One of the old 80s Westy I bought to restore and sell had the ignition
(solenoid) run through the reverse light switch.
The van had to be in reverse to start.
After it started it could be in any gear and continue to run.
I bought this van from a dealer that told me nothing because he bought the
car from a donation action and he knew nothing about the van except it
whipped his mechanic so he wholesaled it to me. After tinkering with it off
and on for 3 years they gave up.
There are all types of 12v Automatic Garage opener / building security /
gate operator systems that one could easily wire into an automobile power
circuit and actuate with a hand held clicker. I'd estimate that the system
could be put together for less than $50.00 retail.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Bange" <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 12:35 AM

> I've been thinking about Westy security....considering an ignition kill
> switch....don't think theves are going to tow a Westy....need
> recommendations as to the proper equipment, location, and the best
> procedure...
>

One could whip up a simple but mighty effective starter solenoid
interrupter with a spst switch, some wire, and one each of a male and
female spade connector. mount the switch under the rear seat and you'd
only need a couple feet of wire, run through one of the bulkhead
grommets.  Location of the switch is the hard part. Thieves will start
looking for such a switch close to the driver's seat, as that's where
it'd be easiest for YOU  to use it. The farther away you mount it, the
more effective-- but also the more trouble to use. Kind of a trade
off. I was originally going to mount my fuel pump cutoff switch INSIDE
the B pillar, accessible through the vent hole when the door's open,
but I wanted to be able to kill the pump while on the move in case of
fire (also, I couldn't think of a good way to mount it)