Protecting your baby

We love to make overnight trips in our Speedster but I really hate to leave it unattended. Stays in hotels and bed and breakfasts are difficult (restless) when the car isn't locked in a garage or building (and they refuse to let me park it in the room!). I have a hidden electric fuel pump switch that can be shut off, a small blinking red light installed on the dash and a full car cover but no actual burglar alarm. Other than pitching a tent in a field next to the car, what do others use to deter thieves when the car has to be left unattended overnight?

Good question, Bruce. Some of the posters here have expen$ive stereo systems in their Speedsters. Am interested in retro-fit, low-budget, anti-theft ideas.

This is always a problem. My solution is to stay in major cities at good hotels with a port-cochere and tip the concierge and bell hops to let me park it in front and watch the car.

The only problem with that is that you may have to leave them a key (ever see the movie, "Ferris Bueler's Day Off"?).

Failing the "out in front" parking mode possibility, most good hotels now have reasonably secure indoor parking lots.

Only problem is that it will cost you more money.

Econo solution is probably a very loud alarm and a Smith & Wesson or Colt.
(Message Edited 6/30/2003 4:38:59 PM)

I was wondering about a simple battery cut-off switch that you can operate from the cab, something along those lines. An alarm would also be nice but a pro wouldn't be slowed down much, though he may not be looking for low-tech because it is too obvious in today's digital age. I have been considering the locking Berg shifter, too. But heck, after one engine fire that is what I am paranoid about.

Erik, IM's are all built using a Hella 12V yacht battery cut off switch that has a removeable key. It disconnects 12V+ from starter and engine. If someone REALLY wants your car a flat bed tow truck will work just fine.

I'm going to wire a 12 guage shotgun with fishing line to the doors. If someone opens the door. KABLOOIE! .............O.K I can't do that! I installed a dash light, winky light and the doors are wired. That's all you rellay can do.

But the shotgun......

A good alarm with door/motion detector trips gives some comfort. Just be sure to get an alarm with a pager. After the pager sounds is where the
shotgun comes in!(heh heh).

BD.

Bruce,I've been parking $50,000.streetrods in motel lots at out of
town events(do about 5 events a year)for near 30 yrs.,with no problems.I incorperate a key removable battery switch in all the cars
I build.I also use a lockable car cover.As George said, If they want
it, a roll-back and a wench will get anything. All you can do is make
it a little hard for them,as time is a great enemy to a theif.I also
always park in a well lit area,hopfully to the front of the motel.
One thing I almost forgot,Its not cheap,but an agreed value clause
on your insurance is the only way to go!
Jim

Jim, what is a key removable battery switch? I want one whatever it is.

Somewhere I have a 'switch' type thing (tech term) that installs in the brake line. Our drill rigs have a similar unit, you flip the lever on the unit and then stomp the brakes. Unit will let fluid through, but not back. Works Like an aux parking brake on the rigs till you get them set on the hole. This (my) unit has a key acutator rather than a lever. Remove the key , step on brakes and they are locked up - only I don't stomp the brakes. I'll give 'em one stop and they are history, brakes lock, it's going nowhere and they aren't gonna mess with it to fix the problem. Also has an electric switch so you can kill stuff like the ignition (or the heater blower) or maybe even the fuel pump.
Bill

I forgot to mention, I also have a battery cut-off switch with a removable key located in the trunk beside the battery and remove it when I leave the car. Have been thinking of moving it to a more accessible location such as on the cowl (as on vintage racers) or somewhere in the interior.

Pulling the distributor rotor is another way to baffle the "quickie" theives. Most folks don't carry a spare VW rotor in their pocket. I use this as a secondary security for overnight parking, along with my ignition disconnect.
-mike

The Hella switch on IM's is installed in the lower rear carpeted bulkhead area behind the passenger's seat.

Henry built my first car with internal key locks for both deck lids, and he's doing the same installation on my new car.

So, a thief can't get to the battery and can't get to the coil. But the trucking option is still there...
(Message Edited 7/1/2003 12:56:10 PM)

In the almost 5 years that I have run this site and it's previous mail list, I have never heard of anyone getting their speedster stolen. There is no black market for speedsters, unlike say, Honda parts. However, vandalism has happened, hence the reason to never have door locks on a softtop car.
Which would you rather have, someone riffle through door pockets, or cut the top and riffle through the door pockets?

-=theron

Good point Theron. As far as a few security measures I installed a good viper system with pager (it works pretty good) proximity alarm, reach in alarm, etc. Overnight trips I pop the distributor cap & take it with me. My stereo head unit is hidden below the jump seat bench and I use a remote for it. I empty the door pockets of car papers and sunglasses. I've taken two long trips and a few shorty overnighters in it and have now passed 15,000 miles without any incidents.

I agree with the "why lock it?" suggestion of Theron's, and like others I also park it up front where possible. Like George, I tip the valets big to get it into a good secure spot. Anddddddd, I do keep full original replacement insurance on it. Sleep much better that way...

Jim

You boyzz been readen' my mind. All great stuff to 'sleep' by. Thanks as allways doug

There is also the possibility of using a Lojack or Teletracer tracking device in case they do manage to start or tow the car.

FYI -

2002'S MOST-STOLEN VEHICLE: 1989 TOYOTA CAMRY
2002's Top 25 Most Stolen Vehicles Report
for California
Source: CCC Information Services Inc.

Rank Year Make Model-Name
1 1989 TOYOTA CAMRY
2 1991 TOYOTA CAMRY
3 1990 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 1988 TOYOTA CAMRY
5 2000 HONDA CIVIC SI
6 1994 HONDA ACCORD EX
7 1987 TOYOTA CAMRY
8 1991 HONDA ACCORD LX
9 1995 HONDA CIVIC EX
10 1996 HONDA ACCORD EX
11 1990 HONDA ACCORD EX
12 1998 HONDA CIVIC EX
13 1995 HONDA ACCORD EX
14 1999 HONDA CIVIC SI
15 1991 HONDA ACCORD EX
16 1995 HONDA CIVIC DX
17 1996 HONDA ACCORD LX
18 1995 ACURA INTEGRA GS-R
19 1999 HONDA CIVIC EX
20 1994 HONDA ACCORD LX
21 1994 HONDA CIVIC EX
22 1994 CHEVROLET C1500 4X2
23 1994 SATURN SL
24 1993 SATURN SL
25 1995 SATURN SL

I don't know what it is like where you live, but in B.C. the two main reasons that cars get boosted are; teenagers going for a joyride and criminals looking for a vehicle to use while commiting other crimes. A good alarm system or kill switch should stop the teenagers, and the criminals want something that can blend in and/or hold lots of stolen merchandise. Speedsters, being conspicious and short on storage space, would not be high on their list, with so many Hondas and Toyotas around.
Ron
P.S. Surrey, which is a suburb of Vancouver and about 50 miles from my town, is the stolen car capital of North America (per capita). More cars stolen (per capita) than New York or L.A. Teenagers caught stealing cars are not even given a slap on the wrist (it might hurt the poor babies). Around here if you do the crime you never do the time.
(Message Edited 7/2/2003 8:33:21 AM)

Ron,
I am astounded by your last post. What the heck is the law enforcement community thinking, or is it? Second question, is there a law enforcement community in the place you refer to? I would think that the public would be up in arms over this apparent apathy to youth crime.
John H.

John, you just don't UNDERSTAND. I mean, if you punished those poor overindulged kids it might warp their lives forever. However, if you put a bullet between their eyes when they try to steal your car they will never have the "warp" problem.

George-
You know, sometimes you really scare me....

Stan, you're not alone. Sometimes I even scare myself, and that's not easy.

Yeah so we're getting closer to the wired shotgun to the door trick. That way not only does it take care of the kids in Surrey BC, but also acts as an alarm system when the blast goes off. Note to self: Point the barrel outside the car and not through the roof....

I have a viper with a two stage alarm and a pager that reaches up to 2 miles. Guess what, somebody took a $200 pair of speakers and the blaupunk. So what! But the truth is it has saved me from a million gawkers. My son has gone back to the car when the alarm wasn't on to find two age-appropriate girls checking out the car. At 19, he loves it.

Your right Jack, if thay wan't it there going to get it.
Doug

Eric,
It is an inline open-closed switch mounted on the negative battery
cable between the battery and the grounding point. Turn the key and
you either have ground or have no ground. The key is spring loaded
and can be left in or easily removed. Mount in a place assesable to
you in the car,or hide it! They are available through any of the
aftermarket wiring companys(ron francis wire works,american auto wire,
all of whom advertise in street rod mags. search them on the net.
I got my last one from Pro's Pick rod and custom (859-727-9600) They
ship ups.
Jim

OK you guys are cool. I had an idea of an interlocking shifter that when you just stoped in a place to buy cigs or what ever, you just gave it a twist, and took it with you. Better then a key, Is that blond or what ?? I know a few, and that would work for them. I'll stop there LOL

For the record, JPS Speedsters come stndard with a key removeable battery kill switch. One of his traemarks and one good identifier if you want to know who built it. I'll decline on the actual location in the car, but it is easily reachable from the drivers seat. Good peace of mind if that works for you. I've had my car over two years and have not even put the top up yet, just the tonneau cover. Yeah, stated value insurance policy works for me also.

A question for you electrical experts. I mentioned above having a battery cut-off switch in my car with a removable key located in the trunk beside the battery and remove it when I leave the car. It is tapped into the positive battery cable but someone mentioned having theirs tapped into in the negative cable. Are there any benefits or concerns with tapping into one or the other? It doesn't seem there would be any difference.

Hey Bill, where did you get your brake lock unit? Sounds like a nice security item. Couldn't tow it like that and getting it on a flat deck would hopefully be more work than it is worth. Ron

Bruce: Switching out power through the ground lead will likely foil any attempts to hotwire the vehicle with some form of bypass, since there is no way to complete the circuit short of restoring the ground. However, if you intend to run a clock, alarm system, or whatever, interrupting the ground line will disable everthing electric on the vehicle. Judicious placement of the switch in the positive line could disable ignition, starter, etc. while retaining juice to alarms and whatever else you wish to run. If a double-pole, single-throw key-switch is available, both lines could be interrupted at the same time, but again this would take care of alarms, etc. Just a couple of thoughts...
(Message Edited 7/14/2003 6:30:23 PM)

Boy that list of most stolen made me laugh today.
Number 1, 1989 TOYOTA CAMRY , my mother's was stolen this morning.
-=theron

Theron,

I assume those Jap cars are being stolen for their parts, wouldn't think that a 89 Jap car would be wanted for a driver. Don't know, at least Porsche, Speedster or other varities didn't make the list. I'm sure that list makes its way to the Insurance companies who are just looking for a reason to raise rates. Bruce

George Brown, where did you get those lockable trunk and hood releases? Thanks

GB won't be posting anytime soon, he passed some time ago.

If he does POST, that means he worked out a bitch' of a deal with the big guy.

Oscar: Contact Henry at IM for info on these locks.

Like Jack Moore, I have the Viper security system ---my model also has a pager that will either vibrate or make an audible sound whenever anyone crosses a threshold. Also the closer someone gets to the car, the more insistent the alarm sounds---from a slow beep that gets louder and quicker to a full blown siren if the car is touched or if a hand is put inside the car.

I like the idea of removing the distributor part.

I worry more about malicious damage like keying and so forth.

---Jack