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Mon Nov 08, 2004 2:58 am

The SG series of keys started on Jan 1 54 and was used up until the end of the 59 model year. They were also used on Karmann Ghias up to the end of 66. The most common keys are this type:

Even more rare are these type of keys:

Does anyone know what years got what keys?

Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:51 pm

Damn! Such a great question... Why don't you do a quick search on TheSamba under "Classic VW Keys," "Volkswagen Keys" or something like that.... As far as I can say, I had trouble finding keys to match my '55, but my door keys are the first type you have (in the first picture) and my ignition key is completely different from ANY VW key I have ever seen. I matched the door keys through The Samba and a local locksmith in Florida (where I lived at the time I had the problem--4 months ago) upon the advice from someone on this site, and, other than that I haven't had many issues which I have to iron out, although I still have to replace the ignitioin and work out that key problem. Sorry if I'm not much help.... --G

Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:45 am

Bruce wrote: The SG series of keys started on Jan 1 54 and was used up until the end of the 59 model year. They were also used on Karmann Ghias up to the end of 66. The most common keys are this type:

Even more rare are these type of keys:

Does anyone know what years got what keys?

My keys I have on my 55 vert, which are original, are the bottom ones pictured.

Tue Nov 09, 2004 12:40 pm

Hmmm, convertible only???

Greg, how about posting a pic of that unusual key?

Tue Nov 09, 2004 5:24 pm

my nos door handle came with the sg series and its a huff key but the shape is diff then those shown also my nos ignition came with the same key as my door handle

Tue Nov 09, 2004 5:30 pm

cool keys bruce. who do they belong to and where did you find them?

isnt there a vw "key master" named gabriel(?) that lives in the states? arizona? maybe he could help. or follow the early oval lead.

Tue Nov 09, 2004 5:33 pm

yeah that gabriel guy lives in texas now, he'll know what goes to what also he's selling some diff items on the samba all keys etc

Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:44 am

texasbrown54 wrote: my nos door handle came with the sg series and its a huff key but the shape is diff then those shown also my nos ignition came with the same key as my door handle
That means your door handle isn't genuine VW. Its an OEM handle. Identical in every way to genuine VW. When Huf sells handles outside the VW dealer network, they can't put any VW logos on it. Since the keys have the logo, they have to make a different key. Most likely the VW logo is ground off on the backside of the handle too.

Mr Bungle, those are my keys. Found them at the Portland swap meet about 15 years ago. I asked Gabriel about those keys once at the Classic and he didn't have an answer.

Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:31 pm

i have the older keys on my OG 01/55 oval. i have seen 56 models that has the later types.

i have also that shape on the keys of my bus. (nos parts)
it has however the F code instad of SG one
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=115799

Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:09 am

That's a new one on me, Peppe. I didn't know that same key head came in a Bus key. What is the manufacturer of the F key you have?

The Bus key you linked to fits lock cylinders made between Jan 55 & Dec 63. It has the same grooves as E, Z, D, V, F keys.

My guess so far is that sometime in 55 the key head changed. Anyone got more info?

Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:45 am

My original owner, nothing ever replaced, July of '55 sunroof had the second, lower, type, or solid, keys.

Wed Nov 17, 2004 7:36 am

My '53 uses the small Huf key. :?

Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:38 pm

Got a pic of that HUF key for your 53?

Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:46 pm

Sorry Bruce------My daughter has the camera. It is the small p-series key. It looks like one of these.http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=49367

Thu Nov 18, 2004 3:28 am

I think Gabriel is embellishing a bit in that ad. Those SG HUF keys are not that rare. Besides, they aren't even genuine VW. They are just OEM. If they were genuine, they would look like the keys I posted pics of above.

Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:12 am

That is th original key from the ignition. They can't be too rare as there were lots of '53s built.

Fri Nov 19, 2004 3:10 am

My point is that the keys Gabriel has aren't the same as the ones that came with the cars when new. Your 53 would have come with a key that had a VW logo.

Fri Nov 19, 2004 4:47 am

On my 55 (may 54) european sedan, i have the second type of key

i'm looking from many time for new key like those, but never found .
I think barndor keys have the same design, but not SG.

olivier,

Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:21 am

Bruce wrote: My point is that the keys Gabriel has aren't the same as the ones that came with the cars when new. Your 53 would have come with a key that had a VW logo.

Well that's a bummer. What should my key look like? (since it can't be an SG)

Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:56 am

nice keys, I have a couple blanks like this.