Actually, the number for the key will be found on one of the "Tines" of
the fork at the rear of the front door lock.

Mike

Mike Collum wrote:
> On your '85, the gas cap key was probably a "stubby" and was different
> from the ignition/door keys.
>
> If you remove a front door handle, there is a number on the lock that a
> key can be cut from.  To remove the handle, open the door and pull the
> rubber door seal (horizontally to the rear of the handle) and remove the
> Phillips screw.  The handle will then come off by pulling it toward the
> front of the van.
>
> Originally one key worked on the front doors, the sliding door, and the
> rear hatch.  The glovebox was different.
>
> If you work with Steve Sandlin (Steve's Lockshop) he can help you get
> back to only needing one key for the doors and ignition.
>
> http://www.steveslockshop.com/
>
> Mike
>
>
> marion lyle lathem wrote:
>> Hi,
>>   I have a 1985 Vanagon GL.  I had one door key that worked and I
>> bought a
>> new ignition key lock, thought I was in pretty fair shape.  That is
>> until I
>> lost the keys to the Vanagon, I kept seperate.  This seperate key ring
>> had
>> the gas cap key, door key and ignition key.  My ritual was to always
>> put it
>> in my right front pocket.  We went to go to town the other morning, my
>> keys
>> were gone. We have torn everything up looking so many times.. we live in
>> disaster land. We did have the spare ignition key for the new lock.
>>
>>   I hate to make drastic changes, thinking my keys will show up some day.
>> I have thought about installing a kill switch.  One option would be to
>> kill
>> the gas pump circuit..?  What would be the best way to install a kill
>> circuit, and would you use a toggle switch..?
>>
>>    I have priced door lock sets... gads.. like going to a dentist...?  I
>> was curious why the previous owner just had a key to one door, the right
>> side..?  Is there a number I can give a VW dealer and get a key that
>> possibly will fit all my other locks except the right door..?  The
>> back door
>> I of course never had a key for, but it seems to perhaps taken a
>> different
>> key...?  ( Depth of lock ) when trying all the keys I could find
>> anywhere.
>>
>> Thanks in advance..!
>> Lyle Lathem
>> 1985 Vanagon GL
>> Quinlan, TX
>>
>