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Martin Knight

VIP Member
Messages
22
Location
Jersey
Vehicle
T6 Beach 150
Hey all, I had a search for info relating to this with no luck. I have a new T6 with only the standard keys. I asked my dealer if I could get a non electronic key to work central locking and be able to put in a wet suit as I do with my previous T4. He said no, only solution is a magnetic locked key box or padlock version to hold the normal key. I’m not keen on this. Never convinced of the security level of a relatively weak box. Is this really the case? Any solutions in practice welcomed. Many thanks, Martin.
 
There are some threads on this. I bought mine at Timson's in Loughborough. But you need to phone them up as only 1 in 10 or so have the blanks, so you have to go to a particular branch in your area. If you find the other threads you'll read a load of stuff about not being insured if you leave the real keys in the van and only use the mechanical key. Up to you - personally I don't think there is any issue. Drop the real ones somewhere out of sight and lock up with your surfing key.
 
Try searching the forum using "surf key".
It does exist , a key that only opens the door and can not stary the engine (i have one for my T5.
;)
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I was wondering if you could open the key casing and remove the actual metal key, which you could then fashion a holder for. Then you could leave the electronic bit in the van somewhere hidden and just take the other bit with you.
 
I was wondering if you could open the key casing and remove the actual metal key, which you could then fashion a holder for. Then you could leave the electronic bit in the van somewhere hidden and just take the other bit with you.

You could cut it off , but it would be a very expencive surf key .
 
When ordered our new T6 from SMG (Tonbridge) we ordered and got a non-electronic key. I've looked through our paperwork but couldn't find any VW reference number to help you try and get one, sorry. Try phoning Laine Wattts at SMG O1732 778877.
 
£20 from Timpsons.


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If your van is parked up somewhere near a surfing spot any potential thieves would know the electronic key fobs can’t be taken in the water, so they may target an expensive vehicle like the Cali and assume the keys are in there somewhere. If the van is stolen because the key is inside the insurers would use that as an excuse not to pay out. You need the hardware key and the electronics to start it, so I would not leave both components in the van.

You could make it as hard as possible to find by raising the roof slightly with your “surf” key in the ignition, then stashing the real key somewhere in the roof under the mattress. The thief won’t be able (or know how) to raise the roof, but you will.

Then turn the driver’s seat round and put the handbrake on! :D
 
I got one from eBay for I think around a tenner. I just had to take a photo and send it off. It only opens the doors and also sets the alarm off - but for the price did what I wanted.
 
you can remove the key fob by knocking out the little roll pin, you don't need to cut it. then a hole with a drill makes it wearable ,i've done this and when you come to sell you can re assemble the key

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you can see the tiny roll pin in my pics,just as you fold the key,knock this out and the blade comes free. then drill a hole in it. the blade will go back in and the hole will be covered on re sale or you could sell it as a 'surf key' with the van, then stash the fob in the van and lock the drivers door using the blade alone. done. the van can't be started if someone finds the fob as you have the blade on you
 
When ordered our new T6 from SMG (Tonbridge) we ordered and got a non-electronic key. I've looked through our paperwork but couldn't find any VW reference number to help you try and get one, sorry. Try phoning Laine Wattts at SMG O1732 778877.
I have the same or similar from SMG Tonbridge. Two chipped rigid keys without the electronic fob: £60 each (or possibly the pair). They will open the driver's door but the alarm sounds until the key is turned in the ignition. Apparently it is perfectly safe to swim with it but we have never done so.


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I had what I think is a surf key come with my van (+ the 2 electronic ones). Not used it yet but they do exist.
 
you can remove the key fob by knocking out the little roll pin, you don't need to cut it. then a hole with a drill makes it wearable ,i've done this and when you come to sell you can re assemble the key
I like this idea, wish I'd thought of it or read this posting before I bought the optional extra key especially as I went for the optional 4 key option when I purchased the Cali new. Two extra keys which I'll probably never use. But as you say could be reconstructed or the electronics put onto the original key if it fails.
 
I have been trying to find a local supplier for a surf key for our 18 reg T6 ocean. I have contacted a couple of local specialist vehicle locksmiths who told for that age of vehicle I have to go to a main dealer. Is this true?
 
As above Timpsons - but you have to find the regional car key outlet. Not all of them carry car key blanks.

Mine works perfectly.
 
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Thanks - I'll give Timpsons a go. I somehow thought if specialists locksmiths can't do one, then Timpsons wouldn't either, and that maybe they were available for T5 but not T6.
 
Give the nearest one a ring to find out which one in your area does car keys. Could take a long time driving round them all before you find the right one!
 
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I had no end of hassle trying to get Timpsons to cut a “surf key”. Ended up getting one from this chap on eBay, just sent a photo of my key and it arrived in a couple of days. Since then he has cut one for my other car and again really good service.
 
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