Just felt as if I should jump in on the current key discussion.  Yes, few
locksmiths will cut a steel key.  To be safe, they should be cut on a
carbide cutter, which few people use.  We cut steel keys all the time with
our carbide cutters.  We also sell a large number of Borkey and Silca keys,
both made in Europe, and of steel construction.

Were I spending the money for an original key, I'd not choose to duplicate
it, but spend the extra money to code cut it back to new key specs, rather
than make a copy of a copy, etc.  It will perform better.

Vanagon locks and keys are no real mystery, and will perform well for a
number of years.  Just keep both graphite and WD-40 away from them.  They
should be lubricated with a teflon or synthetic lube such as Tri-Flow or
SuperLube.  We recommend a twice-yearly lubrication.

Feel free to contact us for any other lock/key questions on the Vanagons or
other import autos.

Steve Sandlin, Registered Locksmith
Steve's Lock Shoppe
http://www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Bus
'00 New Beetle