Back...after a long abscense...heartbreak...

[TransSportSTL]

...then boundless joy!

My '95 Trans Sport was stolen on the 14th of December.

Just when I'd given up all hope, and was going to settle with the insurance on a total loss of my beloved, she was found, on the 26th of January! Astonishingly -- and I know one of you doesn't believe in miracles -- but she was not harmed except for her steering column and passenger door lock. My stuff was all still even inside!

I've had her steering column repaired, she even has a stainless steel collar to protect her sensitive area where they gouged at her.

Some pics....


Grrrrr.......
Note where the column was cut away...aparently a part is popped off, revealing the tab under the tool I'm holding (which, by the way, is the turn signal lever). Press that tab towards the steering wheel, and she starts. Push it back to switch off, or further back to the Accesory position.


Better....
Post-repair, the steering column and ignition parts were replaced. I paid an extra $65.00 for the stainless steel collar you see in this photo.

She runs just fine, it appears. I've put two tankfuls through her, steering and tracking is fine. Moreover, the insurance co. put it through a safety and mechanical check, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she didn't suffer anything by theives dogging her.

And hopefully, the van will not be stolen again! I've sorta become bonded to the old trooper. Also, I hope now I can be of some service to this forum and help everyone else keep these magnificent vehicles rolling!

Cheers,

John

[GTP Dad]

Glad to hear that you got your van back. It sounds like these thieves knew what they were doing since they knew just where to break the column. I doubt they will be able to break through the stainless collar however. You are quite lucky since you got you van back most theft victims never see their cars again.