Ungaraged car security
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ungaraged car security
Hey everyone. I'm a noob here, but I have some questions. First let me give you a back ground. I've been planning on buying a c3 for a long long time. The point has finally come where I can afford to take one as a second car. So over the last couple days I've had my eyes set on a 72 t-top that someone is selling locally. Now my question. It would be ungaraged but covered. How many do this? It's not a show quality car or anything like that, but it is still in fairly nice condition. The thing I'm worried about is theft. I'm not in a bad area, but you never know with nice things. Would you say the c3 era vettes are targets for theives? Security options (including ign kill switch, lo jack, etc)? Also would the removable t-tops and back window be a security risk? I would really appreciate any feedback. It's cool this forum exists. Thanks 
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
i've got a '71 'vert that stays under a cover, parked in sight of the road; i remove the battery if i'm leaving for any length of time. no major problems yet, although i have come back and found that someone has taken the cover off it.
insomnia helps . . .
insomnia helps . . .
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by s_p_e
Would you say the c3 era vettes are targets for theives?
yes in fact one of the car magazines reported C3s are the number 1 car being stolen
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
I have an 80 that is parked every night in a carport on the backside of my property. There are also two very obnoxiously loud dogs back there as well. While not a '72, I still worry a bit about someone screwing with it. It would be hard to streal the entire car as I have a single car width driveway and there is a mini van and my house that would prevent the car from being driven away. But parts can walk. I think the dogs are the biggest deterent. There was a guy a block over that had all the rims and tires stolen off of his Z-06 C5 in the middle of the night a couple of weeks back. I don't know how the thieves were able to drop the Vette on the ground so quietly that it didn't get someones attention in the apartment building. This was on a fairly busy corner, so they must have been very well trained in the craft of thievery.
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
I have an 80 that is parked every night in a carport on the backside of my property. There are also two very obnoxiously loud dogs back there as well. While not a '72, I still worry a bit about someone screwing with it. It would be hard to streal the entire car as I have a single car width driveway and there is a mini van and my house that would prevent the car from being driven away. But parts can walk. I think the dogs are the biggest deterent. There was a guy a block over that had all the rims and tires stolen off of his Z-06 C5 in the middle of the night a couple of weeks back. I don't know how the thieves were able to drop the Vette on the ground so quietly that it didn't get someones attention in the apartment building. This was on a fairly busy corner, so they must have been very well trained in the craft of thievery.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
If a thief really wants your car they are going to get it. But there are things you can do to increase your odds.
T-top locks are a real good idea, I’ve heard of them getting stolen at the mall. Locking lug nuts help. Any of a number of brake pedal/steering wheel locks wouldn't hurt. I have battery disconnects mostly to keep the batteries alive, but most thieves won't try to debug why a car doesn't run. You can wire in a kill switch mounted in a hidden location, if you want to add to this.
T-top locks are a real good idea, I’ve heard of them getting stolen at the mall. Locking lug nuts help. Any of a number of brake pedal/steering wheel locks wouldn't hurt. I have battery disconnects mostly to keep the batteries alive, but most thieves won't try to debug why a car doesn't run. You can wire in a kill switch mounted in a hidden location, if you want to add to this.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: austin tx
if pros want it theyll get it...take it away on a flatbed..
i'm at college and dont have a garage, but park right next to my window and have a portable roof with tarp around it to keep it out of sight and out of the elements
and have firearms are easily accessible
i'm at college and dont have a garage, but park right next to my window and have a portable roof with tarp around it to keep it out of sight and out of the elements
and have firearms are easily accessible
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Originally Posted by s_p_e
Yeah, some shady things happen around my area too every once in a while. But a lot of it is the disgruntled boyfriend slashes tires and things like that. No random stuff really. But my apt complex is far off the road and my space is in the very back, so ppl coming into the apt complex can't see back that far. There are a couple stangs and f-body's in the complex too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,012
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by s_p_e
Wow, that's def. some stuff to think about. I liked the battery idea though. I'm going to check the car out this weekend regardless of buying it or not. Thanks guys. Any other feedback would be cool.
Remove the Ralley Caps and Beauty rings if it still has them--original caps and 4 clip rings are bringing nice bucks on E-bay and swap meets--and they are not that hard to grab. Use a locking lug nut to protect wheels and tires--these and the above tips basiclly will protect against the inexperienced thief. If they want it bad enough--bye bye
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
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From: Florida
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How about one of the zillon storage places around these days. I have a 10X20 full of junk, but a C3 would fit in one easily. If it is going to be a hobby car you will not need it everyday. Just an idea!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by OHSIXX
How about one of the zillon storage places around these days. I have a 10X20 full of junk, but a C3 would fit in one easily. If it is going to be a hobby car you will not need it everyday. Just an idea!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
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From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Damn, I can't seem to answer this question without sounding like an A-hole.
I guess if you have to ask the question, you already know (deep down) what the answer is...
I'd wait or store it off-site.
I guess if you have to ask the question, you already know (deep down) what the answer is...
I'd wait or store it off-site.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CGGorman
Damn, I can't seem to answer this question without sounding like an A-hole.
I guess if you have to ask the question, you already know (deep down) what the answer is...
I'd wait or store it off-site.
I guess if you have to ask the question, you already know (deep down) what the answer is...
I'd wait or store it off-site.