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Subject:Re: how to make your locking gas cap accept the same key as your doors/ignition
From:David Milo
Date:Sun, 28 Jan 2007 06:54:23 -0500

I always thought that the locking gas cap was more of a deterrent to vandals
that wanted to somehow contaminate the fuel supply.

Assuming they have the time, if someone really wants the gas from your van,
all they need to do is crawl underneath, slice the rubber feed hose, and
fill up their gas can. This would work on both 2WD and Syncro models.

No key required.

Dave

On 1/27/07, The Bus Depot <vanagon@busdepot.com> wrote:
>
> > i think a gas thief will probably pass on one that has a
> > keyhole, in favor of ones that arent locking types in the
> > first place
>
>
> I'd concur with that. The very existence of the anti-theft device is the
> largest (and perhaps only) deterrent. Most anti-theft devices (alarm,
> lock,
> dog) can very easily be overcome by anyone who has some experience and a
> bit
> of desire. If a pro really wants your vehicle, or its contents, or its
> gas,
> it's their's. But most will go for the easiest target. There are so many
> vehicles that have no theft deterrent at all, that there is little
> incentive
> for a thief to bother with one that does.  So it really doesn't matter how
> easliy your locking gas cap is 'cracked,' as long as there's a car nearby
> that doesn't have a locking gas cap at all (which many don't, including
> new
> ones). What's more, the fact that a Vanagon locking gas cap lock is
> visible
> from the outside (rather than hidden under a door) further decreases the
> likelihood of your Vanagon being a target.
>
> - Ron Salmon
>   The Bus Depot, Inc.
>   www.busdepot.com
>   (215)  234-VWVW
>
> _____________________________________________
> Toll-Free for Orders by PART # :  1-866-BUS-DEPOT
>