Lost key, 1971 Bay, where is the 'magic number'?

[dawerks]

My door handles don't match the ignition switch (I think?), so where can I find the number on the ignition switch to get a new key? What format is it supposed to be in?

Do I have to remove it to find the number or can I see it somehow?
_________________
"There is only one sin; disconnection from self."

[germansupplyscott]

yes the ignition cylinder has to be removed to see the code.
_________________
SL

[Floo420]

I just went through the same thing and it was not too bad. Use the search on removal of the cylinder. I didn't take off the ignition housing I ended up spending lots of time upside down trying to find the magic hole. I used a large drapery hook straightened out. I would find something longer but that should give you an idea of the thickness of material you need. Also one of the posts has an external link to how to take it out its really good but it has an extra step. You don't need to remove the peening and the cover as it shows. Jut take out the super small screw and start fishing for the "magic hole".
GL
_________________
71 Westy - Sugaree

[SGKent]

when you find the magic hole to release it you'll need one of these made out of a heavy coat hanger first. I made this one for my 1971 bus back in the late 1970's. The end with the dime goes into the hole. The dime is to give a representation of size. Print the photo until the dime is a size of a dime then bend a heavy coat hanger to match. Have your lock tumbled to match the doors if you can.

_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Ricache]

I had the L Code in my iPhone for months. Took apart ignition and slider door to confirm all are the same.

Finally at the recent (April 19-22) Texas Classic there was a guy cutting keys using the L code

Yea! I have keys and can lock my bus now.

It's a great feeling.

I know there is someone on the Samba that can get/dupe keys for you.

HTH
_________________
_________________________________
'70 Westy
'70 Bug

[cdennisg]

[bigbore]

and unlike sex you will most like hunt for the magic hole for some time before you find it . sorry I could resisted No really it is abit hard to find you will be looking for it blind.
_________________
where its cold and snowy

[Sage79]

My '73 had a bug ignition cylinder ("M"keyway) installed by a PO and I wanted to change it to match the proper "R" as the doors. Even with the housing out of the bus (not an easy task) I couldn't find the hole. Even my #1 locksmith in town ended up drilling a small hole to release it. But now we all match!
Except the engine lid which it another bug code ("K").
_________________
Dirk
'79 Westy 2.0FI
'73 Sportsmobile 1.7dual Solex 003Auto - now my daughter's
'77 delux 2.0FI 090Auto - now my son's

[dawerks]

Thanks dudes! Not looking forward to it this job, but this is the second key I've lost. It's my 'stupid tax' and I am happy to pay it!
_________________
"There is only one sin; disconnection from self."

[SteelersBus]

When ya do get the code, I can cut you keys.
_________________
Volkswagen Locksmith
25 yrs experience
Keys by Code, Locks & Keys Supplied,
Key all your Locks to one Key.
[email protected]

Granny Grose's Buses 19
May 30 - June 2, 2024
Millmont, PA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333391253346965/

70 Campmobile, 70 Sedan, 71 SO-69 Westy, & 74 Westy