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Title: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Hecker on November 09, 2009, 17:00:29 pm I'm working toward getting a 67 bug running & driving as a weekend
type car. The car is not a show piece, but clean & very sentimental. I've had the car since '78 and it got stolen & stripped once in '81. I put it back together & drove it until 86. It has been garaged since, and I really don't want to put money in it, just to have some joker take it away !! So, before I spend $1000 for repop BRM's or 5 spokes and whatever else, I'd like to know -- what precautions do people take these days to "keep" their cars. Thank you in advance for ideas. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Shubee2 (DSK) on November 09, 2009, 17:04:29 pm I'm working toward getting a 67 bug running & driving as a weekend Well Ron Here in Texas We All Tote Guns and Shoot to Kill LOLtype car. The car is not a show piece, but clean & very sentimental. I've had the car since '78 and it got stolen & stripped once in '81. I put it back together & drove it until 86. It has been garaged since, and I really don't want to put money in it, just to have some joker take it away !! So, before I spend $1000 for repop BRM's or 5 spokes and whatever else, I'd like to know -- what precautions do people take these days to "keep" their cars. Thank you in advance for ideas. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Dave Rosique on November 09, 2009, 17:06:00 pm Hecker,
If your car has traditional point type ignition, you can install a simple kill switch to ground the points... I've installed many over the years with great success. ~DR. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Shubee2 (DSK) on November 09, 2009, 17:29:41 pm I'd like to know -- what precautions do people
take these days to "keep" their cars. Thank you in advance for ideas. Well In Today's World nothing is perfect Thief's today have ways to override anything, all you can do is Try to out smart them. A kill Switch,Battery Cutoff,Alarm system,Lo Jack,steering wheel to brake pedal lock,shifter lock,pop the rotor out of the dist when parked,the truth is if a thief marks your car they will do what ever it takes to get it. the only sure fire method is sleep in the back seat with a 357 lol. or get a Big Mean F**king Dog... Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: louisb on November 09, 2009, 17:31:18 pm In the Manx I am thinking of running a Berg locker. Not a cheap solution though. To bad CSP doesn't have a locker option.
--louis Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: 58vw on November 10, 2009, 00:54:25 am rotweiler ;D
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: TexasTom on November 10, 2009, 01:12:50 am Berg locker, lock the doors and take the keys out when you leave it.
Battery kill switch &/or ignition kill switch. I have alternate transportation and don't take or leave my car out (very sentimental/family heirloom ... seriously). ;) Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Rennsurfer on November 10, 2009, 01:50:02 am What Dave Rosique posted is quite effective, tested, and true. Saved my orange '66 from "professional car thieves" back in '81. Friggin' rookies. HAHA!! As for my current car... there are many anti-theft devices installed and hidden. I sure ain't posting 'em here, however.
;D Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: danny gabbard on November 10, 2009, 01:59:23 am Find somebody's X-wife that is hard to deal with and chain them in the car, They might take the car, But they will bring it back!
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Hecker on November 10, 2009, 02:03:19 am Hey Fred == I don't need any super secret stuff .... I just want some opinions
on how to keep the car. I don't want to spend the money for lojack or any expensive high tech alarm, I'm just curious . In the old days nothing was safe, they took my baby out of the driveway in front of my house. Whenever I parked and it wasn't in sight, I removed the coil wire, THE CLUB, etc. but I know if somebody wants it, they're gonna get it !!! Nothing is 100 %.... I've seen cars being towed with alarms going, thugs driving away with nice cars -- horns honking, etc. I'm really trying to find out how big of a problem this is today -- especially here in SO CAL !!! How about it locals ??? We all know how important it is to have nice things & keep 'em !!! thanks Hecker Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Hecker on November 10, 2009, 02:04:22 am Good one Danny --- but my ex-wife is no longer available. ::)
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: danny gabbard on November 10, 2009, 02:39:49 am I thought you might like that hector, Somebody use to make a deal that you pumped up the brakes at it kept preasure to all four corners. My thought is if it does not roll its to big a pain to take, and the club locks are just a bottle of freon away from snakeing. and as far as kill switchs, all it takes ia a wire with two roach clips. One end on your license plate light and the other on your coil wire then turn lights on and just bump start the car and off you go. I would put a deck lid lock on the car. Just need to ask somebody from NORWALK CA.
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Rennsurfer on November 10, 2009, 03:07:11 am You're absolutely right, HECKER. I've had mine stolen right from my front yard, as well. The orange car that you see in my signature, down below. Thankfully, they were dumb enough not to figure out where I hid the kill switch for the battery and the coil. Ended up finding the geniuses and got my EMPI five spoke spare back. Later, Dyno Don organized a huge petition to shut their shop down.
If your car must sit outside and you have no indoor storage, I highly recommend using chain or cable with a Discus lock and anchor the car to something solid like the ground or building structure. Like you posted, people that want it bad enough will simply tow it away. All of the other tricks are there to merely slow the rookies down. In a better society, car thieves would be vaporized upon any attempt at stealing another person's car. After a few examples were made, I'll bet that car theft would be a memory from the past. Wishful thinking, I know... but I love cars. Can't help it. Carry on. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Dave Rosique on November 10, 2009, 03:19:12 am Hey Fred == I don't need any super secret stuff .... I just want some opinions on how to keep the car. I don't want to spend the money for lojack or any expensive high tech alarm, I'm just curious . In the old days nothing was safe, they took my baby out of the driveway in front of my house. Whenever I parked and it wasn't in sight, I removed the coil wire, THE CLUB, etc. but I know if somebody wants it, they're gonna get it !!! Nothing is 100 %.... I've seen cars being towed with alarms going, thugs driving away with nice cars -- horns honking, etc. I'm really trying to find out how big of a problem this is today -- especially here in SO CAL !!! How about it locals ??? We all know how important it is to have nice things & keep 'em !!! thanks Hecker Look... what I suggested has saved many cars from the So. Cal. knuckleheads and I've sold this package to plenty of customers over the years: Hide a waterproof toggle or pushbutton switch somewhere (get creative!) conceal a nice simple wire to the points side of the coil, buy a decklid lock and viola! a simple theft deterrant. What I've found, the crooks will run the battery down cranking the car and give up when it doesn't start. You asked for something that works--this does. I hate main body electrical feed kill switches for many reasons, much simpler to ground the points. If you do not have points, disregard this method. There you go. ~DR. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Bryan67 on November 10, 2009, 04:35:42 am Fortunately, here in Fresno there isn`t much of a theft problem regarding old VW`s anymore. But If I am worried about it I just pull the coil wire and lock the decklid.
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: glenn on November 10, 2009, 05:07:16 am I truly believe that there's not much you can do to stop someone who's determined to steal it.
A simple wire with alligator clips run from the B+ on the generator/alternator to the coil, a screwdriver to pop the vent window and a quick push and it's gone. The late models have the advantage of the locking steering column and electric fuel pumps also complicate it. But that won't stop a pro. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Rennsurfer on November 10, 2009, 05:28:39 am Look... what I suggested has saved many cars from the So. Cal. knuckleheads and I've sold this package to plenty of customers over the years: Hide a waterproof toggle or pushbutton switch somewhere (get creative!) conceal a nice simple wire to the points side of the coil, buy a decklid lock and viola! a simple theft deterrant. What I've found, the crooks will run the battery down cranking the car and give up when it doesn't start. You asked for something that works--this does. I hate main body electrical feed kill switches for many reasons, much simpler to ground the points. If you do not have points, disregard this method. There you go. ~DR. Yes SIR! You nailed it, right there, Dave. (see bold print above, for anyone that's paying attention) That's exactly what saved my car from being taken away from me. A Sheriff woke me up, had my car's registration in his hand, asked me if I owned an orange '66, he gave me a ride around the corner, and he was so cool... helped me push my car back home. They ran down the battery trying to crank/start it. Conclusion = I WIN. Thieves... not-so-much. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: stealth67vw on November 10, 2009, 05:34:35 am .40 caliber Glock semi auto pistol
.25 caliber Raven semi auto pistol 7.62 x .54mm Mosin Nagant bolt action rifle (1937 NOS) .22 caliber AMT Lightening semi auto rifle 7.62 x .39 caliber Iver Johnson Mini 30 semi auto paratrooper model rifle 12 gauge Beretta semi auto shot gun 9mm Beretta semi auto pistol .22 Marlin bolt action rifle. .38 caliber Derringer pistol 7mm Savage bolt action rifle Trespassers will be shot.....survivors will be shot again. 8) Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: ugly duckling on November 10, 2009, 07:17:05 am usaly when the car looks like mine bird dudey opinal theft isnt a problem. especialy when your best buds are in there home away from home buggy .incogneato is always my key to theft atleast for the stupid thives. UD .
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: louisb on November 10, 2009, 13:38:22 pm lol, thats a great pic UD.
I used to know a guy who drove a 6 series BMW to the local pool hall. He would drape a 8+ foot boaconstrictor over the dash of the car and leave the windows open. Funny no one ever tried to steal it. --louis Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: mg on November 10, 2009, 18:01:07 pm A car parked on the street without a steering wheel presents a formidable challenge to a car thief.
http://www.tekniqauto.com/CDN/snapoff/SOFaq.htm (http://www.tekniqauto.com/CDN/snapoff/SOFaq.htm) Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Speed-Randy on November 10, 2009, 18:22:20 pm Flatten the tires :D
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: javabug on November 10, 2009, 19:10:47 pm Mine is up on jackstands most of the time. ::)
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Shubee2 (DSK) on November 10, 2009, 19:38:24 pm Good one Danny --- but my ex-wife is no longer available. ::) LOL Ron maybe as a Mermaid?? Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: TexasTom on November 10, 2009, 19:51:29 pm I had to break into my own car once after stupidly lockong the keys inside ... real genius. :P
I simply pryed out the quarter window, reached in and there I was. Took about 1 minute, being careful not to scratch the paint ... and I didn't. Hard to keep em out if they want in ... they'll just BREAK the window. The Hella battery switches work nicely, never had a problem. As Dave Rosique said, I use a ground switch for the mag, no problems ever there. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Speed-Randy on November 10, 2009, 21:51:46 pm I don't see the theft ring for vw's like it used to be. I just finished a job in Santa Ana and a half a block up the street is a 56-59 ghia, runner driver, fair to good shape, parked on the street with the windows down 24/7. Now back in the day that would have been irresistable to a thief, I was on that job for over 6 months and it is still there, untouched.
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Whiterag on November 10, 2009, 23:03:06 pm Keep changing my mind on the wheels so also never comes off the axle stands ::)
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Bruce on November 11, 2009, 05:35:52 am When I did my paint job on my late car, I studied the door latch mechanism by the handle. It was easy to see how theives could unlock the door by jambing a screwdriver under the handle and prying on it. (68+up) So I fabbed up a piece of 3/8" thick steel to block this point of entry and welded it to the side impact beam in the late doors.
About 10 years later, I came out to my car and the door was all buggered up under the right handle, but it was still locked and everything inside was secure. My ingenuity saved the car from being stolen. Now you might think they were only gonna steal what was inside. I don't think so because my buddy's Bug parked on the same street was stolen 3 days later! My guess is that the theives came back for my car, ready to try something else. When they didn't find my car, they took the nearest one. For you guys with early cars, get yourself a 66 only hazzard light switch and install it in the factory location on the dash. Then wire this switch to your electric fuel pump. Pull the switch to run the car. The good thing about this method is that the car will start and run, then die after a couple hundred meters. For the owner, if you forget to pull the switch, the sputtering will remind you, and you will be able to get the fuel going before the engine dies. Great for draining your carbs before you pull the engine too. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Rennsurfer on November 11, 2009, 07:56:25 am Excellent post, Bruce.
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Fiatdude on November 11, 2009, 12:50:50 pm Forget Ex's -- you can have my current wife
Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Sarge on November 11, 2009, 15:21:19 pm Excellent post, Bruce. I agree, Mark... too bad I still have that ugly stock fuel pump, though :( Having had two cars stolen in my life and never recovered, I can only say if they want it, they're gonna get it. Use your head where you leave your ride. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: pancho villa on November 11, 2009, 16:44:15 pm never leave your car at the edge of a drive way, put a different car behind it. flat bed unfriendly.
crappy alarm OK, but more importantly a flashing light to scare the rookies. never leave sunglasses, pod, laptop etc in car. @mall etc remove steering wheel and put in cool brief case, don't be long they will call a local flat bed guy and give him cash. locks on wheels will make job more difficulty and scare some thief's. when strong armed via pistol etc give up the car bullets hurt. FTW Southern cal got my 55 years ago, but that's life i sure came up since then. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Bruce on November 11, 2009, 21:12:32 pm Excellent post, Bruce. I agree, Mark... too bad I still have that ugly stock fuel pump, though ... I used to have the wire to the coil switched using the switch for the rear defogger under the dash. But you always forget to turn it on and only remember after cranking for 5-10 sec. Then you've flooded it. Cutting the fuel allows the car to run and it slowly reminds you to turn the pump on. You could install a simple solenoid valve on the fuel line under the tank for the same effect when using the stock pump. If you are really good and know your electrics, figure out a way to install a latching relay. That way when you turn the key off, the valve automatically closes itself. You would need a momentary switch to activate it next time you drive it. My insurance co gives a discount for this because it is a passive immobilizer. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Nico86 on November 12, 2009, 00:45:16 am Excellent post, Bruce. They sell that device for Golfs Mk1, excellent idea and easy to do. Quote Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/030/8/e/Fusca_Hood_Ride_by_paulo_design.jpg) ;D ;D ;D ;D Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Rennsurfer on November 12, 2009, 01:01:24 am I agree, Mark... too bad I still have that ugly stock fuel pump, though :( UGLY? Oh, yeah... ugly. Yep, you should just hand over your stock fuel pump to me. ;D Nico, that (barf in mouth... gag) um, thing that used to be a car would FOR SURE not get stolen. I think you've came up with the best cure pertaining to this thread. Well played, sir. HAHA!! Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Bruce on November 12, 2009, 03:32:19 am Quote Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/030/8/e/Fusca_Hood_Ride_by_paulo_design.jpg) Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: Jason Foster on November 12, 2009, 05:14:57 am Excellent post, Bruce. I agree, Mark... too bad I still have that ugly stock fuel pump, though :( Having had two cars stolen in my life and never recovered, I can only say if they want it, they're gonna get it. Use your head where you leave your ride. I feel the same way Sarge. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: H67bug on November 12, 2009, 08:20:57 am If they can get the thing to start and run long enough to get away then they deserve mine! ;D :P
Other than that simple pull a lead off and lock the decklid and car each time works for me although the garage is alarmed and the hounds dog flap is next to the garage. Title: Re: What do you do to prevent theft of your car? Post by: benssp on November 12, 2009, 12:45:30 pm (http://blogsimages.skynet.be/images_v2/000/000/000/20090413/dyn004_original_750_563_jpeg__bf15b6e1325e5db359f3455f085b6560.jpg)
this seems to work :) |