Locked out of Bug, Now What?
Frank Miller
When I got my '67 Bug, I was warned that the keys probably won't unlock
the doors. Well, dummy me, I forgot and pushed the lock button down from
habit before closing the door. Sure 'nuff, the key only raises the button
a few mm. not enough to get the lock unlocked. Do I need to get the
coathanger wire out and fish for the button, or would I be better off
trying a slim-jim down the window? Anybody had a Bug door apart to know it
innards of the door lock?
Frank Miller
Barry Templeton
My 67 is in similar shape except that you cannot lock the door without
the keys. If you push down the lock and then shut the door, it unlocks.
On mine, you can get the door unlocked with the key if you move the
pushbutton up and down while you have the key turned to the unlock
position. The reason we have this problem is that there used to be a
bushing that kept the pushbutton straight while you were turning the
key. Thirty years later, the bushing is gone or worn out. When you turn
the key in the pushbutton, the pushbutton moves instead of the lever
that is supposed to operate the lock.
David Brodbeck
In article <64j2tv$8...@login.freenet.columbus.oh.us>,
fmi...@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Frank Miller) dispatched into the ether:
>
> When I got my '67 Bug, I was warned that the keys probably won't unlock
> the doors. Well, dummy me, I forgot and pushed the lock button down from
> habit before closing the door. Sure 'nuff, the key only raises the button
> a few mm. not enough to get the lock unlocked. Do I need to get the
> coathanger wire out and fish for the button, or would I be better off
> trying a slim-jim down the window? Anybody had a Bug door apart to know it
> innards of the door lock?
--> Probably a dumb question, but are you sure the locks aren't just stiff?
Tried squirting in some WD40? The driver's side lock on my bus never worked
'till I lubricated it.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man is the best computer we can put aboard a spacecraft ... and the
only one that can be mass produced with unskilled labor.
-- Wernher von Braun
Dave Hall
Use the coat-hanger to lift the knob. If you can't get the lock working OK
with WD40, check out the lock overhaul page on my Club website,
http://home.clara.net/hallvw/lockpart.htm
The Club specialises in Type 3s and 4s, but they have many things in common
with Beetles and Buses. I'm still developing the site, but let me know if
I'm on the right lines! Thanks.
Dave Hall
--
Da...@spam.me.nothallvw.clara.co.uk
Please delete "spam.me.not" when replying!
Check out the VW Type 3 & 4 Club website
at http://home.clara.net/hallvw/
for great pics, news and technical advice.
Frank Miller wrote in message <64j2tv$8...@login.freenet.columbus.oh.us>...
>
>When I got my '67 Bug, I was warned that the keys probably won't unlock
>the doors. Well, dummy me, I forgot and pushed the lock button down from
>habit before closing the door. Sure 'nuff, the key only raises the button
>a few mm. not enough to get the lock unlocked. Do I need to get the
>coathanger wire out and fish for the button, or would I be better off
>trying a slim-jim down the window? Anybody had a Bug door apart to know it
>innards of the door lock?
>
>Frank Miller
>
Darryldh
Frank Miller wrote:
>
> When I got my '67 Bug, I was warned that the keys probably won't unlock
> the doors. Well, dummy me, I forgot and pushed the lock button down from
> habit before closing the door. Sure 'nuff, the key only raises the button
> a few mm. not enough to get the lock unlocked. Do I need to get the
> coathanger wire out and fish for the button, or would I be better off
> trying a slim-jim down the window? Anybody had a Bug door apart to know it
> innards of the door lock?
>
> Frank Miller
I have got into a bug before when I worked at a locksmith. It took about
2 minutes with a slim jim with a string attached to the end, We went
between the door post and the b pillar.When you get in, you loop the
string around the button and pull! Good luck (do yourself a favour and
remove the button when you get in, so this wont happen again ;-)
Darryl
'57 Judson supercharged sunroof Beetle
LaRose Racing
Frank,
Well, if you haven't gotten in there by now, my suggestion is one
of two things:
-use a Slim Jim
-drive the hinge pins out (if they're not badly rusted in)
Good luck!
Michelle
LAROSE RACING
Custodies
Ha ha!
I have a 67 too and guess what? Yep same thing happened to me over a
month ago, doors are too stiff the key turns but nothing. Sigh, This is
what I did.
Use a coat hanger and bend the end so that it looks like a hook, take a
flat screwdriver and pry to top end of the door so that you can slide the
coat hanger inside. Now try for the lock knob, it takes patience. Then
lift and voila, the crewdriver may scracht the car, but not if you use
some cloth to protect the paint. It worked for me...GOOD Luck
Pierre D.
67 Bug
Rob Boardman
Gavan Duffy wrote:
>
> David Brodbeck wrote:
>
> > --> Probably a dumb question, but are you sure the locks aren't
> > just stiff? Tried squirting in some WD40? The driver's side lock
> > on my bus never worked 'till I lubricated it.
>
> will hold dust particles and crap and eventually gum up the lock.
> The graphite is solid and won't.
>
> --
> Gavan Duffy
Spot on Gavan. Use a wet lubricant and you'll have to KEEP using it
to keep the old stuff from drying out, and to wash out all the
new dust that's stuck to the last squirt. Keys and tumblers
are made of brass, and wear very quickly when covered in dust.
Here is a good web site on VW locks for anyone who's interested.
http://home.clara.net/hallvw/lockpart.htm
--
Rob
R.Boa...@bom.gov.au
Use this address - incorrect address above to fool auto mailers
(1970 1500sp, one owner, 235,000 miles on it's original engine)
Vw BuG FeM
well i used to have a 72 super beatle and when i would get locked out which was
often i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru there
then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the unconventional way of
doing things, but it worked for me.
Nemrac47
If you were locked out, how did you get to the glove box? Was your hood release
broken?
C. Nemrac
No Beetle
jdc...@aracnet.com
When I had my '66 bug, my wife locked the keys in the car, and I had
vent window locks installed, so I tried a slim-jim and it would not
work. The design of the door won't allow it. My final recourse was to
cut out a quarter window with a razor blade, get in the car, then go
to the neighborhood bug shop for a new window rubber, and had the
window back in in 5 minutes. ( I had installed bug windows before).
Rob Boardman
Vw BuG FeM wrote:
>
> well i used to have a 72 super beatle and when i would get locked out which was
> often i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru there
> then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the unconventional way of
> doing things, but it worked for me.
Hmmmm, presumably you had to leave your bonnet (front trunk) lid
unlocked - just one click shut, or you would not be able to get access
to the back of the glove box.
This would mean no security, and a front trunk which leaked c-c-cold
air into the back of the dash (and into the car).
Or are you saying you cut the trunk handle, rotated it off it's
bolts, and open the trunk that way (had to do that once when the
release cable inside the glove box broke).
Incidently, a '72 super beatle' would be Ringo Starr or George
Harrison. We have VW beetles :-)
--
Rob
R.Boa...@bom.gov.au
Use this address - incorrect address above to fool auto mailers
(1970 1500sp, one owner, 236,000 miles on it's original engine)
Vw BuG FeM
>> well i used to have a 72 super beatle and when i would get locked out which
>was
>> often i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru
>there
>> then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the unconventional way
>of
>> doing things, but it worked for me.
>
>Hmmmm, presumably you had to leave your bonnet (front trunk) lid
>unlocked - just one click shut, or you would not be able to get access
>to the back of the glove box.
>
>This would mean no security, and a front trunk which leaked c-c-cold
>air into the back of the dash (and into the car).
>
>Or are you saying you cut the trunk handle, rotated it off it's
>bolts, and open the trunk that way (had to do that once when the
>release cable inside the glove box broke).
>
>
actually my trunck never locked from the day i bought it so it was easy, and
thank goodness for that because back then i always locked my keys in there.
and i live in south florida so never had to worry about the cold air.
Jeffry Johnston
: >>...i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru
: >>there then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the
: >>unconventional way of doing things, but it worked for me.
Cool idea, thanks, in case I ever need it...
: >Hmmmm, presumably you had to leave your bonnet (front trunk) lid
: >unlocked... This would mean no security [blanket? :]
: thank goodness for that because back then i always locked my keys in there.
Front trunk lid lock? "my junk heap dohn need no steenkeen lock!" :)
Security? Locked doors?
Where you guys live? Are you guys just paranoid? ;)
Alvin Johnston <--Libertarian
Vw BuG FeM
>: >unlocked... This would mean no security [blanket? :]
>
>: thank goodness for that because back then i always locked my keys in there.
>
>
>Front trunk lid lock? "my junk heap dohn need no steenkeen lock!" :)
>Security? Locked doors?
>Where you guys live? Are you guys just paranoid? ;)
>
>
well back when i had my bug they were not stolen to much but now a days you
have to lock them up they are a hot comodity. And in South Florida everything
needs to be locked.
MARC TOUSSAINT
Jeffry Johnston wrote:
>
> : >>...i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru
> : >>there then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the
> : >>unconventional way of doing things, but it worked for me.
>
> Cool idea, thanks, in case I ever need it...
>
> : >Hmmmm, presumably you had to leave your bonnet (front trunk) lid
>
> : thank goodness for that because back then i always locked my keys in there.
>
> Front trunk lid lock? "my junk heap dohn need no steenkeen lock!" :)
> Security? Locked doors?
> Where you guys live? Are you guys just paranoid? ;)
>
I have found that the cheapest way to get in there is to break out the
quarter glass. They are so plentiful and cheap to replace...
--
marc toussaint
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/slugbug
slugbug - parts and restoration vw parts hotline: 972.313.0085
1242 North Beltline
Irving, Tx 75061-4059
Vw BuG FeM
>
>Jeffry Johnston wrote:
>>
>> : >>...i broke my glove box open and opend my little triangle window thru
>> : >>there then stuck my hand thru there to the lock. that is the
>> : >>unconventional way of doing things, but it worked for me.
>>
>> Cool idea, thanks, in case I ever need it...
>>
>> : >Hmmmm, presumably you had to leave your bonnet (front trunk) lid
>> : >unlocked... This would mean no security [blanket? :]
>>
>> : thank goodness for that because back then i always locked my keys in
>there.
>>
>> Front trunk lid lock? "my junk heap dohn need no steenkeen lock!" :)
>> Security? Locked doors?
>> Where you guys live? Are you guys just paranoid? ;)
>>
>> Alvin Johnston <--Libertarian
>I have found that the cheapest way to get in there is to break out the
>quarter glass. They are so plentiful and cheap to replace...
>--
Wow I never thought someone else would break something to get into the car, but
on your method what happens until you get the quarter glass fixed? If it
rainds your all wet.
Jeffry Johnston
Vw BuG FeM <vwbu...@aol.com> wrote:
: >> Front trunk lid lock? "my junk heap dohn need no steenkeen lock!" :)
: >I have found that the cheapest way to get in there is to break out the
: >quarter glass. They are so plentiful and cheap to replace...
: If it rains your all wet.
Duct tape and card board! No, my junk heap ain't that junky but could be
temporarily if needs, be.
Alvin Johnston <--Libertarian
Ryan Lester
Another thing you could do is either file or drill out the rivet on the
corner window pivot. My dad did this about 15 years ago and he just used a
small bolt and nut to replace it. I suppose if it happened again, he could
just use a wrench to get it off. Took about 10 minutes and he didn't have
to replace the glass.....
Ryan.
SNIP
> I have found that the cheapest way to get in there is to break out the
> quarter glass. They are so plentiful and cheap to replace...
Ted Slampyak
Alvin:
I had the misfortune of locking my ONLY door key in the bug -- with
all windows and sunroof securely shut and locked.
However, I had the FORTUNE to do it in front of a used parts store,
where the owner -- a wonderful 50-something German man to told me of
how he first worked in the Wolfsburg plant when he was 14 -- was able
to slide a thin screwdriver into the vent window, with another
screwdriver as wedge, and push the knob away, letting us open the vent
window with only a couple scratches to the chrome!
Good luck.
-Ted Slampyak (also a Libertarian)
'68 Beetle