Probably a dumb question -- Roadster anti-theft system? [Archive]

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 07:50 AM

Forgive me if this has been covered, I searched but couldn't find anything. Probably kind of a dumb question anyway, but I'll go ahead and ask it.

Is there any type of anti-theft set-up you guys are using on your Roadsters?

I am building a MkIV roadster, and I was just thinking the other day about how easy this thing would be to steal. The doors don't lock. Even if they did, they'd be easy to hop over. The ignition key would be relatively easy to access to hotwire (just unscrew the collar and push out of the dash to drop underneath. Even if you didn't hotwire it on the spot, there is no steering lock, there is no lock on the parking brake, and assuming you're using a manual transmission, there is nothing to lock it in gear, so it would be easy enough to just push it onto a trailer, or just push it around a corner somewhere. Even if you had an automatic transmission, I'm not sure if there's any real way to lock it in park.

I don't really hang out in crime-infested areas, and have no plans to leave this thing out of my sight for very long. However, this seems like the type of car that would be tempting to steal, and seems like a thief or thieves could make off with it fairly easily. The keyed ignition might deter a spur of the moment thief, but I could see someone with a little planning and foresight easily pushing this thing onto a trailer, or removing the key switch and hotwiring it, and simply disappearing with it.

Maybe I'm just paranoid. But is there something I'm missing? Is there some kind of security setup I don't know about?

OCCPete

11-04-2013, 08:24 AM

I put a fuel pump cutoff switch in the trunk. If I was parking somewhere where I was concerned about it, I flipped the switch to kill the fuel pump and locked the trunk.

mrmustang

11-04-2013, 08:27 AM

There are several companies that manufacture a simple battery cut off switch with a removable key.

23141

Simple to install, easy enough to activate and take the key with you.

Bill S.

Forgive me if this has been covered, I searched but couldn't find anything. Probably kind of a dumb question anyway, but I'll go ahead and ask it.

Is there any type of anti-theft set-up you guys are using on your Roadsters?

I am building a MkIV roadster, and I was just thinking the other day about how easy this thing would be to steal. The doors don't lock. Even if they did, they'd be easy to hop over. The ignition key would be relatively easy to access to hotwire (just unscrew the collar and push out of the dash to drop underneath. Even if you didn't hotwire it on the spot, there is no steering lock, there is no lock on the parking brake, and assuming you're using a manual transmission, there is nothing to lock it in gear, so it would be easy enough to just push it onto a trailer, or just push it around a corner somewhere. Even if you had an automatic transmission, I'm not sure if there's any real way to lock it in park.

I don't really hang out in crime-infested areas, and have no plans to leave this thing out of my sight for very long. However, this seems like the type of car that would be tempting to steal, and seems like a thief or thieves could make off with it fairly easily. The keyed ignition might deter a spur of the moment thief, but I could see someone with a little planning and foresight easily pushing this thing onto a trailer, or removing the key switch and hotwiring it, and simply disappearing with it.

Maybe I'm just paranoid. But is there something I'm missing? Is there some kind of security setup I don't know about?

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 08:36 AM

I put a fuel pump cutoff switch in the trunk. If I was parking somewhere where I was concerned about it, I flipped the switch to kill the fuel pump and locked the trunk.

There are several companies that manufacture a simple battery cut off switch with a removable key.

23141

Simple to install, easy enough to activate and take the key with you.

Bill S.

Both are really great ideas. I do have a battery cutoff switch that I will most likely be mounting. The fuel pump cut-off is another good idea that I hadn't thought of. Those would both keep someone from being able to hotwire and drive away, which should stop most opportunistic thieves, I guess. I'm still worried about how easy it would be to simply pop it into neutral and push it somewhere, or roll it onto a trailer. Granted, that would take a little more planning on a thief's part, and isn't nearly as likely. But if I was parked somewhere, say on vacation or something, and someone had sort of "cased it out," it would be so easy to steal with a trailer.

I'm thinking there may just not be a whole lot that can be done to keep someone from doing that, unless there is some type of lockable transmission or steering lock that I am not aware of.

I guess I should look into some type of lo-jack and GPS tracking type setup, maybe. Not sure how all of that works, but it can't hurt to research and look into it.

CHOTIS BILL

11-04-2013, 09:49 AM

Another idea is to connect the clutch safety switch wires to a hidden push button or toggle switch. You can wire this switch in series with the clutch safety switch if you want to keep that function.

Bill Lomenick

Mike N

11-04-2013, 09:54 AM

Fuel pump cut off, battery cut off, quick release steering wheel hub. Put the steering wheel in the trunk when you leave the car. A tonneau cover is also a great theft deterrent. If someone really wants your car they will just flat bed it away no stopping that but you can make it difficult for them.

cobrabite

11-04-2013, 09:56 AM

I plan to use a steering wheel disconnect flange - summit has a bunch available.
One product has a locked cover over the spline so you cant turn the wheels with vise locks.
Park it with tires turned and pull the steering wheel - at least it slows down the flatbed method.
I would think that, a fuel lock and/or battery cutoff will slow down the opportunists.

The ones casing and planning may chose to leave it alone knowing how much they need to do.

Has anyone installed an anti-theft system?

Ray

11-04-2013, 09:57 AM

I have seen cars equipped with the battery cutoff switch, hidden fuel pump switches, motion alarms and even removable steering wheels. One owner even used a long cable lock that he looped through the spokes of his front and rear wheel on one side of the car.

All are good ideas but the key is remembering to use them. You could do something simple (and free) by simply removing the 50-amp master fuse and taking that with you when you park over night.

Ray

cobrabite

11-04-2013, 09:57 AM

I guess this is the right place to ask as well: Has anyone had one stolen? What was the situation?

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 10:13 AM

All of these ideas seem really good. I think looping a cable to lock through the wheels might be a bit much, just kind of cumbersome. I do like the idea of a removable steering wheel, especially if it has a lockable cover to keep from being able to turn the shaft with the wheel removed. The clutch switch seems like a great idea, too. Wiring it up to a hidden button would work great.

Personally, I think battery cut-off switch, and removable steering wheel may be the way to go. Battery cut-off would prevent hotwiring (at least without a ton of work), and wheels cut to the side with steering wheel removed would cover somebody trying to push it onto a trailer. For an added option, a fuel pump cut-off switch in the trunk would probably not be a bad idea.

I guess this is the right place to ask as well: Has anyone had one stolen? What was the situation?

Not sure of all the details, but I came across this (on the other forum) when I was searching for anti-theft tips/tricks. So, apparently at least one has been stolen, and I'd figure probably a few more have as well. I didn't search for stolen FFR Roadsters, but this came up when I was searching for anti-theft ideas.

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/250361-my-cobra-stolen-los-angeles.html#post2265358

MPTech

11-04-2013, 10:15 AM

If you are worried about hot-wiring, install an underdash panel, held in with some riv-nuts and SS button-head screws. It does several things; cleans up the under-dash, strengthens the dash, and deters anyone messing with your wires.

Now, if someone really wants your car, it's going to be almost impossible to prevent them, but some of these tips will prevent an opportunity theft, that they can drive away with.
Make sure your insurance is sufficient and current. :cool:

montyals

11-04-2013, 10:46 AM

I don't think walking around with a steering wheel is your idea of a good time. Simply get a wheel lock from a variety of companies to fasten to one of the wheels of the car. They look like the boot used to detain cars in big cities when they are illegally parked...but smaller. WORKS GREAT!!! That's what I used in the past. Costs around $169 a few years ago. Just make sure it is designed so the lock itself can't be frozen and broken or chiseled out of the device. If I find the name of the model I have I will post it later. Just keep it in the trunk, tucked behind yours or the passenger seat, or on the passenger floor when driving and secure it to one of the four wheels after exiting the car. Mine is bright red and visually, it's a GREAT deterrent!

Regarding the other stuff, save your money...you can also just disconnect two plugs from your distributor (if you plan to have a carb) and reconnect them in the wrong terminals.

All of the above mentioned suggestions seem to work. I have both fuel and batter cut-off switches and would disable the distributor wiring also if I left my car unattended over night. Most importantly though, the wheel lock.

This will surely give the guy with a flatbed one to think about since the car can't be rolled or pushed.

OCCPete

11-04-2013, 10:52 AM

Downside of the battery cutoff switch is the key is the same for every one of them.

Ron Francis sells a wirelessly activated battery cutoff switch. I have not used this myself, but it may be what you're looking for: https://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MS%2D11

RMB

11-04-2013, 11:08 AM

I installed a hidden fuel pump switch, but if they really want it, they'll just drag it up on a flatbed.

Rob

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 11:12 AM

I don't think walking around with a steering wheel is your idea of a good time.

Well, the idea would be to lock up the steering wheel in the trunk, if out in town, and take it in the house with me if I was staying somewhere overnight. At my own house, it stays in the locked garage.

I do like the wheel lock type setup, at least the idea of it. I would need to see what it actually looks like. I'll do some searching and see what I can come up with.

Downside of the battery cutoff switch is the key is the same for every one of them.

Ron Francis sells a wirelessly activated battery cutoff switch. I have not used this myself, but it may be what you're looking for: https://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MS%2D11

That looks like a really nifty set-up, something I'd probably be interested in.

chopthebass

11-04-2013, 11:52 AM

I vaguely remember a microwave detector alarm that detects someone reaching into the car.

Bob Cowan

11-04-2013, 12:08 PM

One owner even used a long cable lock that he looped through the spokes of his front and rear wheel on one side of the car.

Ray

I think looping a cable to lock through the wheels might be a bit much, just kind of cumbersome. ]

That's what I do when I park it for the night. A big cable I bought for my motorcycle, and I loop it through the wheel and around a suspension component. I won't bother with that if I'm just stopping for lunch or something.

I also have a removable steering wheel that goes in the trunk, or into the hotel room.

Does it work? IDK. But I still have my car, and I do a fair amount of overnight travel in it.

montyals

11-04-2013, 12:14 PM

Big Blocker

11-04-2013, 12:17 PM

Just a thought but . . .
I believe all FFR cars use the same trunk/ignition key. And the RED plastic battery cut-off keys are available from Harbor Freight for $3.
I have heard of people chaining their frame to a lamp post or parking meter.
Best idea (IMHO) is the wheels turned full lock in either direction and then removing the steering wheel and covering the post with a lockable cover. This will slow down a flat bed theft but not completely eliminate the possibility of someone trying it.
Lo-Jack seems to be the best "recovery" system if you want the car back instead of your insurance company paying you for the loss.

Just my 2¢

Doc

lazrcng

11-04-2013, 12:33 PM

I am using a master battery cut-off key and exact $$ replacement value insurance!

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 12:35 PM

Just to give you an example but it's kinda like this http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Winner-International/WI491.html
but the model I use has only two C-shaped arms and has no visable hinges and is way more durable and about three times as thick as this one around the hinge area.

Yeah, I did a little digging, and found a lot of those. I think that would fit in the trunk (with its limited space) very easily, and should work to deter most thieves. I might have to get something similar.

Just a thought but . . .
I believe all FFR cars use the same trunk/ignition key. And the RED plastic battery cut-off keys are available from Harbor Freight for $3.
I have heard of people chaining their frame to a lamp post or parking meter.
Best idea (IMHO) is the wheels turned full lock in either direction and then removing the steering wheel and covering the post with a lockable cover. This will slow down a flat bed theft but not completely eliminate the possibility of someone trying it.
Lo-Jack seems to be the best "recovery" system if you want the car back instead of your insurance company paying you for the loss.

Just my 2¢

Doc

I had no idea the Factory Five cars were all keyed alike, is this confirmed? I do know that normal mass-produced cars have a limited number of key sets that get re-used, I know because when I was in high-school I discovered, by accident, that another car of the same model in a parking lot used the same key as mine. I accidentally opened their trunk, and then realized it was the wrong car. With modern cars with chips in the key, there's probably not a lot of concern for someone stealing the car, but that doesn't help a FFR roadster. I hope they don't all have the same key. Also, I do know the battery cut-off switches have the same key, so that's not foolproof either.

I looked into LoJack, and came back severely dissapointed. Turns out my entire state (Alabama) is not in one of their "covered" areas. I had no idea they even had "covered" areas -- I thought it was nationwide coverage. Knowing that, I'm not sure what the point of LoJack would be, if a thief could steal your car and drive to an area not "covered" by LoJack, assuming you were in a covered area to put LoJack in your vehicle in the first place. I can't even imagine how pissed off I would be if I registered, installed, and paid for LoJack and my car got stolen and driven to one of the many non-covered parts of the country. If they don't have nationwide coverage, I fail to see the point. So, LoJack is out, for me anyway.

RMB

11-04-2013, 12:50 PM

I had no idea the Factory Five cars were all keyed alike, is this confirmed? I do know that normal mass-produced cars have a limited number of key sets that get re-used, I know because when I was in high-school I discovered, by accident, that another car of the same model in a parking lot used the same key as mine. I accidentally opened their trunk, and then realized it was the wrong car.

Funny you mention this. About 10 years ago my parents went to visit my grandad at his assisted living facility. They were driving a Ford LTD, and when they went to leave, they got in A Ford LTD and drove away. At some point they realized they had the wrong car, went back to the facility, and the police were there. My Dad's key worked in both cars, but the other owners key only worked in his car. The police got a good laugh out of it.

Rob

Ray

11-04-2013, 12:52 PM

When I had some spare keys made, the FFR ignition key is a Honda blank and the trunk/hood key is a Triumph blank.

Ray

edwardb

11-04-2013, 01:14 PM

I had no idea the Factory Five cars were all keyed alike, is this confirmed?

I can respond to this based on a sample size of two: The FFR supplied trunk/hood keys for my Mk3 also work on the Mk4 from several years later. So maybe they are all the same, but can't say for sure. For the FFR supplied ignition switches, they are definitely not keyed the same between the two. That may mean they only have two different patterns and I got lucky. But I doubt it. There are probably more than that.

Regarding the overall security question. Having now gone through two seasons with my Mk3, and parking it at work, taking it on errands, several hotel overnights, and general cruising, car shows, etc., I can say that people are generally very respectful and I don't feel nervous about it at all. I am (obviously) careful about where I park it, use the snapless cover when parked for very long, and put the full cover on it whenever at a hotel, etc. I do have an immobilizer switch hidden under the dash. It shuts off the MSD box, and sometimes I do use it. But frankly I think if someone were going to steal it I doubt they would try to start it and drive it away because they know it would be loud. I would expect it more likely they would drag it onto a flatbed, and there's not much I'm going to do to stop that short of never taking it out. I have insurance in the unlikely event that would happen. Keep in mind the majority of car stealing is for chop shops, and these cars aren't ideal for that. In short, do the basics and be careful, but relax and enjoy the car. That's what it's for.

pyronuc

11-04-2013, 01:35 PM

Regarding the overall security question. Having now gone through two seasons with my Mk3, and parking it at work, taking it on errands, several hotel overnights, and general cruising, car shows, etc., I can say that people are generally very respectful and I don't feel nervous about it at all. I am (obviously) careful about where I park it, use the snapless cover when parked for very long, and put the full cover on it whenever at a hotel, etc. I do have an immobilizer switch hidden under the dash. It shuts off the MSD box, and sometimes I do use it. But frankly I think if someone were going to steal it I doubt they would try to start it and drive it away because they know it would be loud. I would expect it more likely they would drag it onto a flatbed, and there's not much I'm going to do to stop that short of never taking it out. I have insurance in the unlikely event that would happen. Keep in mind the majority of car stealing is for chop shops, and these cars aren't ideal for that. In short, do the basics and be careful, but relax and enjoy the car. That's what it's for.

I guess you've got a point there. Really, two types of car thieves in general, I think. One would be the opportunistic thieves who take the car on a whim, either simply to joy-ride or just because they see it and want it. Those types would probably be stopped by normal security stuff. The second type, more "professional" thieves, would be more prepared and equipped, but probably not as interested in the car, because it wouldn't have much chop-shop resale value. Also, as it's not a "real" AC Cobra, there's not a whole lot of high-end collector value, either. So probably the non-career criminals who would make off with it would be stopped by simple things like not leaving the keys in it, and the professional thieves probably wouldn't bother.

It does make me feel a little better to hear that your experience shows most people to be respectful of it and not mess with it. It's just that this is the one dream car I've had that I've wanted more than any other, and it would kill me to find my Cobra missing. I'm just really paranoid about losing it, now that I've finally gotten one after all these years (and mine isn't even built yet!). Still, I probably will get a removable steering wheel hub, even if I only use it occasionally, and I definitely plan to put it under a car cover when parked while traveling. I also will have it insured, of course, just in case someone does make off with it. So maybe I should just try to relax about it. But like I said, it's been my dream car for as long as I can remember, and I'm just paranoid, I guess.

OCCPete

11-04-2013, 02:02 PM

You'll have a lot more problems with people getting into it for a picture, stepping on the hot side pipes to take a look, thumping on the fenders to "see if it's real", etc. than people looking to steal it.

CraigS

11-04-2013, 06:34 PM

One other idea is to put the red key battery cutoff switch in the trunk. Pull out the red key and lock the trunk. I think if you are trying to guard against a determined guy who has been casing your car, you are probably SOL. most of the above ideas will help keep the casual thief away. I also don't leave my car unseen for more than about 20 minutes. A stop at HD or where ever is fine as is a meal in a restaurant where you can see your car while inside. Spending 2 hours in a mall or going to a movie is not an FFR trip.

montyals

11-04-2013, 07:20 PM

Here it is http://www.discountramps.com/trailerImages/alpha-lock-10.jpg

Jethrow

11-06-2013, 03:35 AM

Wont killing the battery also kill any alarms or immobilisers etc you might have?

sethmark

11-06-2013, 08:31 AM

Honestly, real thieves show up with a tow truck. They can figure out all your other nonsense later. Who would question a tow truck? I don't see really any of these options as anything other than the deterrent for someone who climbs and wants to go for a joyride. The professionals are going to have you beaten no matter what. Pay for good insurance.

Martin

11-06-2013, 08:51 AM

I've got a few things planned.
1) I'm using ISIS powercells
2) I'm installing an alarm with tracking device, it also has the motion detector if someone reaches in.
3) Battery cut off switch
4) Under panel dash cover
5) Probably going to put one of those devices over the gear stick and the handbrake (one unit is attached to both) so you can't change gear or take the hand brake off.

If someone is opportunistic, they'll have to get past a few fairly basic security measures. If someone is more advanced, I might still be able to track it down. My feeling though is that if someone steals it, more than likely they will crash it within a few miles because they won't be able to drive it.

It was already said though, if they want it, they will take it no matter what you do.

Martin

Benji

11-06-2013, 04:44 PM

This thread is very interesting since I never thought of the fact already pointed out that if you have no top, no steering lock and a manual anyone can can pop it into neutral and just push it away.... It goes back to my days of securing my motorcycle where I went for an alarm and my friend went for a big *** chain. He pointed out that my alarm only helps after it has been stolen, his chain tries to prevent/delay them stealing it in the first place.

So it what mechanical ways are there of preventing the car from moving besides the brake? Perhaps there is a hidden way to lock the driveshaft/diff so that the rear wheels can't turn?

Avalanche325

11-06-2013, 06:43 PM

So it what mechanical ways are there of preventing the car from moving besides the brake? Perhaps there is a hidden way to lock the driveshaft/diff so that the rear wheels can't turn?

That is an interesting idea. There are parking brakes that go on the differential input, if there is enough room. You could have the handle in the trunk. You could do the same with an additional spot brake on the rear rotors, again if you can make it fit.

I don't like the cable idea. Bolt cutters are a basic thief tool. I can't imagine how much damage you, or a thief, could do if you forget to take it off.

If you have a distributor, you can always pull the coil wire. Or for overnight, you can take the rotor out.

I have seen starter hidden switches mentioned. You can also do the ignition.

Bob Cowan

11-06-2013, 08:40 PM

Years ago I had an old Mustang, and I lived in a border town. I bolted a metal loop to the top of the transmission tunnel. It was set there so I could put the trans in neutral, and wrap a pad lock around the shifter and through the loop. That looked the transmission in reverse. And I made sure to back the car in to a slot where a town truck could not get behind it.

Not very elegant, but cheap and effective.

There's really no way you can make the car theft proof. There's always a way to defeat pretty much everything. All you can do is make it more difficult, so maybe the casual thief won't take off with it for a joy ride.

RMB

11-06-2013, 09:50 PM

If you have someone with you, and if you have an iphone, then you could just leave your cell phone under the seat or in the trunk. If it gets stolen, then use iCloud to locate the car.

Rob

turbonut48

11-07-2013, 01:39 PM

Benji

11-07-2013, 09:42 PM

pyronuc

11-07-2013, 10:22 PM

I have a brake pedal to steering wheel lock. Its hardened steel , only takes a minute to install or remove.
Very visual and deterring.

I ve heard people say that all you need to do is cut the wheel. Yeah, but thats not so easily done.

The Nut

I like that idea, and I would also be interested in a link. As for cutting the wheel, I think that's more of a concern for normal production cars. That's also the way "The Club" can be defeated. Normal production car steering wheels are made to be collapsible, for safety reasons. They are usually a hollow, thin-walled tube, wrapped in foam padding and then covered with leather, vinyl, etc. You can use a bolt-cutter and easily snip through the wheel. I saw a video of someone showing how easily it's done, but I can't find the video now to post it. However, the Factory Five steering wheel is a bit tougher than a standard wheel. I'm not thinking someone is likely to easily cut through the steel plate and wood sandwich. Even if they did, they would likely have to cut it twice, to remove a section of it, in order to remove your anti-theft device. With a regular wheel, you can snip with bolt-cutter, and then bend the tube-based wheel section to remove the anti-theft device. But I'm sure that even if you cut through the wheel in one place, it would not be easy to bend the Factory Five wheel.

OCCPete

11-08-2013, 07:58 AM

I don't know if the FFR supplied wheel is any stiffer, but the Moto Lita wheel is a lot more flexible than you would think. It's a bit disconcerting untill you get used to - when cornering hard you can feel the steering wheel flexing in your hands.

turbonut48

11-08-2013, 11:07 AM

Sorry,
I dont have a link to a source for the wheel to pedal lock.
I bought them almost 20 years ago.

The Nut

RMB

11-08-2013, 12:12 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Hook-Pedal-Steering-Wheel-Lock/dp/B000JIND4S/ref=pd_sbs_auto_8

Rob

Timb

11-08-2013, 12:28 PM

Back when I had an old Jag the trick was to ground the points using the cigarette lighter as a switch. If the lighter was pushed in no start. That said I vote for the battery disconnect switch

David Hodgkins

11-08-2013, 12:35 PM

jayguy

11-08-2013, 01:50 PM

Honestly, real thieves show up with a tow truck. They can figure out all your other nonsense later. Who would question a tow truck?

Yeah, just ask anyone who's had their car taken by Chris Jacobs or Chip Foose. They almost always take it away on a tow truck.

Benji

11-10-2013, 05:09 PM

A spoke with a guy at SEMA who promotes a worm drive e-brake. It actives with a push button and once it locks down it clicks off, preventing battery drainage. I'm very interested in this because by lokar brake handle does not generate enough force to engage my Wilwood spot ebrake calipers. He also has a key fob that shuts off power and actives the worm drive so you can "disable" the car remotely.

I'm following up with him next week as a possible vendor.

:)

PS As far as the FFR key thing goes, I would have preferred that be kept on the down-low. I may still clean up this thread to remove that info.

That's pretty much how I've always envisioned doing this on any kit car. ISIS inMotion controller + some sort of worm drive or linear actuator to pull on some cables + a switch like this from a Jaguar or something:

23255

and you're done. Would be interested on the info you have!

Jacob McCrea

11-10-2013, 09:27 PM

A spoke with a guy at SEMA who promotes a worm drive e-brake. It actives with a push button and once it locks down it clicks off, preventing battery drainage. I'm very interested in this because by lokar brake handle does not generate enough force to engage my Wilwood spot ebrake calipers.

I wonder if it would help to switch those cable-operated calipers to two hydraulic Wilwood spot calipers and actuate them with a drifting-style hydraulic e-brake handle? That is what I am trying on my coupe, albeit with a single spot caliper grabbing a pinion rotor. I had read a lot of threads about poorly-operating e-brakes and decided that I may as well be aggravated by my own poor design, rather than someone else's. Just FWIW.

Benji

11-10-2013, 09:45 PM

I wonder if it would help to switch those cable-operated calipers to two hydraulic Wilwood spot calipers and actuate them with a drifting-style hydraulic e-brake handle? That is what I am trying on my coupe, albeit with a single spot caliper grabbing a pinion rotor. I had read a lot of threads about poorly-operating e-brakes and decided that I may as well be aggravated by my own poor design, rather than someone else's. Just FWIW.

As far as I understand that will work really well but isn't legal for road use in a lot of places...