Anti-Theft anyone?

Peter Coomaraswamy

Peter Coomaraswamy

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I was hoping to get a forum opinion; since I plan on driving my coupe almost daily and at night I'll keep her at home in the garage and during the day she'll be in the warehouse at work I feel she's pretty secure. There will be times that she sits in the far end of a parking lot on an emergency beer (or coffee) run and so what do you all think about alarm systems/anti-theft/ejector seats etc. I don't recall coming across much in the way of this topic so far.

Thanks
 
One of my cars has a little button behind the drivers seat which cuts power to the fuel pump. At least this way they have to lift/tow it to take it which creates a bit of noise. However if i was stealing a classic car i would lift it as people would probably take no notice and you can say you collected the wrong car!

I think the most important thing is to keep a proper agreed value so that you at least are not hit with a double whammy of losing the car and then not being made financially whole.
 
I'd get a tracking device on that car of yours. It's not the car you are protecting, but the work you put into it.
 
I have a kill switch that I engage if it is going to be out of my sight for a while, which usually isn't long since its a weekend driver.
 
The PO of my car also put in a kill switch. Trouble is, I don't know what it's connected to. Hope it doesn't leave me stranded someday :sad:

I'd vote for the tracking device, expensive but a lot more effective. I've heard the guys with OnStar have snached the crooks within a matter of minutes from the time of the theft
 
Gps

There are also GPS devices you can use to track the car from your Iphone/Ipad. You get a lot of useful information about the drives you go on with the added bonus of tracking where your kids go when they take the car for a joy ride.
 
My L came with an elaborate (but very old) security system... took me a day to carefully remove... I ended up leaving the very small and well hidden toggle switch that simply deactivates the the coil if I remember right- if only to slow them down.

The trick for me is to remember it, so I can actually start my own car.
 
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Decision made!

I thought of the kill switch but not the tracking device, also the extra insurance; it's a fine line I think to owning "driving" one of these cars and having it "own" you. Eventually we'll all be dust so I want to drive it as much as I can-within reason. I think all of your guidance has pointed me in the right direction so I can be comfortable when I'm out to dinner etc.

Cheers!
 
I like kill switches and tracking devices. I've had various LoJack systems for years and they are easy to install, but I've heard that the newer systems that allow real-time tracking are relatively cheap with quite a bit more functionality. I'd talk to a local trusted audio installer since those guys normally are up to date on this technology.

At least in cities, car alarms are at least useless and maybe worse (if they go off often people are likely to be irritated).
 
The better question is under what circumstance would you let the Valet park your car when you feel like taking it out on a special night. (For the record, I live in a city where this is not an issue since parking is not a problem and my wife has seen Ferris Bueller.)
 
I have had two cars stolen now (93 and 95 Corrado) I am convinced the 95 was stolen by a guy who figured out where I lived through the Corrado Club of Canada Forum. The theft of an E9 probably doesn't involve the same type of Hood as a hot rod VW. I'd see a nice E9 as something that would end up in a container bound for a lawless country. We should be discreet about mentioning security measures and perhaps use PM's if you want specific information about what members have done to their cars. I really don't want to lose a third car I have poured sweat into and would be very pissed if any of the members beloved E9s go missing.

A Bouvier in the garage is the ultimate deterrent.
 
Question

Are Bouvier's well behaved enough to leave in the car? I like the idea! Seriously though thanks for the comments- It gets my mind working.
 
If someone happens to get past my fence and try to get my car it won't be long before Smith & Wesson show up on the scene.
 
There are many ways to secure your car, but even the most sophisticated equipment won't help if the thief has the right skills to open the door and disable the anti theft devices.
Some years ago i had a Sunbeam Alpine with an electrically operated fuel turn off valve. The thief did not get far but he damaged the window and ignition switch before he managed to drive 50 meters.
So I think a system must consist of different barriers if it shall work properly.

- Some decals with "alarm installed" and/or blinking red LED light is a start.
- Alarm and blinking lights when activated
- A sophisticated immobilizer would help.
- If the thief gets away with your car a GPS tracking device would be very helpful.

I am near completion of a very long restoration period and want to install power locks in my car (recomended in an older thread). Included in the set is an alarm setup that hopefully will give some protection.

Henrik
 
Peter Coomaraswamy said:
Are Bouvier's well behaved enough to leave in the car? I like the idea! Seriously though thanks for the comments- It gets my mind working.
Click to expand...

I no longer have a Bouvier, but the one I had was like Billy Jack. They have been known to let thieves in the house, but not big on letting them leave. Other than that they generally have a great temperament.
 
I have a proper alarm in mine, with a remote to open doors etc. It is not very intrusive. It will go off of car is moved, hood is opened etc.

There are also clamps for the steering wheel, easy to use and makes it difficult to drive off with the car. Could use a wheel clamp too I guess?

A combination of clamp and alarm would be good I guess. Then they cannot drive off or move it with an alarm going off.

But to the 100% safe?

Johan
 
I have a kill switch for the fuel pump up underneath the dash. You'd never find it if you didn't know where to look (or rather reach).

Of course the bigger problem here in Vermont is that if you leave your car unlocked, someone might load up the passenger seat with excess tomatoes or zucchini.
 
After the fact.:sad:

I do not know if it could help, but I suppose it could not hurt to share a posting of the very thing we detest and fear, albeit to an '02. Many of us own, or know owners of '02s and similar makes and models. This is not mine, I just inadvertently discovered the Craigslist post.

To the extent someone might see the vehicle, there is always a chance that it might lead to recovery and return to its rightful owner. There is also the chance that this sort of unhappy event can be prevented or at least deterred. Be vigilant.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5420463457.html




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