I've had Vanagon locks that needed to be seriously jiggled in order
to open the door and or start the car.  I tried lubricating them, but
that never really helped.

I would often lock the drivers door from inside then hop out the
passenger door so I wouldn't have to use a key to lock the van, since
the lock cylinder was so finicky and I was concerned the key would
bend.

I finally ordered a set of keys cut by factory code from
http://www.steveslockshop.com/    It was super easy.  I took apart
the door handle to get the code, emailed it to Steve with a credit
card and a couple days later the keys arrived in the mail.

Man, I wish I had done it sooner.

The keys Steve made the locks work like in a new car.  I guess my
keys were worn, not the lock cylinders.  Getting new keys copied at
the hardware store never really solved the problem since they were
just providing "new worn keys".  Steve charges a bit more than the
hardware store, but he's a professional who knows VW locks inside and
out.   It's worth spending the extra money ($9 code setup fee +
$4/key including delivery) to have keys that work so well.   Now I
can lock/unlock the drivers door without fear of breaking the key.

BTW, it takes only about 30 seconds to remove the door handle so you
can get the code.  You don't even have to remove the inside door
panel.  Just open the door, push aside the rubber and remove the
Phillips screw as shown.  Slide the door handle towards the front of
the van then remove.  Look for the number on one of the two tangs
that stick out. (you may need to clean the gunk off them first).

door handle photos here: http://www.californiawesty.com/Vanagon_Key_Code/

If you have different keys on different doors, you may need to do a
little more work, or perhaps Steve can re-key them so all your locks
use the same key.

Bottom line, I'm a happy camper and will use Steve again for any VW
lock problems.  My only complaint is that he isn't setup to accept
Paypal.

-Paul