Security Tricks for C3 - kill switches.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 341
Security Tricks for C3 - kill switches.
My 1968 C3 sports a hidden kill switch. Thieves can tow it off, but they'll never bust the ignition and just drive it off.
In fact ALL my cars do. Old SC400, CRV, Pick'em-up truck... All desireable by thieves. Well, maybe not the CRV but I take it to Mexico.
Several ways of doing it, you can interrupt power to the ignition, an electric fuel pump, or the starter. On newer cars fuel pump's probably the best.
Thieves don't have time to figure out WHY it won't crank or run. Or immediately dies after starting.
I find a kill switch superior in most regards to an alarm. Every alarm I've ever owned would go off for no apparent reason. Despite being wired properly & professionally!
I've made a career out of REMOVING alarm systems Scotch-locked under the dash.
I generally leave doors/windows unlocked. Nothing inside to steal. Rather NOT have to replace a broken window/doorlock.
In fact ALL my cars do. Old SC400, CRV, Pick'em-up truck... All desireable by thieves. Well, maybe not the CRV but I take it to Mexico.
Several ways of doing it, you can interrupt power to the ignition, an electric fuel pump, or the starter. On newer cars fuel pump's probably the best.
Thieves don't have time to figure out WHY it won't crank or run. Or immediately dies after starting.
I find a kill switch superior in most regards to an alarm. Every alarm I've ever owned would go off for no apparent reason. Despite being wired properly & professionally!
I've made a career out of REMOVING alarm systems Scotch-locked under the dash.
I generally leave doors/windows unlocked. Nothing inside to steal. Rather NOT have to replace a broken window/doorlock.
Last edited by wadenelson; Jul 14, 2023 at 08:50 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Is there any real data showing that C3 Corvettes are cars that are regularly stolen.....anywhere? There are plenty of cars more valuable to steal than some old C3 Corvette.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 33
From: Olathe KS
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 145
Likes: 98
From: Central Kentucky
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 341
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 4,495
From: Virginia
Since I disconnect the battery every time I drive it anyway, I could pocket the green bolt.
If I ever parked it someplace sketchy.
Which I don't.
If I ever parked it someplace sketchy.
Which I don't.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 788
Likes: 417
From: Western NY
I understand about leaving the doors unlocked to avoid broken window however over the last several years there seems to be an increase in thieves looking for cars that are unlocked to steal from. If the car is locked they go on to the next car. I would take my chances and leave the doors locked to possibly keep someone from getting in. Even if there is nothing in the car i don't want any of those idiots in my car for any reason.
Pat
Pat
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,349
Likes: 1,578
From: los altos hills california
Here's kind of a trick. I have my clutch starter lockout positioned way down on the floor. You have to push it way way down to turn the motor over. That might at least stymie someone and I know it confused at least one friend whom I'd loaned the car to.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
My simple theory is that 90 % of car thieves are below the age of 25. Therefore how many know how to drive a manual transmission car, my longest drive of 12 miles is to the monthly car show which has around 600 or more cars. I feel certain that thieves would steal a pristine Ferrari, Porsche, or Lamborghini, before messing with my SB73 Corvette, just saying. Plus getting her started, with the clutch having to hit the floor board is no picnic.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,148
Likes: 9,278
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I leave some empty .45 and ,308 casing on the dash and on the floor
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,321
Likes: 8,124
From: Napa Valley California
Just install a battery disconnect with a removable key. I’m installing mine on the transmission tunnel right where they can see it. I doubt they will be able to crawl under it to jumper it unless they bring a floor jack.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,148
Likes: 9,278
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I tell ya spent brass sends a message..
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 299
From: Way too effing close to the city.......NRA Life Member!
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Back in the day, I bought a 1967 GTO off my cousin and he had removed the mechanical fuel pump and installed an electric one with a little toggle switch under the dash! Just flipped that little switch when I parked it! It wasn’t going anywhere fast!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 904
Likes: 569
From: Central NJ
I tell ya spent brass sends a message..
Sometimes it does not pay to advertise..
60
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 822
From: Wisconsin
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I once left a d!ldo and a bunch of bud light cans in my cousins car as a joke....someone broke in and left a bible on the driver's seat....I do however have a kill switch under my dash in my 68 for added security.
