Club 80-90 Forums

Hey guys.
Just bought our first van and really want to get stuck in, only problem is the lock on the tailgate wont budge.
Looks likes some ones tried to force it before and now the key wont fit, (or could be the wrong key?)
and cant get to the engine properly. So does anyone know a way of opening the boot lid from inside the van?
Its a panel van and is completely empty inside and the barrel/lock is exposed so going to have a fiddle with that to
see if I can jimmy it open. Any advice here would be awesome.

Cheers guys!!

Jaret83mk1

Welcome to the site

Remove the trim panel on the inside of the tailgate and you can pop the catch with your hand. You can then access the allen bolts to remove the tailgate lock and replace with a fresh one

What year is your van? (there are early and late tailgate locks) When you replace the tailgate lock you can re-tumble the lock to fit your original key

Some places offer this service http://www.customandcommercial.com/keys_locks.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks, I'll give that a go when I get in. Its an 83 Y reg so I'm guessing that'll be an early one?
or would only air-cooled be classed as early?

It's an early one. Obsolete from VW so only aftermarket new ones available or a 2nd hand one that isn't too worn

I have a good early lock , chrome in good order too,
ygm
mm

I fitted a catch to the inside so I can open the tailgate in an emergency