locks

The original Bradley GT did just use snap hooks or loops, but added a regular hardware store "window case" type lock on the driver's side. So to lock the car you used the snap hooks on the passenger side and then the the "window case" key lock on the driver's door. It was really just a deterrent, not a truly secure system.

From what I understand the snap hooks were really bad (stretched, come loose, allowed rattles, etc.), so most people fabricated another fastening system. Jeff shows a strap/snap system on his CD.

So, you may want to try your hand at engineering something, if you want more security. Jeff Troy's theory is that he'd rather have them be able to break in easily if they are dead-set on stealing something rather than have them do significant damage to the car in the process. Maybe an elaborate alarm would be better than a vault-like mechanical security mechanism.

Regards,

The driver side GT lock is actually a mailbox lock, not a window case lock. A case locks has a one-way ratcheting blade that passes through the barrel; not the same at all.

You can find mailbox locks at Home Depot, Lowe's or any hardware store. You might have to re-engineer the engagement tongue to fit your striker plate, but that shouldn't be too difficult. If you have the original parts, you may be able to use the tongue.

Whatever you decide, you'll probably do best by using the interior spring clip arrangement or my snap button system on the passenger door, and limiting the lock to only the driver door.

You'll find it very annoying to have both clips and a lock on the passenger door. You'll inevitably always have either both or the wrong one engaged when you want to enter the car from the inside or out. Kinda like trying to pick the right grocery store line; no matter which one you choose, the other one moves while you get the blue-haired bat with the coupons, change purse and checkbook who can't find her gasses.

Good advice:
1. don't leave valuables in the car
2. only use locks when you're parked in a hi-vis area
3. never park the Bradley in an unsafe spot; if you can't do that, make that trip with your other car. If you have no other car, you should consider buying one. The Bradley is fun, but not exactly practical in every situation.

Best advice:
When the windows are on, only park your car in an area where where you would feel safe parking with the windows off.

If you leave the car unlocked, the windows will be broken when the thief tries to close them without knowing how to release the door prop catch.

If you lock the window(s), the thief will break them to get into the car.

Warmest...

Thanks for the correction on the type of lock Jeff, I knew what I was stating wasn't quite right, but I could only think of the case name. Sorry for the misinformation.

Sincerely,

Gary,
Very well done....as usual.

I think it should be noted however that no locking set-up (even as nice and clean as Gary's) is going to keep someone from getting in your Bradley.

All good advice and solutions. I, however, figure it this way with all of my vehicles. I have a stereo that is worth maybe a hundred bucks brand new, and I don't leave anything of value inside car except for a few cd's. Again maybe worth a hundred bucks. So do I leave the car unlocked and make it easy for a thief to steal my stuff, or lock it up and have them cause a few hundred bucks of damage plus downtime for repairs? I usually just leave it unlocked and try not to leave anything valuable in it. If they really want it, they are gonna take it no matter what I do to protect it.

How will the door react in a big wind? That seems to be a killer of the plexi doors.