Date:         Sun, 9 Aug 1998 13:43:16 -0400
Reply-To:     David Bogle / Architecture <bogle@BWAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David Bogle / Architecture <bogle@BWAY.NET>
Subject:      Vehicle Security
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello all,

First a general thanks for being who you are, good-willed, bus people.
I'm about to purchase my second Westfalia, a clean white '88.  As I live
in New York City, I'm in need of information about vanagon westfalia
vehicle security.  I found a few threads of relevance but not much
general info regarding how to keep vandals out of the vehicle.
Obviously, nothing of value should be in sight, leave the glove box  and
other cabinets open and as empty as possible (all national and state
parks recommend this at remote parking lots.)

If the only weak points are the wing-vents and the sliding westy
windows, are there ways to make them more secure?  Do these wing-vent
pry-in preventors work and where can they be bought?

After 10 years in NYC with my '72 Campmobile, it has been ransacked
about a dozen times.  I have never bothered to fix the passenger
wing-vent which was the first point of entry a few months after moving
to the village in '88.  Basically, it seems leaving this as a weak point
(and never installing another radio)  has prevented any glass from ever
being broken.  I finally mounted a hasp and locked the engine
compartment after my battery was stolen for the 3rd or 4th time.  I
can't bear the thought of these violations taking place on the '88.

Has anyone installed an anti-theft device (no audible alarms, please)
with electrical cut-offs?  I know this won't deter the ransacking.  Are
vanagon westys targets for theft anyway?  I heard the punks that steal
cars can't drive sticks.  Any stats out there?

Thanks and regards,
David Bogle
'72 2.0l Brooklyn Campmobile
Soon to be owner of '88 Vanagon Westfalia