Keys cut to code

[smd333]

The key that came with my van is pretty worn and the hatch takes a good amount of jiggle-jaggle. I have heard about getting keys cut to a code found on the lock itself but idk who has done this.

I wanted to take apart the front door lock and look but I thought I would search samba first. I'm still not sure where to look even after reading a few threads, it just wasn't clear to me where to look.

Have any of you done this and were you able to get new keys made to a code on a lock for your van?
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Dona and Mike
1986 Wolfsburg Weekender

[Ahwahnee]

I got a key cut to code using this contact: mark1service <[email protected]>

I do not recall if there was a website or just mention here on the Samba.

Sorry, can't help on location as mine still had the factory code tag.

[Wasted youth]

Key code can usually be found on the sliding door handle. Remove the sliding door handle from the inside and partially disassemble it. As I recall from about two years ago when I did this, there is a four number stamping on the square shaft that is part of the exterior handle. I think it is preceded by a letter.

My code-cut keys are just what I needed! However, this will need to be done at a locksmith. And mine charges a high price for this. Totally worth it to me. The cuts are like factory new and makes a noticeable difference in use.

[westyventures]

Mark: http://www.woodsboroautosales.com/veedubkey.html

Jason: https://www.baughmanlock.com/Products.html

Both personal friends of mine and can cut keys to code. The code is on a flat on the lock handle (after removal) and also the rear lock.

[Gnarlodious]

I used Jason Baughman listed above, very happy with the result.

You can see the keycode number from the inside without removing the assembly when the panel inside the rear hatch is off. With the lock in the unlocked position, look from the driver's side toward the passenger side (US) down into the lock. The keycode number is stamped on the triangular tab that rotates. You may need to scrub the grime off with steel wool to see the number, and use a flashlight and/or mirror to get close enough, as the numbers are pretty small.
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[16CVs]

Any locksmith should be able to pull a door handle and cut a key by code. This is not rocket science or something that needs to be mailed off to a specialist.
My local Lock guy ends up re keying and rebuilding locks for the wide variety of cars that I work on.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[westyventures]

With the code, you EMAIL or call one of these two guys. No, not 'any' locksmith has specific VW key cut profiles. Mark, for instance, has the factory key nibbler, I doubt your great locksmith has one that you dial the VW code number and it slices the key to number accurately without the lock in hand. He can also cut newer keys merely by looking at a photo.

[16CVs]

Karl
I am not discounting anyone's qualifications here or suggesting that they not use a Listee for a service. Hell, I've done very well here on Samba with loyal members as have you.
But If you need a key quickly or have your Van torn apart I stand by my statement that any competent locksmith that has an HPC code cutter can do just as good a job or better then someone using a 45 year old old hand operated key punch machine. Do a YOUTUBE search for "HPC code machine" and see the simplicity. The nice thing about doing it locally is you can walk in it and try immediately as sometimes locks are Re- Keyed and not noted and you end up with the wrong code.
My locksmith uses the same code machine to cut VW- Ford or Schlage keys. Those hand punch machine were great in the day when you were on the road in a van with no power. I've used those hand punch machines myself, and they do work well. But they are not the only way to get a Quality key cut by code.
Of course this is my opinion and they are always free and usually varied.

Choose wisely

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[smd333]

[Wellington]

One phillips screw, pull a front door handle, get the 4 didgit code.
Going local? Walk in with the door handle!

[9.5isCanadian]

So all this “code” talk got me thinking,.....

Wandered out to the shop and dug out my original slider door handle, broken when I brought Jasper home, to see if this mysterious code could be found,
I’d love to get the keys all to match.

To that end, is this what everyone is talking about?

_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi

[bizarre]

Yes - that’s the code

[ajdenette]

I have had keys cut to code for two vans one from a local lock smith and one from the vendors found here on The Samba the biggest difference was that the lock smith used a blank that was close and does not work on my gas cap and the vendor used the correct blank that works correctly in all locks on my Doka.
_________________
1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
1986 Syncro Doka Project next in line
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work

[Gnarlodious]

[smd333]

Thanks for all the replies. One of the guys Mark is in Walkersville, MD so I'll probably use his services.

BTW that picture wasn't mine but my hatch lock looks very similar. The pic was taken from the driver's side looking left, and I assume the numbers are meant to be read from that direction, if it's different I'll let everyone know.
_________________
Dona and Mike
1986 Wolfsburg Weekender

[bobbyblack]

[bobbyblack]

Another thought for all reading this post;

Keys and Locks wear together. This is a fact. Sometimes, with a worn Lock, a fresh cut from code key won't work as you expect it to.

Just an FYI for anyone who might not understand why something seems amiss when you get that code cut key back from the smith. Get a can of LPS.

-bobby
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[raoul mitgong]

I just went through this and ordered a new key cut to code from Mark. Quick and worked flawlessly. FYI, the codes on the front door handles can be hard to read and confusing. Mark was able to decipher a picture for me.
You'll never guess what this number actually was.

-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim))

[fxr]

8439?
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[bobbyblack]

9378
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch