When I was shopping for my van I looked at one that had a safe built into the bench seat.  The seller had lined the storage area under the seat with metal plates, and also attached a locking metal lid.  So the strorage area was still the same, only very secure.  I believe he put a padlock on top, and stored his photographic equipment.

I agree, if you go through all of the work and expense of the door locks, they'll just get in another way - and possibly do more damage to the inside of your van.

Lorraine
1981 Westy "MIA"

Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:Vault safes under the two front seats would work well and be difficult to
get to if you have the swivel seats.
You would need a torch or sawsall and lots of time if you built them right.

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben S"

To:
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2005 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: serious vanagon security issues

> yes... i thought of this. but i'm pretty sure it is easy to actuate
> the lock/unlock mechanism from inside the door as well, by pushing on
> a connecting rod.
>
> i think what i am going to do is talk to some local metal fabrication
> shops in the area about designing some sort of locking hasp that will
> mount to the b pillar (aft of the door) and the door itself. when i
> engage the two halves and lock them with a padlock, it will lock the
> door closed AND mechanically prevent the door-locking knob from rising
> to the unlocked position. hopefully the fabrication and welding will
> not be too expensive.... i think i will make a new post asking for
> reccomendations of a metal shop in the bay area...
>
> Ben.
>
> On 8/5/05, Tom Miller wrote:
> > Put straight shaft lock "knobs" on them so there is nothing for the wire
to
> > grab a hold of. Of course, you won't be able to get into your own van
> > either if you lock you keys inside.
> > TEMiller

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