Looking for the right ignition lock for my 1971 Bus

[nickpace]

Before you tell me to Google the question, hear me out. I need to replace the lock portion of the ignition switch assembly in my '71 T2. My ignition switch housing (the big part that holds all of the assembly together including the pin that locks the steering column in place in appropriate years) has a part number of 211-905-887-C. My ignition lock (the shiny thing on the right side of the housing that has the cylinder containing the rotating lock tumbler and a companion lock driver, a round piece with an extrusion that fits into and rotates the innards of the electrical ignition switch) has a part number of 211-?05-855-B (the 4th digit is unreadable due to the PO's use of a drill to access the lock release, but I have to assume that this is a "9" and so the number would be 211-905-855-B).

I want to replace the ignition lock and get a new key along with it but 211-905-855-B is pretty much a ghost part number. I can certainly find plenty of VW part websites where locks that are said to fit a 1971 T2 are available (usually a 211-905-855-C or a 113-905-853 but no C), but none of them look exactly like the one I pulled out of the assembly tonight. They all seem longer (the flange that's on the right end of the lock on the ads for "VW Bus 1971-79" is much thicker; see https://www.jbugs.com/product/211905855C.html ) and the guts of the unit--the driver that links the tumbler to the electrical switch---look different than mine.

Am I over-thinking this and should I just shut up and order the damned thing? Or should I replace the switch housing to another, and presumably more common model, for this year to be compatible with the cylinders that are readily available?

Thanks for your advice,

Nick in Palm Springs

[borninabus]

since no one has got back to you, i'll be the one to give you the standard answer. contact one of the fine lock experts who are samba members. steelerbus on the east coast or gabe in CA. maybe i don't have the usernames spot on, but search and you will find. your other option in busted bus in CO, but you will need to rekey if you want the "all-in-one-key" package.

i believe that you can swap the drive dog off of your cylinder to the more commonly available one and i also believe that you can use the later bay/vanagon cylinder without modifications, but don't quote me. it's been a long time since i dealt with this same problem on my 71.

any one of these vender sources will provide you with a solution.
DO NOT buy an aftermarket one. you've been warned
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88 Van WBX, A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T - 2012 Touareg TDI Sport

[aeromech]

Gabe.

Don’t worry about part numbers. He knows. Tell him what year you need and either send him a key or key code. This guy is solid.

(214) 673-1033

http://gabvwkey.com/
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
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VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
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[nickpace]

Thanks for the advice. Makes a lot of sense. I've got to call Gabe about rekeying a new door lock so might as well ask about the ignition cylinder at the same time.

Cheers!

Nick in Palm Springs

[SGKent]

I thought we dealt with this issue in your thread https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=762403&highlight=
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin

[skills@eurocarsplus]

that is the flatter chrome one used on the early buses. the replacements had kind of a cone shape with a black ring and will work ok.

basically as long as the ass end of the assembly looks the same you'll be good to go.
_________________

[Jeff Geisen]

Those replacement locks use a Vanagon profile key n
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I Corinthians 4: 1 thru 5

‘63 ragtop - ‘68 single cab

[nickpace]

[aeromech]

You’ll be in good hands with Gabe
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound