Actually, a magnetic catch has been listed for years in several vendor
catalogs. I chose this one because it's cheap, unobtrusive and
available most everyone... not to mention convenient (comes with
fasteners and holes). And there's no need for a stronger magnet unless
you intend to turn the van on it's side.

Jim

On Jan 6, 2005, at 5:13 AM, Frank Condelli wrote:

> In a message dated 05/01/2005 2:19:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
> I have  been using a Home Depot magnetic cabinet latch as a stay for my
>>  previously-knocking rear table for several months.
>
>
> Actually, if you check the archives you will see  that this fix has
> been
> presented before.  Use either a 1/2" or  3/4" diameter rare earth
> magnet and it's
> counterpart washer and holder  available from _Lee Valley  Tools_
> (http://www.leevalley.com/home/main.asp)  or from me.  Much stronger
> than a cabinet latch
> magnet.  I prefer the 3/4" ones.  From my _Vanagon Items  Forsale_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  webpage:
> Magnet set, rare earth, 1/2 in., for rear table - $3.50
> Magnet  set, rare earth, 3/4 in., for rear table - $6.00
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Frank  Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> _BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
> camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12, 2005
> '87 Westy, '90 Carat &  Lionel Trains
> Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_
> (http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/)
> & _CCVWC_
> (http://www.ccvwc.ca/)
> Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in  the Ottawa Valley
> _STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
> _Frank Condelli &  Associates_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
> or  http://frankcondelli.com
>