I live in a good area but I was wondering if there are any simple security solutions for my C2 if I am out with the car? Don't want to do anything that is not reversible (i.e. cut into the cable harness etc). I was considering a remote battery disconnect system ($80). Any thoughts or better solutions?

 

This topic gets hashed around from time to time. The bottom line is that determined professional car thieves will get a car if left where they can get to it. No amount of devices will circumvent this, as pros can easily use a roll on/roll off with casters under all of the tires.

You might prevent some more casual joy-riding thieves with some devices; however, a manual transmission is pretty much as good as any device with today's joy riders.

Be smart, don't leave it out where it's easy to nab, and keep it well insured with a reputable underwriter. That's about it.

 

I never leave my car unattended anywhere. But a battery disconnect system with hidden switch is probably about as cost effective a solution as there is if you do leave it unattended sometimes. Or leave the shielding top off and take the coil wire with you. Considering most car thieves seem to be so young they can't even drive a manual - their having a spare in their pocket or being able to diagnose a no spark ignition condition would probably be unlikely. Biggest danger would be someone cruising around in a tow truck who could quickly back up and slide the cradle under the wheels, hoist it up and take off.

 

Here is something to ponder. I was mucking about one day pondering the same issue. I got one of my magnetic door sensors from my security system and stuck it in line with the run circuit , as long as the magnet is there to keep the contacts closed, the car will start, if you have the magnet with you, it won't. Then I played around with a magnet I would not have to carry around with me and where to hide the actual switch. I won't bother to tell you where mine will be hidden but I can tell you that if you hide the switch near to something metal then all you have to do is slide the magnet an inch away from the switch and the car will not start and the magnet will stay there. If your Harbor Freight is like our Princess Auto in Canada, then you should be able to find these "5c" sized magnets in groups of 4 for about $1.50US or less ($2212 Canadian)
So, you slide the magnet over to start the car and it stays there till you want to shut the car off. You have two wires to your starter, the purple and pink. Purple is start, Pink is run, Pink also goes to the ballast resistor, so splicing in the magnetic switch is not difficult and you could theoretically have the switch and magnet mounted on your gas tank if you are "****" but there are many many many places to hide it. Now that does not stop the guy who drags your car up into a moving van, but lets keep things simple. Odds of someone doing that outside Home Depot are slim. Lastly buy yourself a GPS/Cellphone tracker. They require a SIM Card, but you can still buy a SIM for cheap on a non plan, that allows X hours per month. These trackers can be turned on or off by your phone. Just make sure its not an old 2G system because your cellphone provider may not offer the old frequencies anymore.
Other than that, the only way to be safe is to never take it outside
I found a black magnetic switch at Radio Shack in USA a few years back, blends in with everything else. Make sure the magnet is strong or the contacts could chatter interfering with the run circuit, thats the only thing that is really a "trial and error" thing.

 

One good idea I have heard is to hide an old cell phone in the car and get the "find my phone app" That way you can find the car if it is taken.

 

I found the best protection for your classic is agreed value insurance with the proper coverage.
A simple battery disconnect or a non-conductive coil hat will keep the joy riders and amateurs away, but the pros WILL get your car if they want it.

Yup, I'd miss my car if they got it, but I'd have funds for another one..It's the best you can do realistically.

 

Good quality GPS trackers are available on eBay for very reasonable $$$ today. Biggest worry for most is if the car were snatched and hauled off in an enclosed truck or trailer. GPS is the only way to locate it.
Cheap insurance.
Greg

 

Greg, thanks for the idea. I agree that you need tracking. I have great insurance. Its not about the money, it took me over 4 years to find my car and I just want to be smart to give myself the best chance of enjoying it....

 

just use common sense and stay on the right side of tracks. like said above have the right insurance policy. steeling one of these cars is as simple as it gets

 

I considered leaving an empty holster on the passenger seat.

 

My position on this issue has never changed ----------------------- and never will.

 

As Dirty Harry once said on why he carry’s a 44 his answer was I have seen 38 specials bounce of windshields. So Tom bigger is always better

 

I hate car thieves with a passion. I had a car stolen once.

Here is an extra sad story from 2017 of a guy getting his 1960 Corvette stolen and destroyed while staying at a hotel for a car show.
I hope they caught the crooks that did this.

https://www.record-eagle.com/news/lo...d55303d08.html

.

 

You gotta sleep sooner or later. The pros can have one of these relics on a flatbed in less than a minute. All the hardware in the world can't stop a top pro thief. Happens all the time. Good insurance... as has been mentioned is the only true deterrent.

 

Some car shows do, and some car shows to not provide private DEPENDABLE security for the show.
I will NOT reveal any specifics or shows, but at some of the events I have attended, several of us car owners organized a rotation of ARMED, yes, I said ARMED people out in the hotel parking lot over night ------------------------ we NEVER lost a car at any of those shows that had car owners doing their own security. There are a couple of car organizations that often make humorous (albeit serious) comments about Tom Parsons and his .44 in the parking lot at night. But they know that no cars will disappear if Tom is guarding them.

 

1 pull the coil wire
2 LoJack, gps or hidden cell phone
3 insurance

 

When, and if I ever observe a flatbed attempting to load up someone's car, I WILL NOT shoot the tires of the flatbed. I'll put 3-4 rounds in the radiator ---------------------- then follow the trail, that is, if they choose to leave the scene.

 

Park smart, and insure it so if it’s gone, you will smile with the check.

I bought my 65 when I was 24, so it made the weekend rounds to the watering holes, dates etc. Car was never messed with.
I use to park across the street from a favorite bar in a bank drive up, right next to the teller window and about a dozen security cameras.
Movie theaters I would park way out back, under a light pole. I was always more worried about door dings and vandals then theft.
But I bought the car to enjoy, and make memories. I own it, it does not own me. Now after 20 yrs of owning the car car my buddies remember the time we left the bar with 2 guys and 2 girls stuffed in the car. Always fun shifting when a girl is sitting on the consul has one leg in each footwell!

 

Now that’s creative.

An NRA sticker on the windshield would be a nice touch as well.

Steve

 

How are you gong to keep the rioters from burning it in place?