In fact, I did get a welder to make the RHL (rear hatch latch) for my Westy. I
met a fellow Westy owner in a campground in Thermopolis, Wyoming, way back in
1990, who passed along his idea of a rear hatch latch. After returning home, I
got a local welder to fabricate one for me. It cost $50 at the time but I bless
the memory of that campground meeting every time I use the latch to provide
flow-thru ventilation in my Westy.

Is it secure? I suppose "security" is relative to the ingenuity and
determination of the thief but I have had no qualms about leaving the hatch
locked and propped open with the latch while I'm off enjoying a music festival
or shopping in the mall. It's very solid.

Roy Olynick
'87 VW Westfalia GL (For Sale)
'91 Honda Civic SE
'01 Honda Civic LX-G
www.autobahn.mb.ca/~rrh/Westy_Home.htm

----- Original Message -----
From: "Loren A. Busch" <lbusch@IX.NETCOM.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 1:21 AM
Subject: Re: Rear Hatch Latch Picture

.....Is that secure?....
I hadn't thought about the fact that someone could unscrew the thing.  Other
than that, if the lock on the hatch is locked it is secure, you can't get it
off without unlocking the hatch.
Anyone got a welder.....