The Official 356Talk Forum

Can anyone tell me where I can get the my door lock barrels made to the number on the Kardex for my car?
Would the ignition key code apply to the door barrels? In other words would there have been different keys for the ignition and the doors?
As always vary grateful for any help.
David

I know on the B & C models, the ignition and door locks were keyed the same. Dan Roman, Tweets, can rekey them for you. I think he is now listed in our vendors section.

Mike

Hi Mike ,
Thank you for your response.
My car is a 1958 356A
Dvaid

Not sure about the A models. Way back in the day when I had my '58, it was already bastardized and nothing matched.

I'm sure others on our Talk List can weigh in on your question.

Mike

My 58A uses the same key for the ignition and doors.
Ralph

Thanks for that info, Ralph. I get to add another microchip to my gray matter!
Mike

David,
Usually the problem is not getting the keys cut to the code but to get an original key blank on which to make the cuts... most lock smiths have access to one of several "books" that list both the key codes and the cut depths. Some series of cuts are done by "guide" keys which set depth of cuts others use empirical rules to set the depths. Some of the replacement key blanks have slightly different offsets. That being said their are several people on the registry site that can both get your correct key blank and make the cuts to the original specifications. Some of the locks needs extensive work to bring them back to the original spec... I think you mentioned that you had a 58 A which has most of the replacements parts readily available. Most of the major parts suppliers also offer key services.... Good luck with your project.

Thank you Rick.
My original ignition key number starts with F.
I have noticed all 356A door handles offered for sale have a K prefix.
Is this how it works?
Did handles ever have an F number?
David

The original door handles I have seen are either K1** or K3**. Locks for glove box, hood pull and shifter had different letters, F, FE.

Mike

David,
Mike is right adding... Pre A door handles will just have a four digit number without a "K"... The code designation tells which key blank is used for each item switch, door handle or other...The key blanks will have a certain profile, off set, depth, and pin number. The profile tells weather the blank will go into the key hole, the offset determines the cut depth and weather a key cut will release the pins and allow the lock cylinder to rotate, the depth involve the end profile and how far in the blank will go into the keyhole, and the pin number will set how long the blank is... a five pin blank can be modified for a four pin application.

Each component from your car will have a number code stamped on it which can be translated into key cuts of known depth... each component will usually also have a date code which is the first and easiest way to see if the component is consistent with your car as an original. Dates codes typically vary from the date your car was built but usually are within a couple months before your car was built. There are multiple site with dates codes information; a quick search yields more information than you probably want.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... p?t=279505

Great info, Rick. Thanks!

Mike