theft deturrent ideas

[fire350]

I have a 1990 Chevy Caprice 350 ci.

Other than an alarm system, any other options that I can add that will keep someone from taking my baby?

At this time, I have an autolock for the break pedal. Thinking about a kill switch and a column lock from Steadfast.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by fire350

I have a 1990 Chevy Caprice 350 ci.

Other than an alarm system, any other options that I can add that will keep someone from taking my baby?

At this time, I have an autolock for the break pedal. Thinking about a kill switch and a column lock from Steadfast.

Is it an SS car? If not I wouldn't really worry about it. Grant made removable steering wheels.

[curtis73]

hidden inline relays connected to hidden switches. I had a Tercel that I connected a relay to each of the following: fuel pump, coil, computer, and ignition. That meant that even if they found the switches, there were 32 different position combinations that they would have to get right before it would run. Even if they bypassed the switches, they would have to find the location of all four relays, and even then it would take time. Basically, that's the bottom line. If another car is easier, they'll take it. Once they trip the alarm, they can disable it in 10-15 seconds if they're good. Another 30 and the car is gone. If they get through the alarm, bypassing the alarm's starter disable and then the car doesn't start, they don't have time to think about what's next. They didn't expect what they found and 9 times out of 10, they'll grab the stereo and run.

Most of the mainstream solutions don't work. All it takes for a theif to steal a car without a steering wheel is their own steering wheel. Alarms don't work if they want the car. Fortunately, yours is not a desirable black-market car. They want Civics, Mustangs, Camaros, Caddys, and Accords. Stuff that they can strip fast and get sold as parts. There isn't a big street demand for box-body car parts.

Having said that, they will take it if its easy. Chances are an experienced theif will have already disarmed five of your brand of alarm, all installed by the same shop in your neighborhood, so they know where the components were placed. Installing those switches may sound dumb, but it makes it all that more "disarming" to them. They feel ultimately comfortable un-doing your alarm and when they "failed" they will not be able to recover and they may move on.

The brake pedal autolock is a deterrent, but just like the club, it is as easy as cutting the brake pedal off. Braking can be acheived by pushing on the brake pedal arm's stub that you left behind. Think outside the box and stump them with something they've never seen before. They don't have time to investigate.

[ncinirator]

I`m a police officer in the auto-theft unit, heres what I say-

Any GM vehicle made in the year 1977 to 1996/97 with a tilt sterring column can be taken in 5 seconds or less. To protect your vehicle from being stolen a visual deterant, 'the club' may be used. But, the club device can be bi-passed in about 4 seconds, its just that, A VISUAL DETERANT.

I recomend purchasing a alarm system that deactivates/disbales the ignition when it is set off. This is so that even if the steering column is compromised, the alarm system will have disabled the vehicle from being started.

No matter what type of alarm system is on your vehicle, if they want it that bad, it will be taken with a tow truck. Heres where Lo-Jack comes into play. It works great, but the vehicle must be reported stolen for it to activate. If this happens it is only a matter of hours before the theifs locate the Lo-Jack and take it out, throwing the transponder in a lake or throwing it down he sewer drain.

Get a loud alarm, that disables the ignition.
My personal 95 caprice w/ the corvette engine was stolen from accross the street of my police station, and I never saw it again. I know the feeling.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by ncinirator

I`m a police officer in the auto-theft unit, heres what I say-

Any GM vehicle made in the year 1977 to 1996/97 with a tilt sterring column can be taken in 5 seconds or less. To protect your vehicle from being stolen a visual deterant, 'the club' may be used. But, the club device can be bi-passed in about 4 seconds, its just that, A VISUAL DETERANT.

I recomend purchasing a alarm system that deactivates/disbales the ignition when it is set off. This is so that even if the steering column is compromised, the alarm system will have disabled the vehicle from being started.

No matter what type of alarm system is on your vehicle, if they want it that bad, it will be taken with a tow truck. Heres where Lo-Jack comes into play. It works great, but the vehicle must be reported stolen for it to activate. If this happens it is only a matter of hours before the theifs locate the Lo-Jack and take it out, throwing the transponder in a lake or throwing it down he sewer drain.

Get a loud alarm, that disables the ignition.
My personal 95 caprice w/ the corvette engine was stolen from accross the street of my police station, and I never saw it again. I know the feeling.

Very good point taken. I also recomend the GPS tracking unit from DEI. There's also a thing on the market that I can't think of the name of it. It is a band of stainless steel that goes around the cheaply made part of the column where it is used to crack it open to steel. People seem to like it.

[RorthStar]

As for us not worrying about our 9C1s and SSs, there was a report out about 6 months ago, and the B-body styles were the number 1 stolen full-sized car in the United States at that time. Especially the 94-96 with the LT1 engine config. The report showed that the cars reason for getting stolen was primarily the engine. I took a little bit of a precaution and put a piece of paper over my VIN number so a thief cannot identify the "P" in my vin, which indicates I've got the LT1. I say every little bit helps!

[CARNIGG]

I hate thieves with a passion!!!! ...so i got an idea imma try and get patented.....after gettin your car broken into a couple of times you start to get ideas of how to catch these bastards. Untill then...LOUD SIREN....PAGER FEATURE....KILL SWITCH.....BASEBALL BAT & RUNNING SHOES....that'll do it for now.