Date:         Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:33:50 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Recommended "Club" Type Security Device for Westy?
Comments: To: cxp36@YAHOO.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I've got a two-prong attack. I have the CLUB for SUVs which I guess is a
little bigger (longer) and works well with the large diameter steering wheel on
the Vanagon. AND I have the WEDGE which locks the clutch or brake pedal. (I'm in
LA, CA afterall.)

I sort of thought the CLUB was stupid until someone tried to steal my
friend's Cabrio around the corner from me and was foiled by her CLUB. I guess they
tried to kick it off the steering wheel and busted the windshield with the still
attached CLUB in the process. Once the windsheild broke they left the car
alone.

Obviously what your deterring with the CLUB is a "crime of opportunity" where
some kids or what have you are walking by and don't have a "professional"
plan. And I think that's worth deterring.

A note on the WEDGE. I bought a huge carabiner at Home Depot that you're
supposes to use to hang rolled extension chords or bikes or ladders (allegedly)
and I also bought a colorful coiled cable key chain fob I've attached the
carabiner and to the WEDGE. I clip the huge carabiner onto the steering wheel when
the WEDGE is locked to the brake pedal.

It's dark down on the floor and a person could forget the WEDGE is on the
brake, start the vehicle and start backing up only to find the brake pedal
imobilized. I'm that person. So I got the idea to remind myself it's down there from
those motorcycle front wheel locks with a similar cable and clip to remind
the driver not to move the vehicle until the lock removed.

(The WEDGE comes with a colorful shower cap type thing you're supposed to put
on the steering wheel to remind you and deter theives as well.)

A kill switch is a good idea, naturally.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA



In a message dated 12/20/2006 12:59:57 PM Pacific Standard Time,
cxp36@YAHOO.COM writes:
>I'd be interested to hear recommendations on a "Club" type security device -
>t>he type of thing one locks onto the steering wheel to prevent theft. I know
>there are many types available but I'd like to find out from listees which
>type they've chosen for their vehicles.


>Chris Paquette
'>88 Westy, "Rocinante"