Wouldn't worry about it. Not worth the hassle
1985 Cheap Anti-Theft
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 165
From: Utah
i have always wondered how much hagerty cost.
Any mileage limits or use limits?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
This is your best bet get a 0 or 100 deductible glass coverage too
So many keep the cheapest policy then can figuring the "cars only worth 2000" but price out broken glass, damaged paint ask me how I know.
Same idiot that hammered my entire car just nailed my womans E430 sport we just picked up...thank goodness for full coverage. 4k car with 10k+ worth of damage
good move, those trucks wind up getting jacked for the cartels constantly
In 89 my 5.0 wound up down there cop was driving it for many yrs never saw it again.
too young to believe in good insurance
So many keep the cheapest policy then can figuring the "cars only worth 2000" but price out broken glass, damaged paint ask me how I know.
Same idiot that hammered my entire car just nailed my womans E430 sport we just picked up...thank goodness for full coverage. 4k car with 10k+ worth of damage
The system I designed for my Super Duty has 12 relay
In 89 my 5.0 wound up down there cop was driving it for many yrs never saw it again.
too young to believe in good insurance
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hey guys-
Just a thought as I'm fixing up my Vette. It's starting to look a lot better and I don't want to get it stolen. I hardly live in a heavy-crime area, but the 1985 doesn't have the VATS system, and I don't think it has much at all in the way of anti-theft devices.
SO-my question, is there an electrical line someplace that I could put on a switch that will keep the car from starting, but isn't obvious? I mean, if someone is really committed to stealing it I'm sure they still could but a simple hotwire wouldn't allow it to start without the switch being on.
First thought I have, is a line to where the injector fuses are that would keep power from the injectors. So it would crank and crank and never start. Would-be thief assumes it's just not going to start.
I know I could also install a full alarm system, but I honestly don't want to.
Just a thought as I'm fixing up my Vette. It's starting to look a lot better and I don't want to get it stolen. I hardly live in a heavy-crime area, but the 1985 doesn't have the VATS system, and I don't think it has much at all in the way of anti-theft devices.
SO-my question, is there an electrical line someplace that I could put on a switch that will keep the car from starting, but isn't obvious? I mean, if someone is really committed to stealing it I'm sure they still could but a simple hotwire wouldn't allow it to start without the switch being on.
First thought I have, is a line to where the injector fuses are that would keep power from the injectors. So it would crank and crank and never start. Would-be thief assumes it's just not going to start.
I know I could also install a full alarm system, but I honestly don't want to.
I had an alarm with immobilizer fitted to my C4, the remote fobs unlock / lock doors and also has a hatch open function.
Is an auto arming one for insurance purpose, had it for close to 20 years so it has well and truly paid for itself.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 610
Likes: 12
From: Seattle Wa
A friend of mine just sold her convert for 16k, so Im probably going to up the agreed value next year, as mine is in way nicer shape than hers was. h
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
My best suggestion is to have you install a reasonably-cheap aftermarket alarm/keyless. Addition of keyless is worth it by itself!
Pick a system that can accept a "disarm" signal (in case the TDS works the same as VATS...where you need a signal to disarm with the key). A lot of systems also provide for the addition of a relay to control other functions. Specifically, killing power to the fuel pump would be good. I suspect thieves wouldn't look in that direction as often. Of course WHERE you place the wiring adds security -- if well hidden/disguised.
Bulldog is an example of a vendor that makes keyless add-ons with the inputs/relays necessary to convert your car. The best part is you can piggy-back on the GM setup w/o losing it.
Pick a system that can accept a "disarm" signal (in case the TDS works the same as VATS...where you need a signal to disarm with the key). A lot of systems also provide for the addition of a relay to control other functions. Specifically, killing power to the fuel pump would be good. I suspect thieves wouldn't look in that direction as often. Of course WHERE you place the wiring adds security -- if well hidden/disguised.
Bulldog is an example of a vendor that makes keyless add-ons with the inputs/relays necessary to convert your car. The best part is you can piggy-back on the GM setup w/o losing it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
No real mile or use limits. They dont want it to be your daily driver, although I drive every day I can. (Must have another car, and insurance) I beleive I told them I drive about 10k a year, but that comes out to around 800 miles a month, and im lucky if im half that.
A friend of mine just sold her convert for 16k, so Im probably going to up the agreed value next year, as mine is in way nicer shape than hers was. h
A friend of mine just sold her convert for 16k, so Im probably going to up the agreed value next year, as mine is in way nicer shape than hers was. h
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
That comment is just ridiculous. I guess you've never had your car broken into or stolen. Many of us have. Theives will steal just about any car they can get into or get a hold of. They might get stolen for chop shops, joyrides, drug money ,or just plain thrills. I'm sure a theif isn't going to go up to a C4 Corvette and say to himself...."nah, I aint gonna steal this one, it's only a C4. It's not even on the top 10 list." People who take pride in their cars no matter what kind they are, or how much they're worth, are going to take measures to prevent them from theft or damage. "Wouldn't worry about it because your C4's not worth the hassle"? Real words of wisdom there.
Last edited by FOURSPEEDVETTE; Jun 7, 2017 at 10:32 AM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
That comment is just ridiculous. I guess you've never had your car broken into or stolen. Many of us have. Theives will steal just about any car they can get into or get a hold of. They might get stolen for chop shops, joyrides, drug money ,or just plain thrills. I'm sure a thief isn't going to go up to a C4 Corvette and say to himself...."nah, I aint gonna steal this one, it's only a C4. It's not even on the top 10 list." People who take pride in their cars no matter what kind they are, or how much they're worth, are going to take measures to prevent them from theft or damage. "Wouldn't worry about it because your C4's not worth the hassle"? Real words of wisdom there.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
That comment is just ridiculous. I guess you've never had your car broken into or stolen. Many of us have. Theives will steal just about any car they can get into or get a hold of. They might get stolen for chop shops, joyrides, drug money ,or just plain thrills. I'm sure a theif isn't going to go up to a C4 Corvette and say to himself...."nah, I aint gonna steal this one, it's only a C4. It's not even on the top 10 list." People who take pride in their cars no matter what kind they are, or how much they're worth, are going to take measures to prevent them from theft or damage. "Wouldn't worry about it because your C4's not worth the hassle"? Real words of wisdom there.
A reason they are not on the top 10 list is there simply aren't many out there compared to the common cars that make the list.
I had 4 attempts to steal my Camaro within a week (Long story) and my Impala SS was stolen from my driveway. When I lived in Phoenix (actually Mesa) they would take anything. If they had access to it it was at risk. Although I lived in a nice neighborhood (Red Mountain Ranch) 6 out of 8 houses on my circle drive had cars stolen or attempted. They were not all collector cars either. Some were older cars that weren't even very good condition (which is why they were outside)
It is not something that insurance makes it all OK. I searched for those cars (and all of my cars) when I bought them and I put a lot of work into them and was proud of what I had. Insurance can give you some money, but not the car that you had so much personal investment into.
I went with hidden disable switches and never had any more problems. On most I disabled either the fuel injectors or the power to the ignition.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
That comment is just ridiculous. I guess you've never had your car broken into or stolen. Many of us have.
Theives will steal just about any car they can get into or get a hold of. They might get stolen for chop shops, joyrides, drug money ,or just plain thrills. I'm sure a theif isn't going to go up to a C4 Corvette and say to himself...."nah, I aint gonna steal this one, it's only a C4. It's not even on the top 10 list." People who take pride in their cars no matter what kind they are, or how much they're worth, are going to take measures to prevent them from theft or damage.
"Wouldn't worry about it because your C4's not worth the hassle"? Real words of wisdom there.
Theives will steal just about any car they can get into or get a hold of. They might get stolen for chop shops, joyrides, drug money ,or just plain thrills. I'm sure a theif isn't going to go up to a C4 Corvette and say to himself...."nah, I aint gonna steal this one, it's only a C4. It's not even on the top 10 list." People who take pride in their cars no matter what kind they are, or how much they're worth, are going to take measures to prevent them from theft or damage.
"Wouldn't worry about it because your C4's not worth the hassle"? Real words of wisdom there.
Again, I agree. Thing is, the odds are less than a highly popular car which has great chop shop value.
Why worry and pay for insurance? I buy insurance so I don't have to worry about more than the deductible. As I told the wife, if she wants to worry, perhaps we should not have insurance so she can have something to worry about. I pay for the peace of mind that if stolen, I am out the chump change deductible and can start all over again with a newer car and a few bucks more. If I only had liability, now I worry.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
It is not something that insurance makes it all OK. I searched for those cars (and all of my cars) when I bought them and I put a lot of work into them and was proud of what I had. Insurance can give you some money, but not the car that you had so much personal investment into..
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 165
From: Utah
For me; I put a ton of work into my car.
Others put in way more work.
it has a part of my soul, in a few years I may care less, but I went through hell to get my car the way it is now.
I would hate to have to start the search over again, and then begin the upgrades again.
That said, in a few years I could go for a nice convertible (as long as it's old enough to qualify for vintage in my state), and an untouched example like I started with this one...
Others put in way more work.
it has a part of my soul, in a few years I may care less, but I went through hell to get my car the way it is now.
I would hate to have to start the search over again, and then begin the upgrades again.
That said, in a few years I could go for a nice convertible (as long as it's old enough to qualify for vintage in my state), and an untouched example like I started with this one...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
For me; I put a ton of work into my car.
Others put in way more work.
it has a part of my soul, in a few years I may care less, but I went through hell to get my car the way it is now.
I would hate to have to start the search over again, and then begin the upgrades again.
That said, in a few years I could go for a nice convertible (as long as it's old enough to qualify for vintage in my state), and an untouched example like I started with this one...
Others put in way more work.
it has a part of my soul, in a few years I may care less, but I went through hell to get my car the way it is now.
I would hate to have to start the search over again, and then begin the upgrades again.
That said, in a few years I could go for a nice convertible (as long as it's old enough to qualify for vintage in my state), and an untouched example like I started with this one...
I wouldn't mind starting over with something newer and a better platform. If I could get 420 RWHP out of this, I can get 520 out of a newer platform with less effort. I like this car but I am not in love with it. Goes for anything I can buy. They are all things, mostly and things, with a bit of money can be replaced. My having to stress out, not so much.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I'm curious: Are you aware of an instance where your devices thwarted the theft attempt? Ie, the car was broken into, the steering column attacked, but the car was still where you left it? Presumably because they could not get it started?
Again, the impetuous for installation of theft-deterrents is the peace of mind it gives the owner that at least he's tried to do something.
Again, the impetuous for installation of theft-deterrents is the peace of mind it gives the owner that at least he's tried to do something.
I had two cars that the steering column pieces were broken, but the car was still there. One was a '90 Camaro that I referenced 4 attempts in a week, and the other was an '86 Monte Carlo SS.
I should also add that I had "The Club" on my Impala SS that was stolen.
Last edited by QCVette; Jun 7, 2017 at 04:05 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI