Additional Theft Deterrent
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Additional Theft Deterrent
I just bought the following "faux burglar alarm" LED flashing light on Ebay for under $10. I mounted it in the center console plastic between the armrest and the gear selector. I drilled a small hole in the removable plastic piece between the seat adjustment switches; I don't have the ride control switch in the center making it a perfect spot. All wires completely hidden and secure. Anyway, this LED light is great. It flashes twice a second and is bright. Designed to automatically flash when the engine is off. You'll need to run one wire to a constant power source and the other to one to a "hot only" when ignition is on. You can also hook up an optional inline on/off switch to manually control the flashing. Light comes in a few flashing colors. In the shade or night time, the light looks intimidating and can easily be seen when looking in through the windows. MEDIOCRE CAR THIEVES BEWARE; is it real or fake? Go ahead, make my auto insurance's day!
Last edited by RetroGuy; Jun 16, 2018 at 11:44 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
One of the best pieces of advice I think anyone ever posted here was about that very thing.
Q) "What's a good theft deterrent for an older C4?"
A) "The parking brake."
lol.. And they're right.
Q) "What's a good theft deterrent for an older C4?"
A) "The parking brake."
lol.. And they're right.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
I've seen tow truck drivers use their winch to pull a skidding car that was "In gear and Ebrake set" onto their flatbed. There are no foolproof ways to protect our Vettes when parked outside, only ways to discourage thieves.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
I have the same setup, from PO. They ran the power to the security box, not sure of the pinout there but I added a micro toggle next to the lighter. Switch it on at night or when parked in shady area.
Last edited by xrav22; Jun 16, 2018 at 12:36 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 350
Likes: 74
I have a similar light up behind the rear view mirror, except mines connected to a real alarm😂. Honestly I like the dummy light, it probably does just as much good as a real alarm because Im a firm believer if someone really wants to steal a car they’re going to get it. I’m not really an alarm person, but it came with the car. So far the only thing its done is go off in my own driveway because of my own stupidity. Like I said, Im not used to having an alarm so I keep forgetting about it. Twice now I’ve parked the car in the driveway, locked it, walked away, then gone back later or the next day to work on the car (rotate tires for example). Had no reason to open the doors, so didn’t even think to unlock/disarm the car. Then go to slide a jack under it and start lifting it and the car freaks out and starts blaring the alarm. At least I know it works..
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
I think the best theft deterrent I can do is to park it beside one of your cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,284
From: Hartford WI
I didn't think C4s were that highly sought after but I guess.
Here is an idea. Instead of screwing with that crap, why not get a REAL theft deterrent? Instead of warning that I might have a real alarm, why not get one that DOES make noise when they try and hope to startle them?
The way I see it, instead of wearing a shirt that implies that I have a gun, maybe let you guess till you try pull some crap and I draw on you?
Here is an idea. Instead of screwing with that crap, why not get a REAL theft deterrent? Instead of warning that I might have a real alarm, why not get one that DOES make noise when they try and hope to startle them?
The way I see it, instead of wearing a shirt that implies that I have a gun, maybe let you guess till you try pull some crap and I draw on you?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 696
Likes: 73
From: Columbus, OH
that and having a 6-speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 350
Likes: 74
That's a fairly sophisticated install. The tilt sensor can be added to almost any alarm system, but seldom is. If the installer went to the trouble / expense to add the tilt sensor, I wonder if they did a starter disable? Sometime set it off and try to start the car normally. If they went to the trouble to do the tilt sensor, I'll bet that it doesn't crank either because they did the starter disable.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,284
From: Hartford WI
Uh, because a "real" theft deterrent involves a lot of disassembly of the interior for access, and molestation of wiring to install it. The blinking light is IMO a good compromise in doing something vs tearing the car up and messing with a lot of wires that may cause future problems.
I feel the "best" systems are passive starter and ECM kill devices that require a simple, discrete action by the driver to allow engine starting upon EVERY entry. I have such devices (of my own design and installation) in most of my vehicles. Not the 85, because I don't feel it is at much risk because there is no access to it. Shut off the key, open the door, and it will not start again until the actions are carried out. It sets every time passively, no0 action required to set it. In my Super Duty it takes two actions to disable the protection. It is so subtle that passengers can't figure out what it takes even if they are watching me for it.
None of this protects against a tow truck of course. But like any security system, the primary intent of the system is to give the owner some reassurance that he has done "something" to increase the odds that the car will remain where he left it. Even a simple blinking light meets this criteria.
I feel the "best" systems are passive starter and ECM kill devices that require a simple, discrete action by the driver to allow engine starting upon EVERY entry. I have such devices (of my own design and installation) in most of my vehicles. Not the 85, because I don't feel it is at much risk because there is no access to it. Shut off the key, open the door, and it will not start again until the actions are carried out. It sets every time passively, no0 action required to set it. In my Super Duty it takes two actions to disable the protection. It is so subtle that passengers can't figure out what it takes even if they are watching me for it.
None of this protects against a tow truck of course. But like any security system, the primary intent of the system is to give the owner some reassurance that he has done "something" to increase the odds that the car will remain where he left it. Even a simple blinking light meets this criteria.
Sounds like a reasonable system I would want in my car, assuming I feel the need.
I guess I admit that I didn't consider the "do something" component where it assures the owner he is doing something. As you said, you won't beat a tow truck but I never considered that it gives the owner a false sense of security as a criteria. So yes, if it is going to help the owner sleep at night, I suppose it does something.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,194
Likes: 1,317
From: LeClaire Iowa
I did my first one of these about 15 years ago. Really simple to wire one up, the idea is that if there is battery voltage on both wires, the light does not flash. If the (-) side of the light is low, it will.
In a C4 center console, here's how I'd hook it up:
LED red (+) to Cig Lighter orange. (Hot at all times)
LED yel (-) to P/N Switch dk blue. (Power for B/U lamps, hot in RUN).
When the key is OFF, the LED grounds through the ignition circuit.
Edit/add: In a 92-up I'd use the accy wires that are taped off in the center compartment. Orange (hot at all times) and pink/blk (hot in run and start)
I don't have any add-on "deterrents" in my C4. I don't consider it to be at high risk of theft. I worry a lot more about my 7.3 Diesel pick-up than the jankey-*** old 85. It's much more desirable, and the Mexican border is only 2 hours away. I'd never see it again.
In a C4 center console, here's how I'd hook it up:
LED red (+) to Cig Lighter orange. (Hot at all times)
LED yel (-) to P/N Switch dk blue. (Power for B/U lamps, hot in RUN).
When the key is OFF, the LED grounds through the ignition circuit.
Edit/add: In a 92-up I'd use the accy wires that are taped off in the center compartment. Orange (hot at all times) and pink/blk (hot in run and start)
I don't have any add-on "deterrents" in my C4. I don't consider it to be at high risk of theft. I worry a lot more about my 7.3 Diesel pick-up than the jankey-*** old 85. It's much more desirable, and the Mexican border is only 2 hours away. I'd never see it again.
If wired like 92-up is the light ON while running but just not blinking?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
And just in case anyone here thinks they are immune, there's also this:
On a more serious note, park a C4 next to any recent model Toyota, Chevy or Honda car or Ford Truck and that's pretty effective "anti-theft" protection. Car thieves will take the newer, more common car with parts that are far more in demand.
Last edited by C6_Racer_X; Jun 18, 2018 at 09:51 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,284
From: Hartford WI
The reason I pay for insurance is because I don't want to worry about it. I might as well take comprehensive off and pay far less for liability if I had to worry. I can always upgrade to something newer and better if it gets stolen as long as I don't have to drive myself crazy with the worry about it being stolen.
