why the handle difference?

[crankbait09]

63 beetle

The PO has a lockable handle on the drivers side, and an non-lockable handle on the passenger side of the car.

Although I see this as an option that you can buy from WW, what is the advantage of having only one lock? Defeats the purpose of the one door being locked....yes?

[slave1pilot]

my guess would be costs.
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My Photobucket for my Herbie Project - http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/TK-439/library/Herbie?sort=3&page=1

Currently:
1963 Ragtop Beetle
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle

[Bob Loblaw]

[Sharp64]

From the inside push the passenger door handle forward. Should lock the door.
_________________
1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[my59]

Money saving, yes.
Also makes vehicle security the driver's responsibility, as it's the only door you can lock from the outside, thus making locking keys in car difficult.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[crankbait09]

[60ragtop]

[Sharp64]

[KTPhil]

Made it hard to be a gentleman and open the door for the lady.
Back in the day, we'd buy a used driver handle and have it rekeyed to match.

[hitest]

Going along with that very intentional design- VW for many years (apart from any other manufacturer I can think of) made it virtually impossible for the driver to lock their keys in their own car accidentally under normal conditions.
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[bluebus86]

ive been driving my 61 Bug for near four decades. My Dad bought it new. Dad added a key lock on passenger side to make it easy to retrieve the baby i.e. me!, from the sidewalk side of the locked car.

I have always unlocked the driver door with a key, but once door is open, twist the key back to lock, so when it is reclosed it will be locked automatically with no further action needed other than closing it. I was more concerned about theft, car being left unlocked, than concerned about leaving my key inside.

Keep a Buggin, No Matter How You Lock It!
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[h~moto]

I've never owned a `63 Beetle. Do they normally come with a key slot in the passenger side outside door handle? I know that for the 1966 Beetles, US cars did but Euro Beetles had to be locked using the interior door handle.

[60ragtop]

no key slot like the one on the left

_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[flyboy161]

Actually, I’ve been through the owners manuals for ‘58 and for 61-65 and there is no mention whatsoever about door locks (locking or unlocking). Only mention is of cold weather lubrication.

With that said, my ‘64 handles inside can be used to lock the doors, but when closing from outside I have to push the button on the door handle and hold it while I close the door. Otherwise it just unlocks when it latches. It’s been a struggle teaching my college educated daughter the concept of locking the door on the passenger side when she is getting out. (Open door, push handle forward, get out, push outside button, shut door, release button, test, repeat as necessary)
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1968 Westfalia
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=792825&highlight=

My father's 1970 Beetle-
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=603879

The 1964...Diamond in the rough
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=612776

My 1958 Morocco Bug-
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=611483

[far rider]

Car is a 61. Wanting to replace with better condition ones. Can I use up to 64 handles with no issue? TIA
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67 zenith blue sunroof

Contentment; when what you have is what you want.

[Bobs67vwagen]

I always liked the drivers side only keyed handle because being an inexpensive simple car I wanted to stay with that theme and I felt it also looked cleaner. Just my 2 cents!

[glutamodo]