Five minute project

[Comanche]

I fashioned a aftermarket radio knob into a gas tank opener. Simply got hold of a GL 1800 key blank and a chrome radio knob. <br />
<br />
Cut the key down to fit into the gas tank. (I made it too short to start the ignition on puupose) <br />
<br />
Now, when I stop for gas, I do not have to put the GPS on standby. Simply twist the knob for gas tank access.<br />
<br />
$10.00 for two knobs and a key blank.

 

[trikeleader]

I did the same thing for my Goldwing about 5 years ago. A key, a knob and I'm ready to go. I did the same thing for <b>Hel'n Wheels </b>on her Goldwing.<br />
<img src="images/smilies/GL1800smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="GL1800" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Boscoporp]

Yes, they are real handy. I purchased two of them at Wings Over the Smokies. They cost $18.00 but by the time you buy the keys and make them I figured the price wasn't that bad! I have one in my gas door and the other in the right door.

 

[mmkrnh8012]

You can get the keys a walmart for about $1.75.It is a 27 or 27R.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Was trying to do this a few years ago, had big problems finding keys that worked for the GW1500 - I've even got a chart from another site but nobody seemed to have the right key. Ran into the Engraver at the Davis Rally 5 years ago and had them cut one. Must be a very popular thing, as they had the blanks already cut and glued into the knobs.

 

[John Luciano]

What do u mean by too short to start the bike . Took it off the end or does the knob touch before it goes down far enough? The blank at wally world fits the 1500 Wing ?

 

[wingking51]

A blank key for a Honda car matches the blank for the GL 1800 other than how far back the shaft of the key it is cut down. You can get the key cut and it will only work in the trunk, fuel lid or right pocket. It will not turn the ignition because the key is not cut full length.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Apparently on the 'Wing the pins are deeper in the lockset for the ignition than they are in the gas door or the hard pocket cover locks, so the key cut down properly and glued to a radio knob won't start the trike.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Apparently on the 'Wing the pins are deeper in the lockset for the ignition than they are in the gas door or the hard pocket cover locks, so the key cut down properly and glued to a radio knob won't start the trike.

So, not bashing here, just asking-one puts one of those in the gas filler door. Does that mean that someone can simply use it to open your trunk and right pocket door?

 

[kj5ix]

<div class="bbcode_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote">
<div class="quote_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote_container"></div>

<div class="bbcode_postedby">
<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tfdeputydawg</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=51976#post51976" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
</div>
<div class="message">So, not bashing here, just asking-one puts one of those in the gas filler door. Does that mean that someone can simply use it to open your trunk and right pocket door?<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /></div>

</div>
</div>
</div> Yepp..... Every thing but start the bike

 

[gk55313]

Just saying thanks again guys for all of the info. I also think I would like to get that key nob made it sounds great.

 

[Comanche]

What do u mean by too short to start the bike . Took it off the end or does the knob touch before it goes down far enough? The blank at wally world fits the 1500 Wing ?

John, when you insert the key with the knob into the ignition the key does not reach down far enough to turn the ignition. This is a safety factor.

The knobbed keys do open the gas tank and the right side glove pocket.

 

[Comanche]

So, not bashing here, just asking-one puts one of those in the gas filler door. Does that mean that someone can simply use it to open your trunk and right pocket door?

Yes, Dawg, If they happen to know that the knob has a key on the end of it.

I keep a flashlight and a roll of tire tape in my glove box. They want it, Its theirs.

 

[Ozarkryder]

On the 1500 the knobbed key opens the filler door and the right hard pocket cover. The lock for the trunk is recessed into the plastic, so it won't open the trunk. I find the right cover is such a hassle to open and close I rarely have anything in it, and if I am concerned about someone getting into the fuel filler, I just take the key/knob out and lock it in the trunk.

Here is a link on how to make the fuel/right pocket knobbed key:

How to make key-knobs for the fuel door and right pocket - GL1800Riders

 

[Ozarkryder]

Hope this comes through- a list I found with keys that fit the 'Wings

 

[Comanche]

I looked at those instructions (originall posted on the Steve Saunders site) and decided a much easier was with the same results was to measure the key length in the gas tank. Mark it and cut is a teensy bit long with a band saw.



Took a grinder and trimmed off the additional length again making sure it was long enough to open the gas tank

Then using the band saw I cut out a notch so the key handle so the handle would fit into the hole in the knob. Tapped the key handle into the knob with a wooden mallet.

Finally put some liquid epoxy into the knob and key handle and let it sit for a little while.

Whole project less the curing of the epoxy was five minutes.

Thanks to those who did the original project. Had they not done and displayed their results I probably would not have gotten the idea to make mine and simplfy IMHO the
process.

I attempted to unlock my trunk with this key and it was too short and would not unlock the turnk. It only works with the fuel tank and the right glove box.