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Key Code for MK1 Golf
Carl and Emily - August 10th, 2013 at 06:46 PM

Problem?

A MK1 Golf circa Feb 1980 with no keys.

Is the code for the key number on the ignition cylinder?

and

Where is the best place to go in Brisbane (or some place that will post.) to have new ones cut?

Thanks in advance.

Joel - August 10th, 2013 at 07:29 PM

Yep its on the side of the barrel, and also the little dogtag if your lucky enough to still have one.

THe door handles have the code on too but only if they are original

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j154/Vbug74/Lbug/P5250821.jpg

Carl and Emily - August 11th, 2013 at 01:55 PM

Thanks for the confirmation Joel.

Any tricks for getting the barrel out of the housing when there is no key?

I will remove all locks and see if they match and inspect condition.

Are these types of cylinders known to wear?

Should I be thinking about new cylinders, instead of trying to get a new key for a potentially worn out lock? (particularly ignition and drivers door.)

Thanks

Carl

Old Dubber - August 11th, 2013 at 06:35 PM

Carl,

In my experience with early MK1s, the keys from others will often fit.
I have a bunch, give me a call.

Grahame

68AutoBug - August 11th, 2013 at 09:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Carl and Emily
Thanks for the confirmation Joel.

Any tricks for getting the barrel out of the housing when there is no key?

I will remove all locks and see if they match and inspect condition.

Are these types of cylinders known to wear?

Should I be thinking about new cylinders, instead of trying to get a new key for a potentially worn out lock? (particularly ignition and drivers door.)

Thanks

Carl


Hi Carl
Its difficult to know if the cylinder is worn until You insert a key..
If they are really bad, You can pull the key out with the ignition turned on... although that would be with a worn key too..
I believe a new key would be the cheapest option..

Plus, If You install a car alarm with electric solenoids , You wouldn't be locking/unlocking the doors all the time.. with the key..

cheers

LEE

Joel - August 12th, 2013 at 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Carl and Emily
Thanks for the confirmation Joel.

Any tricks for getting the barrel out of the housing when there is no key?

I will remove all locks and see if they match and inspect condition.

Are these types of cylinders known to wear?

Should I be thinking about new cylinders, instead of trying to get a new key for a potentially worn out lock? (particularly ignition and drivers door.)

Thanks

Carl


It's reasonably cheap to get a new key cut from the code, I paid $14 for the privilage at the local locksmith about 6 months ago.

THe barrels to remove are the same process as a late beetle:

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=76646 

It's a little more tricky but still possible to get out with no key.
taking the ignition switch out first gives you access to push it out from the bottom.

I havent looked into it but I think the door lock barrels arent availble new on their own, you need to buy a complete door handle.
they don;t typically wear too badly and the quality of modern repro stuff is a bit hit and miss too.

Carl and Emily - August 14th, 2013 at 11:36 AM

Thanks all for your help.

I've managed to remove the barrel from the housing with no key.

Using Joel's advice and drilling the housing as per this diagram.
(This MK1 golf housing does not have a removable wedge to enable the barrel to be removed as per Joel's link, there is spring where the hole should be drilled that needs to be pushed in to enable the barrel to be removed.)

Grahame I've pm'd you with the barrel code, if you happen to have an original key in your collection that would be great.

Otherwise I will hopefully be able to arrange a new key cut to the code.

Joel - August 14th, 2013 at 12:20 PM

Hi Carl, is it a VB code key?

If you get stuck let me know, the locksmith down here cut a couple for me last year when I swapped my bug to mk1 ignition and door lock barrels

would pay to check if the front door handles match as well, the code is on them where the screw mounts them to the door.

Matt Ryan - August 14th, 2013 at 10:20 PM

Just a reminder,

NEVER use oil (WD40 etc.) or grease, to lubricate a lock. It will "attract" and hold crap that will damage or prematurely wear the tumblers or gunk up the springs.

Use graphite powder only.

Regards,

Matt.

Ps. I bought some new repro door handles with locks for my Mk I from the UK recently and they were completely dry inside, no lube whatsoever, it pays to check.