818 Door knobs

[tks]

I've seen in pictures that there's a door knob to open the door if you're inside the car. I haven't seen a door knob for opening the door when you're outside the car.

This probably isn't a big deal now but depending on the design of soft/hard top, it could be more important. I guess for now everyone can reach over and open the door from the inside.

[Frank818]

Exactly. So don't park the car in a public parking lot. lolll
For now at least...

Seriously, in my case I plan on using the ISIS system to control everything in the car. It uses a wireless remote with proximity settings if you want too, or push the button on the remote and door opens. Of course if your battery dies, I don't know if ISIS uses a backup battery, but that is another story.

[narkosys]

Frank,

i would suggesting getting the InReserve unit with your ISIS system. This will save your battery when you are parked for a while. And it can act as an extra layer of security.

P

[Frank818]

Hey narkosys, tnx for that info!

I'm learning so much on this forum. :)

An "electronic" kill switch. loll Not bad at all. And since I plan on having the clock inside the isis system on the center console (unless isis doesn't have a clock but I doubt), it will not reset the clock if I disconnect the battery.

200 bucks. loll

http://www.isispower.com/products/accessories/inreserve-active-battery-monitor.html

[tks]

Exactly. So don't park the car in a public parking lot. lolll
For now at least...

Seriously, in my case I plan on using the ISIS system to control everything in the car. It uses a wireless remote with proximity settings if you want too, or push the button on the remote and door opens. Of course if your battery dies, I don't know if ISIS uses a backup battery, but that is another story.

That's not a bad idea. I would use my 818 as a DD (keep in a garage at home and at work) but I'm sure there'll be times where I have to park it in a public place.

[68GT500MAN]

I park my roadster in public places like outside of a restaurant without any problems. When we went down HWY 1 to Solvang we parked on a street and spent hours walking through the town with no problems. I do not have a top or side windows.
Doug

[RM1SepEx]

anyone have experience with these? These make tons of variations, this is a basic kit

http://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Shaved-Door-Kits-and-Accessories/15-lbs-Shaved-Door-Kits/SVPRO2/5-Function-15-Lbs-Remote-Shaved-Door-Popper-Kit

[PhyrraM]

All of the 2.5 liter turbo Imprezas (minus the '04) have a security coded ignition key. The ECU won't start the motor without all the proper hardware, and key, from the donor in place. Luckily, all the proper hardware is on the factory steering column, which FFR uses for the 818S.

This only applies if your using the OEM ECU, of course.

[riptide motorsport]

except for when they put the car in neutral and its free to roll.

[Frank818]

Minus the 04? What happened to Subaru's engineers in 2004 that didn't in other years?

[Frank818]

except for when they put the car in neutral and its free to roll.

HAHAHAHAAHHA!!!!!! That one made me laugh a loooong time. :)

[flytosail]

You could always set up an overwatch detail a few hundred yards away. May not be an option in NY, MA, CA and the District of Columbia.

[Xusia]

anyone have experience with these? These make tons of variations, this is a basic kit

http://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Shaved-Door-Kits-and-Accessories/15-lbs-Shaved-Door-Kits/SVPRO2/5-Function-15-Lbs-Remote-Shaved-Door-Popper-Kit

I've installed those before. Prob not that exact brand. Pretty neat IMO. I liked it and would consider it again.

EDIT: In looking at the pics in more detail, I think that is the exact brand I used before!

[PhyrraM]

Minus the 04? What happened in Subaru's engineers in 2004 that didn't in other years?

'04 was the first year for a 2.5 turbo, and was only available in the STI trim.

'05 Also only had the 2.5 in the STI, but it now had the security key.

In '06 & '07 both the STI and the regular WRX had the 2.5 liter motors, and both had the chipped keys.

All the above is only for Imprezas. The other lines all had 2.5 on the turbos, but I'm not sure which had security keys and not. Most did.

[IMPREZvWRX]

The security chip key just changed the way Subarus are stolen. Many are taken by tow truck now. Others by car jacking. My point is, don't keep valuables in the car, and keep the keys with you. If they really want the car, they'll get it anyway, but that will at least deter crimes of opportunity.

[Mechie3]

Hella horns and the OEM vibration alarm aren't terrible ideas. I've forgotten at times j had the vibration alarm and set it off trying to change wheels or open the hood.

[THE ITALIAN]

security may be an issue, but car theft is not. My Roadster can be stolen very quickly, but imagine the thief hauling a$$ down the highway in this super loud, bright Blue and White "Shelby", pretty hard to hide that down a highway. Same thing I told a hard a$$ cop that gave me trouble about not having a front plate.
I said, "do you really think I could "run" from police in this car?" (I mean speed wise I could, but from up above?) He agreed and left me alone. Unique & highly identifiable is not what a car thief wants.

[Frank818]

Tnx PhyrraM :)

[Frank818]

security may be an issue, but car theft is not. My Roadster can be stolen very quickly, but imagine the thief hauling a$$ down the highway in this super loud, bright Blue and White "Shelby", pretty hard to hide that down a highway. Same thing I told a hard a$$ cop that gave me trouble about not having a front plate.
I said, "do you really think I could "run" from police in this car?" (I mean speed wise I could, but from up above?) He agreed and left me alone. Unique & highly identifiable is not what a car thief wants.

I totally agree. I get that feeling with my Corrado, I got pulled over many times for stupid reasons cops never pull people over. They just don't know what the car is and they think it's been stolen or something. There's no way I can hide it, aside from my garage. loll

The only thing a thief could do on an 818 (GTM, Roadster etc) is hide it in a truck, go somewhere no one looks, tear it apart immediately and spread out the parts.

[wleehendrick]

Same thing I told a hard a$$ cop that gave me trouble about not having a front plate.
I said, "do you really think I could "run" from police in this car?" (I mean speed wise I could, but from up above?) He agreed and left me alone.

In SD, years ago they started cracking down on front plates after installing red light cameras, it's all about the $$$. I got a fix-it ticket in my Z for not having a front plate, so I installed a bracket that clamps on the grille. I will never drill holes in the front bumper or body to mount a plate. Not sure what I'll do for the 818 yet.

To get back on topic: Most professional car thieves steal cars to chop and sell parts. Since most won't know WTH an 818 is by looking at it, it won't be a prime target for the serious thieves. However, an open-top sports car is attractive to opportunistic crimes and joy-ridding, so not leaving any valuables in sight, having some basic ignition security measure in place and garaging it at night, is advisable, but that's all I'll do. Door locks would be about as useful as a screen door on a submarine (until there's a hard-top) and alarms are routinely ignored. If you're really concerned, you could get LoJack.

[Silvertop]

security may be an issue, but car theft is not. My Roadster can be stolen very quickly, but imagine the thief hauling a$$ down the highway in this super loud, bright Blue and White "Shelby", pretty hard to hide that down a highway. Same thing I told a hard a$$ cop that gave me trouble about not having a front plate.
I said, "do you really think I could "run" from police in this car?" (I mean speed wise I could, but from up above?) He agreed and left me alone. Unique & highly identifiable is not what a car thief wants.

Unfortunately, most front license plate violation citations occur when the car is parked on the street. You probably won't get the opportunity to argue with the cop, because you won't be there when it happens. And most municipalities like the revenue generation provided. I don't really want a front plate either. But I've gotten tired of paying fines. Just sayin' :)

[IMPREZvWRX]

All of our traffic cameras are rear viewing since our neighbor (PA) doesn't have front plates. I managed to survive 6 years without a front plate or inspection sticker on my Impreza. I did, however, recently put both on the car since I figured it had to be too good to last.

However, I've collected loads of front plate tickets in my WRX during my younger years. All of them while moving at the speed limit or below.

Back on topic: Doesn't seem to be many places to hide a LoJack in an 818, but a locating device would help and could lower your insurance premium depending on your coverage.

[Xusia]

security may be an issue, but car theft is not. My Roadster can be stolen very quickly, but imagine the thief hauling a$$ down the highway in this super loud, bright Blue and White "Shelby", pretty hard to hide that down a highway. Same thing I told a hard a$$ cop that gave me trouble about not having a front plate.
I said, "do you really think I could "run" from police in this car?" (I mean speed wise I could, but from up above?) He agreed and left me alone. Unique & highly identifiable is not what a car thief wants.

Professional thieves, no. As wleehendrick points out, they won't know what components are inside, so it's an unlikely target for pros. Joy riders and crimes of opportunity though...


In SD, years ago they started cracking down on front plates after installing red light cameras, it's all about the $$$. I got a fix-it ticket in my Z for not having a front plate, so I installed a bracket that clamps on the grille. I will never drill holes in the front bumper or body to mount a plate. Not sure what I'll do for the 818 yet.

To get back on topic: Most professional car thieves steal cars to chop and sell parts. Since most won't know WTH an 818 is by looking at it, it won't be a prime target for the serious thieves. However, an open-top sports car is attractive to opportunistic crimes and joy-ridding, so not leaving any valuables in sight, having some basic ignition security measure in place and garaging it at night, is advisable, but that's all I'll do. Door locks would be about as useful as a screen door on a submarine (until there's a hard-top) and alarms are routinely ignored. If you're really concerned, you could get LoJack.

Very true. I have a bit of a background in car security and I agree with you. I still plan to install a car alarm, but that's mostly so people around know it's protected - as a deterrent from those crimes of opportunity. For real security, I'll probably install something hidden and sneaky that will take them too long to figure out.

[Frank818]

There are 2 things I'd like to install on that car as security goes:

- An electric field on all metal parts so that if they touch something metal, a huge... oh, fiberglass for the most of it, carpet, plastic, CF... ok next loll;
- Flame throwers underneath the car where people usually place their legs and feet, so that when they are close to the door, trying to get in, the thrower would ignite huge hot flames and cook the thief's feet.

Of course both these ideas are illegal but hey, no pity for car thieves. loll

[305mouse]

In South Africa they have the flame throwers under the car for security. Crazy stuff down there.

[THE ITALIAN]

I think IF you buy your donor with keys you are about a 50/50 chance. Several I have seen don't have keys. This is where nickel and dime'ing can happen, if you don't have the keys, it will cost you, but you will have the built-in security system according to the model year.
The guys that have not built or insured this "type" of car will find (as far as MY insurance is concerned) I have to park my car in a garage or they won't cover the car. I drive my car on weekends only, so I have limitations to keep the insurance costs down. Mine are, Garage, 6000 miles per year & not using it for work.
This works for me, maybe not you, but at $365.00 per year and $ 40,000 complete loss, I like it.
The door handles are fine "reach-in" , but for the hard/soft top question, that has not been answered yet. I would like to see a simple push button or latch below out of sight---- sounds like a good MOD for a new/old vendor and an easy sell
Some of the "mods" that came off the roadster have really good & easy installs--all this is early still, it will come. It's not like YOU have big problems....building a handmade car, in some countries, a bowl of rice is a daily goal.

[bromikl]

I'd want a Taser wired to the driver's seat if someone tries to start the car before disabling the security system.

[Silvertop]

I'd want a Taser wired to the driver's seat if someone tries to start the car before disabling the security system.

You know, of course, that eventually, in a distracted moment, you will forget to disable the security system yourself before starting the car................:rolleyes:

[Frank818]

So what? He's going to learn the hard way. lolllll :)

[flytosail]

So what? He's going to learn the hard way. lolllll :)

It is one of those self-correcting type of things.

[Jetfuel]

Searching for other stuff, like I do everyday since getting this car, came across this very old thread, and it hit close to home because one of the very first add on was a simple push button to open the door
94290

No more reaching inside

[EODTech87]

Searching for other stuff, like I do everyday since getting this car, came across this very old thread, and it hit close to home because one of the very first add on was a simple push button to open the door
94290

No more reaching inside

That's a real clean setup. Where did you get it from?

[Jetfuel]

Home made
1/2” alum stock, threaded rod and a little ingenuity to make it all work