Been AWOL a few days---working on my own damned build out--weather has turned against me so apologies for not replying sooner..........
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanzila
Does Slick Locks offer something for the Front Doors ?
|
I don't know---its been 5-6 years since I installed them. They should have a website and by now would have/should have offered new products? Great quality and easy no-drill installation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tonka
I've been looking at the Autobolt solution for my Transit, but had not seen the A1 before. Could you go into how the Autobolt has improved, the difference between that and the A1, and if you were starting over which way you'd go?
The Autobolt seems to have a way to disengage the deadbolt from inside - as long as you can rig a pull mechanism for the backside of the bolt. Thanks.
|
Having BTDT with the original Autobolt's which were largely plastic or composite material I would still be concerned how to disengage them should a solenoid fail. The SS cases are nice--very nice but unless they've completely re-engineered the solenoid actuation method I'm still skeptical. I don't see the mechanical provision one could attach a manual release device or system. Their idea the new versions have been designed and tested to be long lasting doesn't help---having had one fail in the locked position I'm not convinced.
FWIW I added the dead bolts to only the side and rear doors--there's typically nothing up front I'm too concerned about.
The A1 offerings are not as sexy as the Autobolt's but I know from experience now they're "easily" made more reliable with a manual way to unlatch them in the event of a device failure. A bit of history (hopefully not guilding the lily.
)
Here's the A1 type device as it arrives:
I crafted a pull cable attached to the extended plunger of the above device to retract it once engaged. This cable is routed in such a way it can be accessed from inside the van---my intention was to unlatch the side doors first so I could crawl inside and find my way to the rear door with a similar arrangement. That looks like this:
I added a thimble as a hand or finger hold:
The cable I used is simple vinyl coated steel rope---the ferrules and thimbles all available at any home center or hardware supply.
Keep in mind my van is a work only and doesn't have a hard partition between the cabin and the rear area it with my tool boxes and such it would be nearly impossible to get into the rear.
When the passenger side front door is opened one can fumble around for the cable inside a door compartment I built for other purposes. its somewhat disguised behind some bottles---honestly I reply on lack of knowledge of its presence as a way to hide it even exists. Reaching between the seat and B-Pillar the cable is easily found--if you know where it is--and retract the dead bolt.
If a crook gains access to the front (breaking the door glass) once the door is opened the alarm will sound. That's not fool proof but it's typically enough to chase the crooks off. I am replying on that to dissuade to look around for the pull cable's existence.
I did watch with great curiosity their short video where they ask for fleet owners and up fitters to share ideas how a mechanical release could be or has been fitted by an actual installer. Not bashing Autobolt but my confidence slips a bit more when they've not devised something on their own. With all fairness the A1 offerings don't include or suggest a mechanical release their design lends itself to adding one as I did.
HTH
Linear Mode
