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table Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2007 Posts: 69 Location: Vancouver, Canada
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Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 3:11 pm Post subject: Better security for bench seat |
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I was thinking I'd like to slow down bad guys from getting into the bench seat.
If I just put some kind of traditional lock mechanism on the latch, the presence of a keyhole would likely look interesting to a thief and they might try to break in. This would be easy - let's face it. However, if the opening mechanism is not obvious, it might slow down and frustrate the casual thief long enough that they give up and move on to easier targets.
Does anyone have a bright idea how to modify the bench seat latch so it's a bit complicated to open, but the mechanism is still reliable?
I was imagining something like those magnets for child proof cupboard locks - the magnet would be stored elsewhere in the van, even within arm's reach, and used to activate the mechanism which allows you to open the bench seat. Or, there could be a spring loaded arm that extends inside the bench seat from the existing latch to the side of the seat and you have to pull on the arm while pulling the existing latch for it to open. Or or, you have to slide the knob up or turn it before pulling or nothing happens.
I'm interested in your ideas! |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4580 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 4:28 pm Post subject: Re: Better security for bench seat |
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Bench seat latch? Sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. The slider door opener latch? |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Sodo Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007 Posts: 9521 Location: Western WA
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Better security for bench seat |
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DuncanS wrote: |
Bench seat latch? Sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. The slider door opener latch? |
Could be your van's latch was deleted by a P.O.
If you get stuff in/out of the underseat storage often the latch is a hassle 'cuz you have to put down whatever you're carrying to operate the latch.
Whereas deleting the latch you can even carry stuff in two hands; lifting the seat with your elbow.
Westy rear seat storage latch delete modification
If I were to add 'security' to the bench seat is would be such that when 'unlocked' I could still lift the seat with my elbow. _________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4580 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 2:00 am Post subject: Re: Better security for bench seat |
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Use a bowden cable and put the pull knob in some other place where it's not obvious what it is for.
But keeping bad guys out of the under seat stowage? Why not just keep the bad guys out of the car? Do you lock it? If the bad guys get into the car, stuff under the seat will be the least of your worries.
Get one of these or similar and file a hook in the top of the lever. Then fasten a receiving metal piece on the bottom of the seat. Throw away the OG latch entirely. Only lock it when you want to, otherwise, just pick up the seat. Needing a hold down in the case of a roll over--as I said earlier, that will be the least of your problems. Don't worry about it.
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