easiest way to find key code please?

[kagey]

I had 2 keys for my 1981 T25 & they worked the doors, ignition and petrol cap - perfect!
Sadly, now down to 1 as I twisted one when rushing to open the petrol cap, and I don't have the key code to get a spare cut.
Options seem to be inspecting one of the locks to find the codes or getting a copy made from the remaining key.

I've seen services on ebay that offer to cut a key from a good photo. Does anyone know if this works? I'm gusessing 40-year-old locks and keys have fairly broad tolerances, so might work even if not super-precise.

Otherwise, any advice on which lock is the simplest to dismantle to find the codes?
Tailgate looks a good candidate. I'm moderately competent but no mechanic!

Thanks - Kevin

[Burtybassett]

I got a couple of spare keys from VW Heritage Parts down Shorham (they deliver) ......it was about 12 years ago when I first got the wagon.....got them cut via Timpsons using the original if I remember correctly.
Rubbed a HB pencil over the keys first before using.
Graphite is a good old skool lube for keys/locks.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Just get your local keycutter to cut you a new one from the one that you have. That is how mine were done - they usually have the correct blanks. You don't need a code for a duplicate like that. It isn't as though you have a super duper modern immobiliser key there.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I got a couple of spare keys from VW Heritage Parts down Shorham (they deliver) ......it was about 12 years ago when I first got the wagon.....got them cut via Timpsons using the original if I remember correctly.
Rubbed a HB pencil over the keys first before using.
Graphite is a good old skool lube for keys/locks.

2B or 4B for preference? HB is a bit hard

[Alfredo]

I had one cut by this eBay seller, from a photograph and it worked perfectly.

He also gave me the key code.
 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234790595895

[tobydog]

I got a couple of spare keys from VW Heritage Parts down Shorham (they deliver) ......it was about 12 years ago when I first got the wagon.....got them cut via Timpsons using the original if I remember correctly.
Rubbed a HB pencil over the keys first before using.
Graphite is a good old skool lube for keys/locks.

2B or 4B for preference? HB is a bit hard

Staedtler or Faber-Castell
 

[Oldiebut goodie]

I always favoured Staedtler myself. ( a daughter is the artist and there was a steady supply on her workdesk! )

[kagey]

Thanks all. Speedy and pragmatic!

Also some helpful pencil selection tips.

[Smiffo]

I had one cut by this eBay seller, from a photograph and it worked perfectly.

He also gave me the key code.
 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234790595895

We did the same with a locksmith once. Wife left her keys in her handbag when putting it into the boot of our old Passat.
30 seconds later it all locked, and she was in Reading.

Locksmith couldn’t get into it after trying for a while. In the end he got her to call me and send a few pictures of the spare key from 4 angles.

That’s all he needed to make a spare key. Amazing really.

[Burtybassett]

I had one cut by this eBay seller, from a photograph and it worked perfectly.

He also gave me the key code.
 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234790595895

We did the same with a locksmith once. Wife left her keys in her handbag when putting it into the boot of our old Passat.
30 seconds later it all locked, and she was in Reading.

Locksmith couldn’t get into it after trying for a while. In the end he got her to call me and send a few pictures of the spare key from 4 angles.

That’s all he needed to make a spare key. Amazing really.

Those guys are amazing....they'd make great burglars

[cobblers]

The key code is a 4 digit number and it's stamped on the lock assemblies themselves, sliding door one is easiest to remove (one screw from inside) and most likely to still be legible. If you can get a key cut to code rather than a copy of an old worn out original, it'll work better and last longer, plenty of places online will do this for you.
The more modern computer controlled key machines will generally cut to a code rather than make a blind copy - the locksmith will upload a photo of the key to the software and it will make it's best guess at what the code should be.

[kagey]

Got the code from the sliding door handle and had a couple of spares made by a chap called Brendan, who is on here but can't recall his profile name. Two very clean, identical-looking keys that work in all doors and ignition, so all good!

Only thing is the sliding door doesn't open now! Couldn't be my doing, could it?
Have taken off the door card (damaging it in the process as fitted with Rawlplugs rather than clips, it looks like).
Seems that the cable may have come off the lock mechanism at the front end...

Oh well, have to bone up on that now!