Anti Theft ideas?

85 Turbo Bird said:
you can make a fuel cut-off that's operated by a hidden magnetic switch. So when you get in the car you wave your "magic wand" over the hidden switch (behind a panel or something) and start it up.

Yeah, dopers use hidden compartments that are opened by magnetic devices, just like that. If you can hide 30 lbs. of dope with it, surely you can keep a car from being stolen.
 
The best theft device is when no one knows the car exists, b/c once they know, they can steal anything with flatbeds and covered trailers. Assuming you have a garage, keep the car indoors unless you are driving it. Parking outside longer than necessary to wash or wax is simply an advertisement.
 
IMHO...
- a switch to ground the lead going to the coil so it doesnt build a field (same as taking the coil wire, but easier to hide, and you dont have to open the hood)
- a switch to disable the fuel pump (if you have an electric that is)
- a batery cut off switch (required by nhra if its trunk mounted anyhow) somewhere back by the license plate, or taillights, etc..
- if its computer controlled and you have a tweecer or a switch-chip, etc.. make one program where the injector firing order is all 0s and then just flip the switch before you get out. etc...

Since I got my new dog, I take him with me most of the time, and I don't seem to have any problems, even with my doors unlocked... amazing what a big rottie will do for security. :D

Any of these should work...
Dave-
:nice: :flag:
 
There are two things you can do to a car that I think work the best. It won't stop a wrecker from picking up your car, but if they are that serious, it's hard to stop them.

Install a valve in the fuel line that cuts off fuel to the carb/injectors unless a (well hidden) switch is activated. The thief will start the car and drive off. After a few hundred feet, the car will die form lack of gas and they are stuck in the middle of the road a short distance from the crime scene. They will try to restart the car, but after it won't fire up again, rather than sit in traffic in a stolen car, they will just walk away. Better to have the police call and tell you your car was towed out of the street than to find it gone forever.

Another involves using a line-lock in such a way that it is activated (unless you disable it first) to actuate after the car is started and driven. The thief will drive off and as soon as he applies the brakes, they stay activated and lock the tires up. Once again, the thief is a short distance from where he stole the car and won't hang around for long trying to get it going again.

Other things like ignition cut-outs are also worthwhile to add because they are simple and cheap to do. It will probably stop the opportunistic joyrider, but you will need something more for the more serious thief.
 
No motor!

I have been using this method for awhile.

But I have become lax, I have a bored 302 awaiting assembly in the garage. As well as a cherry picker to put it in. So if they are motivated enough, they could assemble the motor, install it, then steal it.
 
IF anoen has watch it takes a theif. or the repo man they steal cars they really want with flat beds. Best distractor is a battery powered alarm and make it a bitch to get to. The noise will make them leave. steal interior real glass. echos like a #$%^. I think I killed many brain cells forgetting to disarm my alarm and entering the car. Mine is from viper, and is independant from the actual alarm. If power is competely cut to alarm the siren activates. Last time I lost my fob i think it went off for 4 hours before I could stand it to disable it with the cylinder key.
 
Man... just reading this thread is enough to make a guy nervous wondering if he needs protection!!! :) I'm of the belief you do the basics... cuz like many have stated... if they really want it.. they'll get it... flatbead or whatever. I think for me the biggest issue is to simply discourage any kids in the neighborhood from thinking they'd like to go for a joy ride. A loud azz alarm should do that. I've never had an alarm.. but it sounds like true thieves pop the hood and disable them?? I think my solution will be to put tiny locks on the hood pins (when I get that glass hood I want).

Other than that... common sense. The only time my car isn't in my garage is when I'm autocrossing, at a show, or just driving around enjoying it. Rarely I'll take it to work... and I say rarely because I don't like leaving it un-attended. I feel sorry for the dudes that have to daily drive their classics.

If all else fails... get insurance. And make sure they'll cover the value you place on the car.