What on earth is this (and how do i remove it?)[pics]

[maxp]

The item pictured was already installed when I got the car (audi a3)

It looks like a bracket to hold something, bit it is *seriously* strong. Its made of steel and its bolted on really deeply (see pic#3). Does anyone know what it is? I remember someone suggesting it might be some form of anti-theft device.

My next question is, does anyone know how i am going to remove it? I cant even see the fixing bolts after removing the trim panel, does this mean the carpet has to come out?





Cheers.

Edited by maxp on Sunday 6th June 14:10

[Gibby78]

it holds a U shaped metal lock bar to hold the gearstick in neutral so it can't be driven off, as for removal, it'll be well bolted in, probably have to remove the carpet and possibly the trim around the gear stick.

[TXWRX]

I've got one the same on my scoob which i think is called a defend lock, you should have another metal piece that slots over that and then a u shaped clamp that clicks into it round the gearlever providing a bit more security. I agree though its not a good looking piece of kit, don't know about removing it

[bull996]

Its a gearstick lock and I think they are bolted to the gearbox.

[soad]

No, not seen it before and my mind is blank.

Edit - mystery solved it seems.

Edited by soad on Sunday 6th June 14:18

[Mardybum]

Yeah you'll need to get underneath the car. They're normally secured to the underside of the exhaust "tunnel".

[Urban Sports]

TAXI radio holder.

[Stu R]

Yep it's for a Mul-T-lock or similar.

[Matt_N]

bull996 said:

Its a gearstick lock and I think they are bolted to the gearbox.

Not going to be bolted to the gearbox there in a fwd car.

It will be fixed through the exhaust tunnel so you'll probably have to get under it to check it.

[mat205125]

Mardybum said:

Yeah you'll need to get underneath the car. They're normally secured to the underside of the exhaust "tunnel".

Or get in there with a disc cutter, and slice it below the level that will be visible with the trims refitted.

[Somnophore]

There's a video of ed china removing one on YouTube somewhere as part of a wheeler dealers show, he didn't want it on the car, seemed to remember it needed a lot of encouragement and a circular saw/hammer etc to get it off

[Jem0911]

Somnophore said:

There's a video of ed china removing one on YouTube somewhere as part of a wheeler dealers show, he didn't want it on the car, seemed to remember it needed a lot of encouragement and a circular saw/hammer etc to get it off

It was on a 3 series. IIRC.
Bolted under the car.

[x type]

the programme was auto trader and I think it was a bmw convertible had one fitted that ed china removed from underneath with an angle grinder

[VeeTEC]

Great Pretender said:

More to the point, what is the car it's attached to?

I'm thinking either GM or French :scratch:

[quote]already installed when I got the car (audi a3)

The clues are there if you want to look hard enough

Edited by VeeTEC on Sunday 6th June 15:46

[FreeLitres]

x type said:

the programme was auto trader and I think it was a bmw convertible had one fitted that ed china removed from underneath with an angle grinder

That would sure slow the crooks down!!

[Ry_B]

Didn't you ask what it was when you were looking at the car?

[Great Pretender]

VeeTEC said:

Great Pretender said:

More to the point, what is the car it's attached to?

I'm thinking either GM or French :scratch:

[quote]already installed when I got the car (audi a3)

The clues are there if you want to look hard enough

Edited by VeeTEC on Sunday 6th June 15:46

Damnit, busted before I could delete in time.