TheSamba.com :: View topic - Ignition lock diameter

Wed Dec 16, 2020 3:26 pm

Hi guys, I need your help. Can someone give me the correct diameter of the ignition lock or the hole for it in the speedo pod? Some previous owner drilled the pod to install an aftermarket unit.

Also, has anyone restored it? I don't even know where to start.

Btw, I didn't find any thread with this info.

Thanks!

Thu Dec 17, 2020 5:04 pm

That's a whacky upside down dash set up you have there. Never seen that before.

From a NOS ignition barrel and keys I have, purchased from a VW dealer many years ago, the barrel measures 15.85mm diameter, and the opening in the pod 16.25mm.

Hope this helps.

Fri Dec 18, 2020 6:24 pm

As someone who restores those speedo pods, I am of the opinion you are way better off finding a new pod than trying to repair that one. There is no easy way to repair that augered out ignition switch hole and truth is, unmolested pods are not that hard to find. But find one that has the original ignition switch cap on the back. 80-90% of them are missing this part. They are not available anywhere as a reproduction part that can be used. (Yes, that Sam Steel guy in Spain makes them, but they are resin cast, not bekelite and they will not stand up to the needed soldering of the terminal bus bar). The parts internal to the switch are all readily available.

Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:13 am

Thanks Johnshenry and Martin! That's the info I was looking for.

A new question arises. My car is a 52' deluxe. Can I use any pod (barndoor, standart splitbug or does it need to be a deluxe aswell)? I was thinking on getting any of those and paint it ivory.

I heard that the speedo hole is a different size. The one offered to me is 10 cm. Unfortunately my car is 80 kilometers away and my city is in quarantine. Can't measure mine at the moment.

This photos were sent to me by the seller. What do you think?

Thanks!!

Sun Dec 20, 2020 12:09 pm

100mm is a deluxe pod. Will work well for your car, looks like a nice, complete pod.

Standard pods are 95mm speedometer opening.

Sun Dec 20, 2020 12:49 pm

johnshenry wrote: 100mm is a deluxe pod. Will work well for your car, looks like a nice, complete pod.

Standard pods are 95mm speedometer opening.

Thanks John! So, that pod should have been ivory in the past?

Sun Dec 20, 2020 6:05 pm

181Klischies wrote: johnshenry wrote: 100mm is a deluxe pod. Will work well for your car, looks like a nice, complete pod.

Standard pods are 95mm speedometer opening.

Thanks John! So, that pod should have been ivory in the past?

Yes, that is correct.

Mon Dec 21, 2020 5:44 am

Look closer and you will see remnants of the original ivory paint inside the ign lock hole and around the perimeter of the speedo hole.
It would also provide a good means to color match some new paint!
That is a nice pod for sure !

181Klischies wrote: johnshenry wrote: 100mm is a deluxe pod. Will work well for your car, looks like a nice, complete pod.

Standard pods are 95mm speedometer opening.

Thanks John! So, that pod should have been ivory in the past?

Tue Dec 22, 2020 4:56 pm

… sure like standard dark brown more than ivory and put standard pods in, when possible, in my deluxe dashes - z
this was our 6/52 deluxe

Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:37 am

Hi guys! Thanks for the help! The pods are on their way!