Ignition Switch...

JCWagar · Joined: 19 Mar 2011 Posts: 73 Location: Newport

My story:
For our 71 Bay we have a small key that turns on the bus, obviously not original ignition switch. This is the only key we have for the bus and if it is lost we are buggered. It opens nothing else and we have a VW key that opens/locks everything else on the bus.

My question:
How possible is it to replace the ignition switch with a new gig and a key that will open everything as it should? Does that mean outfitting the doors with new locks? Possible to find a/the ignition switch that would fit my existing key? How involved would it be and where would I start searching for such?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to advise me on the most sound way of fixing this problem. It is irksome and no one around here seems to be able to duplicate the said key. This posting will self destruct...when Troy says so...

I tried posting pictures but don't remember how to do so..
Thanks friends..

Slammed(\X/)Wheels · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:17 pm Post subject:

Well, I can't accept the mission but I can give you a few pointers!
-usually when you buy a ignition it comes with the original key
-You don't have to outfit anything just keep both keys
-Ignition are easy to install

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

This guys isn't cheap, but he's extremely knowledgable...and can fix your problem.
Gabriel.... http://gabvwkey.com

He'll probably tell you to send him a key, and you might have to buy an ignition switch if you don't have an OG VW switch. Then he'll key your new ignition to match your doors.

Scott

sandals · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:19 pm Post subject:

Read this.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=312340

Then, buy a new (used?) ignition and either reset the ignition tumbler to the old keys, or reset the locks to match the ignition.

JCWagar · Joined: 19 Mar 2011 Posts: 73 Location: Newport

Great answers Friends, I thank you.

I have tried Gabe before after finding him on The Samba and will try again. I hear he is good and I am sure worth such $.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. Know where I can grab a new/used/usable ignition? I like the idea of attempting it myself with the help of the thread Cory pointed me to.
If anything else occurs to you let me know.

sandals · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:41 am Post subject:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-191-905-855

Here's one, but I am not sure if it uses the same key style as the door handles, so it may leave you with separate keys, like a Chevy.

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

Yeah, Gabriel told me that he can't match keys to aftermarket ignitions and OG door handles... But if you found a good used ignition switch, he can match your door keys so you have just one key.
Most of my VW's have an ignition key, and door keys. Cheaper that way. Plus, I like using OG vw keys.

Scott