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Jan 19, 2014 15:31:00 GMT
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Does anyone have any experience of fitting and using aftermarket central locking kits, especially when installed to '60s era vehicles? I'm contemplating fitting it to my heap, and was wondering if they are easy to install, and also work well, or if that sort of kit is simply not bothering with... Any thoughts, e.g. installation tips, and also recommendations would be much appreciated
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Jan 19, 2014 15:48:20 GMT
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I always use kits from Rclick or Hawk on ebay, I've fitted dozens. I have this kit on my daily golf: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-REMOTE-KEYLESS-CENTRAL-2-or-4-DOORS-LOCKING-KIT-Free-UK-P-P-TH-/360834007681?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item5403620281Dead easy electrically really - just power, ground and two wires to each solenoid. The drivers door solenoid has a sensor on that allows it to unlock the rest of the doors with the drivers door key (rather than just on the remote) but I never connect these as it's not worth the effort and you have to spend some time getting it set up to work properly. Plus it's another three wires to bother with. Mechanically it's just a case of attaching the motor to the lock/unlock rod, which will obviously differ with each car. The main downside is that I've tried about 4 or 5 different brands of cheap remote locking kit, and the fobs on them ALL are absolute curse word. If you have your key in your pocket and bend over you'll unlock the car. (Cut the aerial wire on the receiver down to reduce the range) The microswitches buttons wear out too. I've not had a fob last over 12 months when used as a daily, but new ones are cheap enough. The fake "VW flip key" type are the worst. If you do manage to get a blank that matches your key (and is accurate enough to be cut to your profile) the fob will twist and snap into pieces after you start the car half a dozen times.
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Last Edit: Jan 19, 2014 15:50:05 GMT by cobblers
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Jan 19, 2014 20:23:38 GMT
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Many thanks for the link! The drivers door solenoid has a sensor on that allows it to unlock the rest of the doors with the drivers door key (rather than just on the remote) but I never connect these as it's not worth the effort and you have to spend some time getting it set up to work properly. The main downside is that I've tried about 4 or 5 different brands of cheap remote locking kit, and the fobs on them ALL are absolute curse word. Just to clarify, are you operating the central locking only from the fob, rather than the key? It's mainly unlocking all doors from the driver's one that interests me, rather than remote locking, so looks the fob problems won't be an issue. Btw, is there an easy way to guide the solenoid wiring into the doors, e.g. some form of 'boot', sleeving or trunking to protect the wires? There is currently no wiring in any of the doors, & I'm not sure of the correct name yet for the part I'd need to search for online.
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Jan 19, 2014 21:17:06 GMT
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I have used Rclick a few times (in my Audi A4 and my Porsche 924), they have been really good! I use the VW flip style remotes and they have never broken on me, nor have the buttons worn out! I do find the remote range a little too good though, so try and cover up the antenna a bit to reduce the range a bit to avoid accidental unlocking
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'73 Commer Campervan under full restoration, '83 VW T25 Doka under partial restoration to become rolling project, '04 Saab 9-3 Vector Sport modified and certainly not finished...
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Jan 20, 2014 23:30:19 GMT
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I have used the Maplins kits a few times on older cars. follow the instructions and all will be fine.
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Rich
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,313
Club RR Member Number: 160
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Aftermarket central locking kitsRich
@foxmcintyre
Club Retro Rides Member 160
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I have used the Maplins kits a few times on older cars. follow the instructions and all will be fine. I also use the maplin kit if I'm not bothered with remote locking. I fitted a kit to my t25 with WIDE contacts from machine7 for the sliding door and that lasted the 3-4 years it was fitted (I sold it then) The kits are expandable as maplin sell the solenoids. I also use the 2 wire maplin ones at work to replace the more generic OE locking motors on bootlids and doors when they fail.
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bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
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Jan 21, 2014 11:48:25 GMT
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Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44 1974 VW Beetle 1303s 1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV 1988 VW LT45 Beavertail 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 1959 Fordson Dexta
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