For the love of God....  if you take out the two shear-headed bolts, the
bolt on the column bracket, and remove the steering wheel the whole column
tube will slide off the shaft.  Put the steering wheel back on, jump the
wires on the ignition switch plug and.... viola you can start and drive the
van.  I've done it many times due to the fact I often buy Vanagons that
don't have a key.

This ain't rocket science.

Would you like me to make you a freakin video?  Perhaps then you'll
understand...

Put some money on the table and I'll bet I can drive off with your Vanagon
in under 3 minutes using the method described above.

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: THX0001@aol.com [mailto:THX0001@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 9:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM; jeff@TSSGI.COM
Subject: Re: SHEAR bolts/steering column

In a message dated 10/22/03 5:57:08 PM, jeff@TSSGI.COM writes:

<< I did a little snooping on the net as well, and there are many
references to shear-headed bolts as anti theft devices. >>

Please, for the love of God, explain how the shear head bolts which secure
the column tube can deter theft when their removal leaves the steering lock
housing securely in place.  Or does the quick and stealthy thief change out
the
steering column in toto for his personal one.  A thief this patient would
probably also bleed the cooling system before he made his escape.

George