Theft prevention ideas.
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 73
Likes: 6
From: Carrollton TX
Theft prevention ideas.
As I plan what to do after my Vette is road ready, and dream of cruising some great roads like the Natches Trace and Blue Ridge parkways, Route 66 etc. I think of the nightmare scenario of getting my car stolen from some motel parking lot. My thoughts then turn to theft prevention without a lot of needless gimmicky hoopla. I always liked the idea of a secret ignition, starter, or fuel system (electronic pump) kill switch. GPS tracking. Etc. I would like to hear some ideas from members here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You can't plan for everything, but a kill switch would slow down the casual thief. Most decent motels either have security that roams the parking lot at night or will let you park where they can see the car from the front desk.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 419
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I hate to tell you.... But those of us in the REPO business can get a car in less than 20 seconds and be gone. Our trucks are designed and built specifically for this reason. We Do not even get out of the truck.
and if that one does not make you paranoid, this one will:
Thieves use trucks not hot wiring.
Alarms, Brakes, Keys, even being parked in is no match.
Bottom line, if they want it, it is theirs, so do what makes you feel comfortable and get insurance... Then realize it is just a car, a cool car, but just a car...
Alarms, Brakes, Keys, even being parked in is no match.
Bottom line, if they want it, it is theirs, so do what makes you feel comfortable and get insurance... Then realize it is just a car, a cool car, but just a car...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 73
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From: Carrollton TX
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Like the man said.....nothing will stop them if they have the right equipment....So, you need to narrow down the concerns
You could install a fancy $1,000 alarm system.
BUT....from what Bajaholic said......................
It seem the most important things are: Is the car being MOVED? WHERE is it going?
Your own personal car GPS with remote pocket alarm and dedicated GPS battery hidden in the car with a motion sensor connected to an ALARM HORN that wakes up everyone within a mile would surely scare the perp......
along with a separate hidden easy-to-reach flip-switch that disables voltage to the distributor when you exit the car.....just to slow down/stop the "drive-away car thief".
You could install a fancy $1,000 alarm system.
BUT....from what Bajaholic said......................
It seem the most important things are: Is the car being MOVED? WHERE is it going?
Your own personal car GPS with remote pocket alarm and dedicated GPS battery hidden in the car with a motion sensor connected to an ALARM HORN that wakes up everyone within a mile would surely scare the perp......
along with a separate hidden easy-to-reach flip-switch that disables voltage to the distributor when you exit the car.....just to slow down/stop the "drive-away car thief".
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 419
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The LoJacks are nice systems, you can track a car, starter interrupt etc. There are other companies that are competitive as well. I believe starting with the C5's they have a built in system, ONSTAR. All of these systems do require some type of continued monitoring program, which is a membership so just keep in mind, it can get pricey over time.
The short side is they only work while the battery is intact, once the battery goes dead, so does your system.
There are other "short term" systems that work. If it is for a specific trip, a GPS dog collar laid in the back also works wonders.(We have used it to track cars when we could not get our trucks into a parking facility or apartment parking)
There is also luggage trackers, I have not tried one yet, but they are inexpensive and easily available. Example:http://www.spytecinc.com/gl-200-real...yABEgIZGvD_BwE, https://www.thepawtracker.com/blogs/...hecked-baggage or https://www.thetileapp.com/store/til...wIVU25-Ch09ngl
There are a lot of options, Like I stated earlier, it is what helps you feel comfortable, because if they want it, it's gone...
The short side is they only work while the battery is intact, once the battery goes dead, so does your system.
There are other "short term" systems that work. If it is for a specific trip, a GPS dog collar laid in the back also works wonders.(We have used it to track cars when we could not get our trucks into a parking facility or apartment parking)
There is also luggage trackers, I have not tried one yet, but they are inexpensive and easily available. Example:http://www.spytecinc.com/gl-200-real...yABEgIZGvD_BwE, https://www.thepawtracker.com/blogs/...hecked-baggage or https://www.thetileapp.com/store/til...wIVU25-Ch09ngl
There are a lot of options, Like I stated earlier, it is what helps you feel comfortable, because if they want it, it's gone...
Last edited by Bajaholic; Nov 1, 2017 at 01:20 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
You can't stop someone if they really want it, at best you slow them down a little with ignition faults. I would hide multiple Tile or TrackR somewhere so you can find it later.
https://www.recode.net/2015/4/1/1156...found-face-off
One of my other weekend fun cars is a convertible and I never lock the doors as I would rather have a thief take the $.63 in my console than slash an $800 top. I do have an ignition system in it that lets me set a valet mode so I installed toggle switch under the dash that keeps the engine under 1500 rpm to slow the joy rider criminal down.
https://www.recode.net/2015/4/1/1156...found-face-off
One of my other weekend fun cars is a convertible and I never lock the doors as I would rather have a thief take the $.63 in my console than slash an $800 top. I do have an ignition system in it that lets me set a valet mode so I installed toggle switch under the dash that keeps the engine under 1500 rpm to slow the joy rider criminal down.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Nov 1, 2017 at 08:20 AM.
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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
It just a car. What if it gets written off in an accident? I'd be just as concerned with that happening. So, maybe stop driving it and lock it down in a secure garage? Nah, just make sure your policy is paid up and enjoy the trip.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
If you are traveling with a companion and either of you have an iPhone leave it hidden in the car....If it gets stolen atleast you can use Find my phone and see where it's at.....? Just an idea and doesn't cost anything extra.
Brian
Brian
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
If the actual value of the car is way more than the Blue Book value, I wouldn't park overnight in an open parking lot. Best to do some research for area motels that have secured parking areas and are camera monitored. I would drive 50 miles farther to stay in a facility with secured parking. Vandalism is even more risky than theft.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Nov 1, 2017 at 01:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Definitely install a hidden kill switch. At a minimum, it will make you feel better when you park it. It will at least slow down an amatuer thief and sometimes thats enough to deter them.
Any real thief will get it if they want it. Anyone can run a 12v jumper wire to the distributor if they have a couple mins...
I have a MSD box they would have to find first....can't jump an MSD distributor directly.
If you have an electric fuel pump, you can always pull the fuse to it or install a kill switch on that circuit as well..
But if a thieving *** tow truck driver wants it, he is gonna hook up and go...
Always have it insured for a declared value amount, covering ALL of your investment. I have mine insured for $50k through Hagerty for $700 a year, with free towing. Piece of mind....
Any real thief will get it if they want it. Anyone can run a 12v jumper wire to the distributor if they have a couple mins...
I have a MSD box they would have to find first....can't jump an MSD distributor directly.
If you have an electric fuel pump, you can always pull the fuse to it or install a kill switch on that circuit as well..
But if a thieving *** tow truck driver wants it, he is gonna hook up and go...
Always have it insured for a declared value amount, covering ALL of your investment. I have mine insured for $50k through Hagerty for $700 a year, with free towing. Piece of mind....
Last edited by ajrothm; Nov 1, 2017 at 01:35 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,958
Likes: 577
From: Pittsburgh PA
just take the coil wire off and take it in the hotel room with you (not sure what year your vette is if you have a separate coil). Hell take the battery out and carry it in with you.
If you are traveling and staying at a motel, then the thief isn't going to be someone who is casing your house every night, this is going to be a "smash and grab" job where if they cant get the car out in 10 min they aren't coming back.
any system installed on the car can be diabled or bypassed if the thief is smart enough. Chances are, any part you remove and have in your room with you cannot be easily acquired in the middle of the night.
If you are traveling and staying at a motel, then the thief isn't going to be someone who is casing your house every night, this is going to be a "smash and grab" job where if they cant get the car out in 10 min they aren't coming back.
any system installed on the car can be diabled or bypassed if the thief is smart enough. Chances are, any part you remove and have in your room with you cannot be easily acquired in the middle of the night.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
LoJack definately works. I was fixing a copier in phila police auto theft office. Cop came in. He just traced a car by LoJack to a boneyard. Car was crushed to a cube. Still transmitting. My idea of theft prevention. Keep it really ugly!
Last edited by derekderek; Nov 1, 2017 at 04:24 PM.
Safety Car
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