Sent from my digital leash

> On Jan 29, 2018, at 11:59 AM, Tom Buese <tantonbz@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Here’s what Steve S recommended to me, & I have this stuff & it is the bomb!  YMMV
> 
> https://www.triflowlubricants.com/category/lubricants <https://www.triflowlubricants.com/category/lubricants>
> 
> Mr. BZ
> 
> 
>> On Jan 29, 2018, at 11:18 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET> wrote:
>> 
>> That's an interesting theory.  I have wondered what's the best to do for lock maintenance, as my research has gone been somewhat vague.  From what I have heard, Steve Sandlin knows his stuff.  Anyone want to chime in on this?
>> 
>> Dave B.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Mon, Jan 29, 2018 8:59 am
>> Subject: Re: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
>> 
>> I had an email exchange with Steve Sandlin and he does not support the use
>> of graphite: from our email: "...The rear hatch is not difficult to remove,
>> but as I recall the inner trim panel must be removed.  I would try cleaning
>> and lubricating in place.  Get some carburetor cleaner or electronic
>> cleaner with a spray tube.  Spray through the key slot and work a key in
>> and out.  Do this a number of times until the cleaner running out is
>> clean.  Allow it to dry for a few minutes, then lubricate the lock.  I
>> would strongly suggest TriFlow.  Many bicycle shops and some good hardware
>> stores stock it.  I've not found it at the big box stores, however.  Do not
>> use graphite or WD40.  They will gum it up.  I really suspect graphite had
>> been used fairly liberally in the past on the handle I tore down.  Te flush
>> and lube procedure, though not as good as a full teardown, is generally
>> effective."...
>> 
>> Karl.
>> 
>> On Sun, Jan 28, 2018 at 9:45 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> Couple years ago I sent to Steve the code from inside of door handle of my
>>> 85 Tintop; easily accessible by gently moving back foam door weatherstrip,
>>> and then only 1 screw on door handle to remove handle assembly.  I bought a
>>> steel key from him as opposed to softer brass; has worked flawlessly on all
>>> doors and ignition.  Stuff wears out and things get sloppy; Steve is a
>>> great resource.
>>> 
>>> Go ahead...get a new key(s) from him.  And be worry free for next 30
>>> years.  And find a nifty place under chassis to Duct Tape a spare
>>> key....I've got my secret place..no, go the extra step beyond one of those
>>> cheapo magnetic box thingies... black Duct Tape, well wrapped, hidden
>>> nicely. Ready.
>>> Also...I am a big believer in graphite powder for door locks.  "Puff" it
>>> into the key channel via the handy plastic squeeze tube; shake up the tube
>>> first.  Available at Home Depot.  Those 5 floating thingies, I forget the
>>> name, but the things on springs inside lock mechanism that either engage or
>>> don't engage the notches on the key; they need to be able to move up and
>>> down freely in all kinds of weather conditions....hence the warning against
>>> temporary solutions like WD-40 sprays or Tri-Flow and the like, they can
>>> freeze up and/or attract constricting dirt.
>>> If you have used liquid lubricant in the past to try to better door locks,
>>> there is probably a method to remove that crud and do it right.
>>> Steve himself might also chime in.  Anyway, nothing as frustrating as
>>> trying to enter and no go.
>>> 
>>> Rich
>>> San Diego
>>> 
>>>     From: Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2018 4:55 PM
>>> Subject: Locks, Keys Refurbed by Steve Sandlin
>>> 
>>> Steve Sandlin did a great job on my locks and keys this month, so I want
>>> to add my voice to everyone here who has recommended him!  If you need
>>> any work done on your locks, contact Steve right away.
>>> 
>>> http://www.steveslockshop.com/volkswagen.html
>>> 
>>> Don't be like me: I put up with frustrations for far too long, even
>>> after I saw Steve recommended here.  I should have asked for his expert
>>> help much sooner.
>>> 
>>> When I got my '84 Westy in 2009, it came with only two, badly-cut keys.
>>> They were cut correctly only on one side, so they only worked one way in
>>> the locks.  Somebody had cut a notch in one side of the steel key as a
>>> reminder of the right way.  But the key with the rubber VW bow often
>>> fooled me, so it was a constant frustration.
>>> 
>>> And over the years, the front door locks got dirtier inside, so they
>>> were difficult to operate.  Except on the side of the van that had sun
>>> shining on it for a few hours.  Apparently the sun would melt the grimy
>>> ear wax stuck in the lock, so it was easier to turn.
>>> 
>>> Then I got a new old stock sliding door handle, which came with its own
>>> key, and I was too lazy to reach out to Steve to get it re-keyed to
>>> match my van.  I couldn't be troubled to carry two keys, so I just
>>> reached in from the front passenger door to lock and unlock the slider.
>>> 
>>> I wasn't sure how to send my front door handles to Steve and still keep
>>> the van secure, since it's parked outside.  When I asked, Steve offered
>>> to send me loaner handles for the few days it would take to send him my
>>> handles, let him do the work, and get them back.  (I didn't bother with
>>> a loaner for the sliding door, since it's unlikely a thief would know
>>> how to operate it without the handle.)
>>> 
>>> I sent Steve the three handles and one of the badly-cut keys for
>>> verification.  (The ignition and hatch lock were working fine.)  In a
>>> few days, he sent them back, clean and keyed alike.  And two new steel
>>> keys and two new rubber keys, cut correctly so they work either way.
>>> 
>>> I put the handles on and tried all four keys in the doors and the
>>> ignition both ways, and they all work smoothly.  Yipee!
>>> 
>>> Even better, Steve's fee was very modest.  Why did I ever wait so long!
>>> 
>>> Thanks, Steve!
>>> 
>>> https://sbw.org/sbwsty/
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>