On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:17:40 -0400, Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET> wrote:

>Depends ...
>
>My '84 and '85 gas caps use "VW GAS" keys ... not the ignition key.  I'd
>say that most replacement caps are of this type.  I have my gas key
>alongside the ignition key on a ring so that when I remove my gas cap I
>insert the ignition key in the passenger door.  That way the gas cap
>dangles right there where I'm working.
>
>I've "Heard" that replacement caps that use the ignition key really
>don't have locks at all and that anything flat inserted will open it.  I
>have no first hand knowledge about this, though.
>
>Mike
>
>
>
>Janet Sanford wrote:
>> Are all the gas caps the same and open with any Vanagon key? I left my
gas cap at the gas station and it has disappeared.
>>
>> Janet
>>

The gas cap on my '90 syncro can be opened with its gas-cap-only key, but
also the ignition key.  It can also be opened with any key or other flat-
bladed object that will fit in the slot, seemingly confirming what Mike has
heard about replacement caps that use the ignition key not being locked at
all. As a practical matter, I carry only the ignition key, and thus use it
to open the gas cap, leaving it in the cap while filling the tank, thus
making it impossible to drive off without the gas cap and the key.