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Mon Sep 15, 2003 12:24 am

I got a new bus and no keys were to be had. I searched and read thru the threads on missing keys and found that most everyone said to pull two locks and see if a locksmith can cut you new ones. Where do you find this key code? Or do you just take in the locks and let the locksmith find this code? I am praying the door locks fit the igniton.

I saw Ratwell's link for a locksmith, but would like to avoid more mailing and postage to an out of state locksmith.

Thanks all.

Mon Sep 15, 2003 7:41 am

Mor than likely the ing. switch has been changed over the years and will not match the door locks. But it's worth a try. Pull your door handle and take it to a locksmith. VW dealers used to do it too, They could look up the # and enter it in a computer and cut a key. I don't know anymore. I feel weird even pulling up to a dealer in an old VW. :?

Mon Sep 15, 2003 8:25 am

Okay I will pull the rear hatch off tonight, I hope it will work.
Thanks meanirishmofo

Mon Sep 15, 2003 2:55 pm

So everyone knows I just pulled of the rear latch two metric hex screws from the bottom, then reach in and take a screw right off the center of the lock mechanism and that should allow a gauge to come off of the back of the coil. There is number on the back of this, this is the key code the lock smith needs. I would continue to remove the latch out of the bottom of the door (actual mechanism) this allows easier access to the mounting screw that holds the rear latch in. Take this hatch out and take it with you to the locksmith it is easier to test the new cut key rather then going back and forth. To test them. I lucked out the key works for my locks and my ignition. YHEAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Mon Sep 15, 2003 11:40 pm

Glad to hear it. I think it's rare to find a 1 key VW anymore. 8)

Mon Sep 15, 2003 11:46 pm

New keys cut by code can be hard to turn in old locks that have been gummed up with oil and graphite which is a no no. Clean the locks and you'll have nice key action. I've yet to clean the ignition key cylinder...

Tue Sep 16, 2003 6:36 am

I forgot this part. Which Ratwell pointed out. The locksmith swears by this. You must spray WD-40 directly into the lock, this allows a little more action for the key to work, be careful to not overspray. Since the lock is often gummed up with oil and graphite. The key will have smooth turning action though. He said when spraying into the ignition it will not harm the electrical contacts either, just be light not to much spray.

THanks Guys!!!!

Tue Sep 16, 2003 9:48 am

Ideally you should remove, dismantle and clean the locks with WD-40. Afterwards it's important to lube the lock with a teflon bearing lubricant like tri-flow to reduce wear and add some corrosion protection.

If you can't do that, at least shoot the lock with some carb cleaner and work it in.

Mon Sep 22, 2003 1:24 pm

I just got keys made for two vans. I took a driver side handle off one and rear hatch door latch off another. My locksmith is an old timer and made the keys with a hand file. he just stuck the key in the lock and filed where the blank hit the pins. the one he made from the driver side handle was the easiest to make but didn't work on any of the other doors or ignition. the other works on all doors. My point is take the handle that gets the less use and the key will be more precise.