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  View original topic: Choosing a "key blank"
richtrek Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:47 pm

I have only one key for my Thing. I found a ton of "key blanks" in the Samba classifieds. Does anyone know if Thing keys are the same as Bug, etc.? Is there some type of identifier on the key that specifies the type of key to buy?

Rich

Woreign Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:12 pm

Eastlake/Curtis key blank "V-29" that can be found at any key shop. Fits the VW Bus...

FreakCitySF Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:29 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KEY-VW-THING-BIG-BL...enameZWD1V

Here is a seller of reproductions and aftermarket.

I bought and had the key cut to my factory code. Ended up not working at all. Turns out my ignition lock and keys were well worn.

I could have it cut again to match the worn key to make it work.


but for now have a 20.00 key fob.

kubelmann Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:31 pm

The key that fits a 73-74 Thing is the "R" profile. You can cross reference this key to lots of otehr blanks. Some key blanks are good quality and some are not. I have lots high quality VW keys available. If you give me the key code I can send you a key that will fit your car. It will be cut to code not made from your old worn key. There is a big difference.

kuebelwagen84 Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:11 pm

I had to go to my local VW dealer to get keys copied for mine, they had the blanks and a machine that cut the whole thing exactly like the original...

no other place (aside from ebay and the classifieds) had the correct blank

Ian Epperson Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:27 pm

I happened to be at a locksmith's place and saw that he had old VW keyblanks, so I had him make 2 keys. Turned out to be a few dollars more than I could have paid at the local hardware store, but it was WELL worth it. He gave me back my worn key and told me to put it away somewhere safe, then asked me to go back to the car and try one of the new keys in ALL the locks (they're all original - ignition, doors, decklid). I found that it worked in the ignition but not one of the doors and the decklid. So, he grabbed a file, vicegrips and some powder went out to my car and worked and filed the key until it worked in all the locks, then recut the other to fit. :shock: $5 per key suddenly seemed real cheap.

bciesq Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:31 am

FWIW, CiP1 sells a ridiculously expensive OE key:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D113%2D837%2D219%2DAR

Of course, I've wasted $15 on less.

Ian's right about going to a real locksmith. I had the same experience and ended up nicely working copy. It's amazing how worn down my original key had gotten. The original is now tucked away for safe keeping.

Thingster Wed May 09, 2007 3:30 pm

That is all rediculously expensive. I went to a local locksmith and he had the blank on the shelf, walked out for $7.50 cut and working fine ;)

Justin

SteveGIndy Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:11 am

Old thread but i was looking for keys and found a list of key manufacturers and the corresponding part numbers that fit the Thing.

Ilco : VW71A
JMA : VO-R /VOR
Curtis : V-29/V29
Taylor : V81V
Cole : VW25
Dominion : HF32
ESP : V29R
JET : V29R
Silca : VO1/V01
Star : VW5
Orion : VW20

obus Wed Mar 08, 2023 7:39 pm

https://www.thingparts.com/key-blank-original-with-black-rubber-for-locks/

smokeydogvol Tue Nov 19, 2024 9:41 am

Do you still deal in key blanks? I need one for my Thing as well!

kubelmann wrote: The key that fits a 73-74 Thing is the "R" profile. You can cross reference this key to lots of otehr blanks. Some key blanks are good quality and some are not. I have lots high quality VW keys available. If you give me the key code I can send you a key that will fit your car. It will be cut to code not made from your old worn key. There is a big difference.

sportin-wood Wed Nov 20, 2024 1:55 pm

smokeydogvol wrote: Do you still deal in key blanks? I need one for my Thing as well!

These are pretty cheap (for 2) on eBay. I would compare the picture to any working key you have before buying.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/151435702850?fits=Model%3...R_zFy7XpZA

[email protected] Fri Nov 29, 2024 10:58 pm

https://www.thingparts.com/key-blank-original-with-black-rubber-for-locks/



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