mk1-forum.net

One hurdle I have yet to cross is that the rear door lock on the van is not the same as the door lock, and I don't have a key for it. I have tried various other keys of the off chance one works, btu sadly, no luck.

My plan it to strip it down, pop in the door key, file the fingers down and hey presto, BUT.... Without the key, how do I strip it down? The whole thing has been painted, it looks like the rods that go from the unit have been welded at some point, and even the screws look like they will put up a fight, having been painted over.

Can anyone point me to a step by step guide to removing and breaking down the assembly (without the key being available)?

I have a horrid fear that it might be a case of replacing the whole lot, which is a pain, but is it less of a pain?

It would help if I took a photo of course, but I forgot.

Al

Can't point to a step by step but have a vague recollection of the last one I did.

The box part of the rod assembly has a cover, undo the screws and remove cover. Rods are threaded at inner end and have a lock nut. Loosen lock nut and wind rods out of pivot. Unbolt the box and slid off of lock shaft. You can now access the two retaining nuts holding the handle on.

The handle is the same as a MK1 mini boot handle, just with a longer shaft. If you choose to replace order a new MK1 boot handle as they are supplied with the longer shaft as standard, or at least the ones I've had from Minispares are, so would need shortening for use on a saloon.

If you intend to persevere with the existing handle I'm not sure how you would get the barrel out intact without a key. I can get the barrels out but my method destroys the barrel so only good when fitting a replacement barrel set.

One way without a key is to oil the lock barrel and use a slightly worn key. Slide the key in and out quickly, turning the lock stightly as you do. At some point, the tumblers will be drawn inwards and by turning the barrel, you'll get all of them to remain in, until you can rotate the handle.

Problem can be solved thereafter.........., hopefully!