ignition switch

[patha]

i got a vw sandrail. what kind of keyed ignition switch would i need?

[vicsvw]

You can use a normal Key switch See #2 -> http://www.1800vw.bizhosting.com/009Plus.htm or an on and off switch. Also ck out the http://www.1800vw.bizhosting.com/theft.htm

[Marc]

A universal ignition switch from your F.L.A.P.S. will do; I'd spend a little more and get one designed for use in a boat.
Unless you build a metal box to mount it in and hide the wiring, it's only going to slow down a thief by a minute - even then anyone with a jumper wire to connect between the alternator or battery and the ignition coil can make off with a rail in no time.
Be sure to put a tether of some kind on the key, or at the very least a big buoyant key fob in case it falls out of the switch in the rough stuff.
A locking shifter isn't a great deal better, since all that's needed to defeat it is to disconnect the shift coupler, pop the trans into 2nd and drive away....and they can give you grief in a dirty environment. If the shiftrod's exposed, you can weld a tab to it that can be padlocked to the chassis.
Nothing's going to stop a determined thief, but you can protect against the "casual" joy-rider, even in an exposed car by combining several anti-theft methods; consider adding a fuel shut-off and a hidden switch to short the negative side of the coil to ground. A simple chain & lock to hold the front wheels is a good defense unless they bring bolt cutters.

[RT]

A universal ignition switch from your F.L.A.P.S. will do; I'd spend a little more and get one designed for use in a boat.

Marine is good. Usually made of components like brass that won't rust. My choice is the Cole-Hersee M-550-25 because it has a cover that snaps over the key-slot when your storing or towing it.

http://www.colehersee.com/catalog_top/index.htm

Phone a few parts stores for availability.

[v8eater]

Mount it up by the steering wheel or higher to keep water and mud out. The first one I mounted was by the shifter and froze up with mud and crap.
James L.

[RT]

Just be mindful of one thing. I put mine on a bracket just to the right and lower of the steering wheel. Looked great. Then I strapped myself nice n' snug into the seat with my Diest 5 pt harness. Reached for the key to start it up and found I couldn't reach the freakin key! Shizzen.

[CharlesA]

If its a rail... do your self a favor and just put a push button in it.... anyone with half a brain or less can hot wire it!

If you want a theft deturant... mount an battery cutoff switch in an hard to find locaton..

just my $.02

Good luck

[GDRBO]

Hard to find? On a rail? Any suggestions?

[CharlesA]

Run the 0 gauge wire inside the tubing... route the cable up throught the bottom of and ammo box (one that can be locked.. and securly fasted to the floor) mount the battery disconnect inside the box.. make sure that no wires are visible from the outside..

There are plenty of variations on this... but you get the idea... If someone wants it bad enough, there is nothing you can do... just don't make it easy for them.

Good luck,
Charles

[GDRBO]

I guess I was thinking outside the box! :<)

[Bob Ingman]

A+ GDRBO. Perfect response. Cheers. Bob Ingman

[RT]

How about a dummy coil wire? Complete with boots and ends! That's what I'm gonna do when I'm out hunting and have to leave it. (along with the note asking if he can feel the crosshairs on his neck)