Dennis
security systems?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 376
Likes: 25
From: Ham lake Mn
security systems?
Before i install the dash i was wondering if i should install some kind of ignition security system, something that would inhibit the starter to engage would be ideal. any suggestions? it does not have to be invasive with horns and flashing lights, just some peace of mind while i am running errands around town
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Before I added another point of failure in the ignition system I would use a Club steering wheel bar or something similar....just for a lame sort of peace of mind.
These old cars can be loaded on a rollback in a few minutes or hot-wired in all of 20 seconds... Have good insurance and don't leave your car unattended if possible...
You'll now get a lot of posts about cell phone GPSs, fuel cutoffs, remote battery disconnects and LoJack....all easily dealt with by thieves if they really want your car...
And there'll be a few posting pictures of their .45 pistols I'm sure....the types that don't realize that's a really bad idea...
These old cars can be loaded on a rollback in a few minutes or hot-wired in all of 20 seconds... Have good insurance and don't leave your car unattended if possible...
You'll now get a lot of posts about cell phone GPSs, fuel cutoffs, remote battery disconnects and LoJack....all easily dealt with by thieves if they really want your car...
And there'll be a few posting pictures of their .45 pistols I'm sure....the types that don't realize that's a really bad idea...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 12, 2015 at 07:34 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 137
From: Chantilly Virginia
Before i install the dash i was wondering if i should install some kind of ignition security system, something that would inhibit the starter to engage would be ideal. any suggestions? it does not have to be invasive with horns and flashing lights, just some peace of mind while i am running errands around town
When my C2 was a daily driver many years ago, I added a switch that essentially shorted out the points. It was hidden, was easy to activate and would have required several minutes of open hood time to discover. I figured this would discourage "amateur" thieves. Of course, this would not protect against someone slapping a vibrator style spark coil under the hood and chugging away.
Probably the best defense is that Corvettes get noticed - especially really old ones. Thieves don't like to draw attention.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 847
Likes: 359
From: Philo IL
The Club Works Well
Now for the amateur joyrider out there, The Club seems to be a fairly effective deterrent.
The whole idea is to make it more of a hassle than it's worth.
It'll dampen that "crime of opportunity" impulse in those kinds of thieves.
I find The Club easy to use and as such I'm more inclined to use it.
Thomas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 376
Likes: 25
From: Ham lake Mn
i like the club idea, i would use it, but... my better half will be the primary driver and i have to make it something that she will use. i like the ignition cut off, but i am sure she will crank until the battery is dead or flooded not realizing there is a switch until its too late. the start interrupt i like because you realize right away that the "security" is on.
i realize if someone wants it they will get it, i just don't want to make it so easy, especially because i know it will sit at the grocery store, top down while she gets a loaf of bread.
i realize if someone wants it they will get it, i just don't want to make it so easy, especially because i know it will sit at the grocery store, top down while she gets a loaf of bread.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
i like the club idea, i would use it, but... my better half will be the primary driver and i have to make it something that she will use. i like the ignition cut off, but i am sure she will crank until the battery is dead or flooded not realizing there is a switch until its too late. the start interrupt i like because you realize right away that the "security" is on.
i realize if someone wants it they will get it, i just don't want to make it so easy, especially because i know it will sit at the grocery store, top down while she gets a loaf of bread.
i realize if someone wants it they will get it, i just don't want to make it so easy, especially because i know it will sit at the grocery store, top down while she gets a loaf of bread.
Wifey will certainly not forget its engaged unlike a 'secret' ignition cut off she'll forget she used... Then you get the panicky, PO'ed phone call.
You should also check your classic car insurance policy - many do not cover running household errands....
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 12, 2015 at 11:48 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Yes - I have a 3" Kimber Ultra-Raptor II in .45 caliber with Crimson Trace laser sites. I would never shoot anybody over a property crime.
You'll spend more than your car is worth in legal fees defending your actions IF you are fortunate enough to stay out of prison...
However - I'm not above dribbling some fake blood and a few .45 empty shell casings around the pavement near the driver's door when leaving the car unattended.....most criminals will get the idea...
You'll spend more than your car is worth in legal fees defending your actions IF you are fortunate enough to stay out of prison...
However - I'm not above dribbling some fake blood and a few .45 empty shell casings around the pavement near the driver's door when leaving the car unattended.....most criminals will get the idea...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 12, 2015 at 11:56 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 847
Likes: 359
From: Philo IL
How About Soda Pop Toter?
...then how about using it as a soda pop toter?
That's what I use my convertible for on occasion to stock up my vintage Pepsi machine in the shop.
Now back to ry57pont," I like the club idea, I would use it, but... my better half will be the primary driver and I have to make it something that she will use. " It's as simple as telling her that "driving a great car comes with great responsibilities. Please use The Club".
Thomas
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 70
From: Park Bench #805 NE Indiana
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 99
From: Boston MA
The "green ****" battery disconnect is a good idea for storage anyway. NCRS will give you a judging point for it, if you do that.
You can also use it as a theft deterrent. Just unscrew the ****/wheel, and put it in your pocket when you leave the car.
You can also use it as a theft deterrent. Just unscrew the ****/wheel, and put it in your pocket when you leave the car.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 933
From: Indiana
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
I lived in the Chicago area from 66-70 and my 63 was my only car. Drove it everywhere in all kinds of weather, parked it behind a tavern everyday to ride the transit downtown. Hauled a baby bed behind seats and drove pinned against the steering wheel, hauled a coffee table on the decklid from wiebolts to our apartment. Always Parked the outside behind apartment,
One morning I came out to find that the door lock and been pulled out, but car was still there. WHY??
Without fail, every time, EVERY TIME, I parked the car I wound an aircraft tiedown chain around each spoke of the steering wheel, pulled the EM brake, wound the chain around it, then around the brake and clutch pedals and finally locked it with a combination lock.
It was also a deterrent to driving while under the influence too. After a long night at a bar up near round lake I came out to go home. It took quite some time for me to stand on my head, with a flashlight trying to get the combination entered right so I could drive home.....
Ahhhh,the memories......
PS still have the car.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ago-today.html
One morning I came out to find that the door lock and been pulled out, but car was still there. WHY??
Without fail, every time, EVERY TIME, I parked the car I wound an aircraft tiedown chain around each spoke of the steering wheel, pulled the EM brake, wound the chain around it, then around the brake and clutch pedals and finally locked it with a combination lock.
It was also a deterrent to driving while under the influence too. After a long night at a bar up near round lake I came out to go home. It took quite some time for me to stand on my head, with a flashlight trying to get the combination entered right so I could drive home.....
Ahhhh,the memories......PS still have the car.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ago-today.html
Last edited by Ol Blue; Feb 12, 2015 at 07:40 PM. Reason: duplicate
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I have numerous suggestions. AND are somewhat easy to do. But if your wife is not on-board with using them or remembering them...then they are pointless..AND
I have to agree...all they are going to do is slow down some dumb@ss who does not know how to get the car running.
The best way to keep it from being stolen is to keep your eye on it....or install one of those systems that use the satellites to track it. So if they get it...it can be found. AND it seems you are enjoying the Corvette so worrying about judging points does not seem to come into the equation with modifications that can save your car.
DUB
I have to agree...all they are going to do is slow down some dumb@ss who does not know how to get the car running.
The best way to keep it from being stolen is to keep your eye on it....or install one of those systems that use the satellites to track it. So if they get it...it can be found. AND it seems you are enjoying the Corvette so worrying about judging points does not seem to come into the equation with modifications that can save your car.
DUB
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 376
Likes: 25
From: Ham lake Mn
Thought on this in line with the starter solenoid?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20A-12V-on-off-contact-relay-switch-with-wirless-remote-control-key-fob-RX10-/400764241561?hash=item5d4f690699&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20A-12V-on-off-contact-relay-switch-with-wirless-remote-control-key-fob-RX10-/400764241561?hash=item5d4f690699&vxp=mtr
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,219
Likes: 399
From: Northern CA
Ignition cut-off will take a real thief about 45 seconds to diagnose and bypass.
The Club will buy you about a minute.
A pro can snap a steering wheel off and drive out using channel locks in about 60 seconds.
Guns will make you feel better... but you will never see or hear a pro who wants your Vette...so that's a waste of time.
Your best bet by far is good video surveillance... inside and out... and a good insurance policy.
You can always buy another one.
The Club will buy you about a minute.
A pro can snap a steering wheel off and drive out using channel locks in about 60 seconds.
Guns will make you feel better... but you will never see or hear a pro who wants your Vette...so that's a waste of time.
Your best bet by far is good video surveillance... inside and out... and a good insurance policy.
You can always buy another one.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
And those satellite trackers are a joke for real pros too.
You can buy cell phone/LoJac jammers for a few hundred bucks anywhere...
http://lojackjammer.com/
I really advise against running routine errands in these old cars if you are out of sight of them for even 10 minutes.
Beyond wholesale theft I've had cigarette lighters, gas caps and gear shift ***** go missing when I used to use my first generation Mustangs for such things. Stopped doing it. And some envious types will just do mischief; I've found opened, squeezed out bags of Taco Bell sauce and asinine religious pamphlets in my car seat before. All vintage car owners are sinners in case you didn't know.
You can buy cell phone/LoJac jammers for a few hundred bucks anywhere...
http://lojackjammer.com/
I really advise against running routine errands in these old cars if you are out of sight of them for even 10 minutes.
Beyond wholesale theft I've had cigarette lighters, gas caps and gear shift ***** go missing when I used to use my first generation Mustangs for such things. Stopped doing it. And some envious types will just do mischief; I've found opened, squeezed out bags of Taco Bell sauce and asinine religious pamphlets in my car seat before. All vintage car owners are sinners in case you didn't know.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 13, 2015 at 09:16 AM.