Volks,
I’m learning a lot about VW locks. You’ll recall I wanted to re-key an old
1969 ignition lock to match my door keys (see original query below). Several
of you sent me advice both on- and off-list. Thanks very much!
The first place I went was an old established local locksmith I’ve used for
many years. Can’t be done, they told me.
What they (and another local firm) told me has been confirmed by the other
resources that folks referred me to via this list: the ignition locks on old
VW beetles (at least, the '68-'72 sort) were not designed to be opened up and
rebuilt. Once the rivet holding the casing together is ground and drilled out,
it can’t easily be replaced and the whole assembly usually implodes. Best
advice from VW-experienced professionals: don’t even try it.
HOWEVER: The door locks are easy to re-key and re-tumbler. Consensus: use
the new ignition lock and key and give the door handles to any competent
locksmith to re-key to match … which is actually what I had done before when I
replaced one door on the Copbug. If you're into authentic restorations, go to
a VW expert for a correct VW key blank, properly coded.
The guys that Gerald Livingston referred me to gave the same advice, and they
work exclusively on old German automotive locks. Sounds like a consensus.
Bert
On Thursday, April 24, 2014 8:32:38 PM, Bert Knupp wrote:
Volks,
A tumbler broke inside the ignition lock cylinder on my ’70 Type 1. I found a
good used cylinder-and-key from a California vendor and got it. Now I’d really
like to get the lock rebuilt so it will accept my old door key, giving me a
one-key system -- like new.
At some shows in the past I’ve seen a vendor who specialized in re-keying VW
locks, and in the past I’ve seen an ad, previously in _VW Trends_ and recently
in _Hot VWs_ . But looking through my stash of back issues, I can’t find the
ad or the vendor.
Does anybody know a locksmith who might specialize in classic Volkswagen
tumblers and leaves? Specifically 1969-1972 (the ’68 was a bit different, I’m
told). I can send them the desired key and the newly-acquired lock cylinder.
I’ve checked with a couple of highly respectable lock shops locally and neither
still has any sets of VW tumblers or plates.
Bert Knupp
__n|_
°(_____)º
(ô\_|_/ô)
U° °U
Polizeikäfer '70
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