What are you doing for security for your new ride?

[skullandbones]

I haven't given this much thought for a while. After doing some minimal deterrents, I was reminded recently it may be worth rethinking to come up with more effective stop gaps for the amateur thief. So I installed a quick release adaptor for my steering wheel. I know it may be dorky but don't plan on leaving the steering wheel in the car if it's out of my sight. I think I even saw a steering wheel carrying bag somewhere. There is also a battery cut off with a removable key. I have another electronic cutoff but I can't discuss that one. I believe a pro can get your car depending on how bad they want it. I've even heard of cars being loaded on a flatbed and taken. That would not attract too much attention even in a public parking lot as it could be a broken down car being towed. I know that some builders are incorporating the ISIS electronics but that was far out of my build budget.

Thanks,

WEK.:cool:

[Jeff Kleiner]

I take the keys when I park it (well, usually---on at least one occassion I inadvertantly left them in it while at the grocery store and another time at the hardware) and keep my insurance premiums paid :D

Jeff

[edwardb]

There are lots of car alarm options out there. But honestly with car alarms being pretty much standard equipment for all cars now, how many times do we go running for the police if a car alarm is going off? We're generally just hoping the owner will shut it off...

For me, I usually have the trunk and hood locked. I frequently drive mine around doing errands and such, park at restaurants, etc. and just take the ignition key. When I drive it to work (maybe 5-10 times this year) I also put the tonneau cover on. For the few overnights at hotels, I put the full car cover over it. All pretty basic stuff. Nothing sophisticated. I have a hidden switch for the MSD box, but to be honest rarely use it. I am careful where I park it (like my DD's) but I find people are generally very respectful. If someone is really bent on stealing it, they're going to. That's what the insurance is for, as Jeff said. My recommendations: Do the basic stuff, relax, and enjoy it.

[michael everson]

Ignition key removed and battery cutoff if you have it. Any thing else is a waste. They will just flatbed it if they really want it. In all my time dealing with these cars, I've only heard of one being stolen. It was done during a house break and was thought to be opportunistic. Thief died in an accident while stealing it.
Mike

[ram_g]

Beyond the FFR ignition key, I have cutoff switches on both the positive and negative battery leads, but those are primarily because I really, really wanted to isolate the battery. I also have an unmarked/hidden switch to over-ride my neutral safety start that can also be used to create a no-start, i.e. it has a third position other than neutral safety and override that leaves the starter circuit open. But in truth these other measures are primarily for the non-antitheft reasons mentioned.

[rich grsc]

I take the keys when I park it (well, usually---on at least one occassion I inadvertantly left them in it while at the grocery store and another time at the hardware) and keep my insurance premiums paid :D

Jeff

Yep, exactly the same here, even to leaving the keys in it. There cars arent exactly on the 'most stolen list'. If I'm too paranoid about driving it, might as well get rid of it. Its just a car after all, I dont worry about paint chips or getting wet or any of that stuff. I built it to drive and have fun with.

[turbonut48]

I have the ignition key, a couple of necessary dash switches, and the main electrical key. If Im really paranoid I have a wheel to brake pedal lock that I rarely use.

The Nut

[QSL]

44 magnum helps too. Especially if you look crazy when you leave the car. Make sure your mumbling to yourself too.

[skullandbones]

Hey QSL,

You haven't been to Arizona have you? It's legal to carry a sidearm without a permit. Still freaks me out a little to see a Colt Peacemaker straped to the leg of an interesting looking character in the store. Also, people talk to themselves here. I noticed it 14 yrs ago when I moved to the area. But now you can't tell if they are mentally impaired or just communicating on their blue tooth. My son, carrys a gun and has a blue tooth too (God help us). But that's interesting you raised the point. I hadn't even thought of that direction. I have a 44 Special and haven't shot it even once since I got it. Used to target shot a lot but lost interest. I will go with what I've got and then I can worry about the crazy who might crash into me with their car. At least, I have a seriously capable car for defensive driving. Thanks, WEK.

[QSL]

yea, been to arizona and LOVE that about there. If everyone could open carry the world would be a safer place. :)

[Timbob From Texas]

You can also pull the fuse to the fuel pump. They can hot-wire it all day but won't get any fuel.

[skullandbones]

Well! How timely. Since I just gokarted today, "Gelcoat and roaddust" is no problem. That will be the paint job for the next several months. These things are more fun to drive than to build. Today was my first time behind the wheel of a FFR roadster while it was moving. Thanks, WEK.

[Mike N]

You can also pull the fuse to the fuel pump. They can hot-wire it all day but won't get any fuel.

I have a switch in the trunk that is in the fuel pump inertia switch circuit. No fuel no start. Simple and cheap. You can also put a grounding switch on the coil if you are carbureted that way even trying to hot wire the car will fail.

If someone really wants your car they will take it with a flat bed or similar but you can make it difficult for them. The longer it takes the more likely they are to be seen or to just give up.

[Presto51]

The Butler Alarm was very good for a friend of mine

12238

[Cobradavid]

I take the ignition key with me. I use a Club on the steering wheel and I have a hidden kill switch (hot-wire it and crank all you want, but there will never be spark or fuel!). When I drive it to work and for the rare over-night, I cover it with a car cover that has a lock for a little extra security.

The way I figure it, the club and kill switch will discourage the casual car thief looking for an easy target or a joy ride. The professional thief who has a rollback truck to put it on will recognize that my car is not an original cobra (and, therefore, not worth much in parts) and probably won't mess with it.

David

[NonProfit]

As has been stated before, short of lugging around your own Denver Boot, if they they can pick your car up, they can usually carry it away.

But it's easier to thwart the drive-it-away thief. A simple remedy is to simply grab the coil wire. Locks can be picked, alarms can be deactivated, but with no coil wire, they'll need to take a detour to the auto parts store. Also, it seems, cars with manual shift are safer: http://jalopnik.floost.com/Miscellaneous/post-judge-recommends-car-thieves-learn-how-to-drive-stick-car-crime-973267

[StromSpeed]

You haven't been to Arizona have you? It's legal to carry a sidearm without a permit. Still freaks me out a little to see a Colt Peacemaker straped to the leg of an interesting looking character in the store.

Oh Yes, its an interesting state we live in! :rolleyes:

[Ray]

Take the key and the 50amp fuse (if parked over night.) Also use a car cover for overnight trips and a snapless tonneau cover (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/138-hard-tops-soft-tops-tonneau-covers/243469-welcome-snapless-tonneau-covers.html) if I'm going to be somewhere I can't see the car. If someone really wants the car, that is what insurance is for. You can only stop/slow down the amateur thief. And, as said above, manual transmission equipped cars are a little more theft proof.

Ray

[Avalanche325]

I kept wondering how a manual transmission could be harder to steal. I wasn't thinking about how inept people are today. A grown man that can't drive a manual transmission......pathetic.

[efnfast]

I don't leave it alone outside.

Thinking a security system in this type of car will prevent theft/do anything to deter an average thief is the same as believing this car is safe in the event an F150 t-bones you at 60mph running a red light.

[riptide motorsport]

Insurance.

[Avalanche325]

I was at a car show a couple weeks ago. There was a roadster there (not FFR) that had a post-it on the steering wheel hub that said "ALARM IS ON". He said it made a big differance.

[tirod]

One thing to keep in mind - how does it get moved when you aren't there - and it has to be or

the garage burns down.
your wife needs to move it at the unforseen estate sale.
the med techs have taken you in a much larger vehicle, leaving what's left of your pride and joy to a wrecker.

The reality is Escalades are far more stolen. They meet the standards of thieves because they can be sold as it, chopped for parts, are highly sought after in some communities, and actually are on lists of cars to steal on order.

A kit, not so much. Joy rider at worst. Pros don't want or need headache cars, they aren't on a shopping list, and the parts are all over the map. You don't know what you're getting.

A simple security setup is the typical key locked starter switch. Hot wiring it needs to be addressed, but it's mostly Hollywood. Fix the the access and it's suddenly harder. Thieves don't have the time. Risk goes up.

One thing is sure, many shop their target, same as gun thefts or anything else in the house. Police stats show the guy was in the house within the last six weeks before the theft - you showed him what you had and where it was. Since most of us can be counted on to have the car at home at night, don't leave it displayed for all and sundry to see from the street, and don't exhibit it there to anyone. It's always your friends' friend who insists - he's the guy actually casing the joint. Bluntly, tell him to screw off - "I'll be at the car show/club/track/whatever on the xteenth, come on by and take a look." Don't be that guy who gives them a detailed walk thru of your house, alarm location, garage door operation, and how to start the car.

That's your first defense.

[AZPete]

SkullandBones, I can see why you asked. You now have a working go-kart with lots of upgrades . . . and I know where you live.

[skullandbones]

^^Funny man, Peter! But I have been thinking about asking NiceGuyEddie (a new guy) to be my head of security! (see avatar). No worries there!!! WEK.

[Mesa Mike]

I first had the battery cutoff switch mounted in the trunk and locked the trunk. However, I never used it. So, I moved it to the body mounted near the bumper over ride. It's required for the track.

[Gumball]

I'm using the wiring for the clutch safety switch to make a hidden kill switch.

But, along the lines of QSL, I'd suggest an empty holster and empty ammo box (pref .45 Cor-Bon or similar load)... just to make them wonder.

[j.miller]

trunk monkey!!

[Gumball]

Why didn't I remember those!!!

http://www.trunkmonkeyad.com/