13 pm

It still has the orginal handle....I thought I had the problem solved of removing the handle for painting. Well guess what I am right back where I started. Same ole problem different day. I have not tried the original key cause the handle is taped over as soon as I can I will try the key. I have two keys to work with.

Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:30 pm

Hello Busdaddy.....

On my 71 bus sliding door handle I am unable to remove the opening handle. Is there instructions in how to do it? I remove the cap, screw and handle and there it is. The handle is different on the inside where it goes through the medal housing. There is 4 screws that hold it on. It also appears that looking at it where it comes through the housing that there is a flang there.

Is there any break down diagrams that show how it works or goes together?

Well I am lucky that I have a 69 bus with the same problem. Now what the real problem I found out after I removed it after pounding on it is this.

I am asuming that the key will work is the corosion in the locking pin. What is nice about the handle is that it is excellent condition. I have sprayed it with WD 40. So keep your fingers crossed for me.

I will let it set for at least 48 hours. Will keep you posted.

Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:51 pm

once you remove the inside handle then the outside handle slides right out if it doesn't it will need some help like a hammer and PBblaster go easy on the hammer.

Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:59 pm

This may require pictures.
If the key hole is in the outer handle the only thing keeping the handle in the door is the single screw under the plastic cap on the inner handle, a PB blaster soak for a week and a soft hammer are all you should need, put the screw back in the end for the hammer massage so you don't F up the threads or end.

Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:48 pm

Here is first hand account and I hope in detail for you to understand.

Depending if wheather after you get it out will the key turn and hoping it is the right key. There is one more problem that is if it is the right key the locking pin is stuck. Right now I am trying to loosen it up with WD 40 assuming the ign key will work.

Though a IMPORTANT HINT if you can lock and unlock it from the out side take it apart and lub it.

If not you will be in the position of having to lock and unlock from the inside.

Jiggle and jiggle while you lightly hit on the inside besure and use a block or leave the screw in snug.

It would be interesting to know how the lock and unlock pin works. I feel that, that is where the problem is.

Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:03 pm

You'll find out when it's out, if the code matches the ign it's stuck, if the ign has been changed (very likely) you'll have to get a key made. If that's the case have it rekeyed so the ign fits (assuming it fits all the other locks).
The deadbolt is driven by an eccentric pin on the end of the lock cylinder, careful though, if it's jammed in good the pin breaks off and even if you free up the deadbolt the key just turns with no resultant locking. Seen the rekey the sliding door tutorial thread? it's got plenty of pics of the mechanisms.