Theft Proof??? - How to keep the thieves at bay.

[Schnabe420]

Has anyone hooked up an electronic fuel pump with a cut-off switch? Similar to an ignition cut-off? I want to hook one up since I got my truck back from those bitch-ass thieves. I want it 100% theft proof & I dont think an ignition cut-off is enough. I dont have EFI so I'll have to buy an electronic one and hook it up. Too damn bad we cant have the theft proof they have in Russia where it burns the thieves legs w/ propane upon stealing it!!!!! Anyone have any suggestions??????

Libbys@insicabling.com

Thanks!!:)

[embro]

mine has standard alarm system with "zones" so i can park topless without problem, also has a pump cutoff hooked to a magnet sensor, and none of my friends found it. Next i'd like to make a fingerprint starter using those laptop switch. So you need to find the magnet to turn on fuel pump, and find the fingerprints switch to start the vehicule.. on top of desabling the standard alarm... should be fine for a while.

[ih4x4]

there is allways a way
a friend recently had his 4x4 truck stolen from infront of his house and stripped it had the stearing colum intact, the ignition keys had chipps in them so you had to have the key to start it,
they had to have used a wheel dolly or trailer to move it

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by ih4x4
there is allways a way
a friend recently had his 4x4 truck stolen from infront of his house and stripped it had the stearing colum intact, the ignition keys had chipps in them so you had to have the key to start it,
they had to have used a wheel dolly or trailer to move it

Thats always the other way; but it become to be so much effort after a while the chances are GREATLY reduced.

I made a removable steering wheel :D Sure, they could put on a big old pair of vice grips and go like that BUT

1-It'd be tough to drive like that
2-Would get you pulled over
and

3-The idea isnt to make the car INVULNERABLE to theft, only to make the truck/car down the street that much easier to steal than yours ;)
(Not that I'd rather see my neighbor screwed, in a perfect world it wouldnt be an issue, but If I had to choose between my truck and someone elses.... )

Dave

[sceep]

ok heres the list of cutoffs i hed in my rig.
1- switch on fuel pump.
2- battery cut off (on ground side, alot of thieves wont look @ grounds)
3- coil cut off.
4- all switches were 3 way switches that had to be in the right spot to work. and all very hidden.

[coyote]

wire in a simple boat interlock clip to whatever signal you want to block, the simple coil one is good, make the strap long so when you get jacked your free and clear, just add a cap to make it a time delay....mine has various switches and you need to know the series in order to start, not difficult or easy either....

[Overbear]

I run a basic alarm, with cutoffs on the fuel and starter. I use a breaklock (small key devise that goes into your breakline. Lock it, pump the brakes once and it aint going no where)

I recently started useing a large motercycle lock on one front rim too. I put it thru the tire when the trucks gona sit for a few days, around the frame, and lock. The way I figure it, soon as they see all that they are gona look for a easer truck to steal.

[ROCKPIMP]

I just have a standard alarm with ignition kill. But im planning on adding a GPS tracking system. Its only $400 with no monthly fees. WIll never have to worry about my truck again. And if you leave it parked for long periods of time you can call the company that makes the unit and if your truck moves 1/4 of a mile from that spot they will call the cops for you. I guess that would be cool if you were out of town, or left your truck at the airport. But like you guys mentioned above. Theres always a way. My buddys car was dragged onto a flat bed trailer and towed away in the middle of the night.

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by ROCKPIMP
I just have a standard alarm with ignition kill. But im planning on adding a GPS tracking system. Its only $400 with no monthly fees. WIll never have to worry about my truck again. And if you leave it parked for long periods of time you can call the company that makes the unit and if your truck moves 1/4 of a mile from that spot they will call the cops for you. I guess that would be cool if you were out of town, or left your truck at the airport. But like you guys mentioned above. Theres always a way. My buddys car was dragged onto a flat bed trailer and towed away in the middle of the night.

The GPS deal is pretty much the BEST way. Its pretty damn expensive though (But less than a new truck!!!)

Also; how easy/hard is it to take out the gps system and leave it on the ground? :confused:

Dave

[ROCKPIMP]

Well the stereo shop I used to work at would remove the whole dash and put it behind the gauge cluster with a battery back up. Plus nobody knows you have it. So its pretty fail safe.

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by ROCKPIMP
Well the stereo shop I used to work at would remove the whole dash and put it behind the gauge cluster with a battery back up. Plus nobody knows you have it. So its pretty fail safe.

Thats true, and its doubtful they'll expect any of my trucks to have them, or most of our trucks.. since they're well.... 'loved' ;)

Dave

[ZUK]

Schnabe420---your idea is a good one.....and a cheap one so it should be popular. A cut-off switch on the efi pump is simple and the switch can be hidden in other places other than the dash/under dash/glove compartment.....someplace where even if you are being watched you could disceetly set it. Having the cut-off is also good if you are in a precarious wheelin position where you want to use just the starter to move you to a safer zone without the engine trying to fire up.

A cut-off switch is effective against the redneck dumbass kids that would 99% of the time steal a regular Toyota. Pros could easily defeat most anything but don't be flattered thinkin one is gonna go for yours:). You probably won't know the the little twirps are stealin it unless you hear the starter crankin. Even with a siren, you might not hear the alarm if you parked around the corner or you're in the department store....BUT if you are somewhat serious about confronting the little rascals then SILENT alarms are available where you carry a belt pager good for about a mile or 2 reception.

AND you could easily improve on the simple fuel pump cut-off such that if the switch is not activated AND the starter engages....that it causes the horn to lock on(basic relay wiring). That way, the dumbass runs off without having any further chance to mess with your rig.

[an0iance]

Brilliant. Someone should compile a faq of low cost security measures that can be taken to protect a vehicle, complete with wiring diagrams and instructions.

Hopefully no one who steals cars would read it ;)

[jason W]

Here's what I did a couple of months back to my 82. Got a three port fuel switch solenoid for an 80 Chev p/u with dual tanks. Watch fuel pressure if using on EFI pumps! I used a 4 pole relay, but a two pole will do. You use one pole of the relay to seal it self in. The other is in series with with the solenoid coil. The coil should be run off of 12 V ignition only. The solenoid draws about .6 A. The can kill the battery if not run for a week or so. So the solenoid will always drop out when the ignition is turned off.

Run the feed from Aux port. Plug the Main port with a hose and a bolt or something.. That way the solenoid has to be picked up to delivver fuel! The real secret is the relay. It's coil is run from 12 V live via one of it's own contacts. It's other "A" contact picks up the fuel solenoid. I ran a push button switch using the closed ("B") contact in series with this relay. When pressed the relay will drop out and prevent the fuel solenoid from ever picking up. If someone cuts the battery cable, the relay will also drop out. I also rana cantact from my alarm in series with the relay. You then have to run a rest switch using an open ("A) contact in parallel with the "kill" switches/other relays to pick it back up.

If they bypass the alarm the truck will start for about a min or so they she dies. You could use the kill switch if in a car jacking situation if you can reach the switch. Bad guy gets away from harms way then the truck/car dies.

This is what is called a fail safe relay. We used relays like this all the time to protect big hydro electric generators. If power was interupted to the "protection" devices, the fail safe nature of the relays would shut things down!

I should have added a cap to the reset switch that way they would have to hold it down for a preset time to enable the relay again. Next time.

Mount the fuel cut solenoid above the fuel tank, hidden if possble. This is a cheap and simple solution that most thieves won't expect.

[SJ410Rocker]

Just make a big ol' boot for the tire that ties to the axle. It can be a severe pain in the ass to do anything with it at that point, even drag it onto a trailer. I have seen some of the local muscle cars with those things around the wheel to stop anyone from stealing it.

[jekbrown]

removeable steering wheel, removable t-case shifter, lowjack, decent alarm system, brake pedal lock, starter and fuel kill switches, big azz chain running through a rim and around the frame, locked in a garage which also happens to be the place where your 2 rottweilers sleep, motion-activated surveilance cams. that ought to do it. If that doesnt seem like enough, it shouldnt be to hard to make some of those steel post things that the city uses to block roads they dont want cars on... they slide into steel sleeves that are baried in concrete and have a padlock that is inside it and unreachable by bolt cutters... put 3 or 4 of them just inside your garage door and you're set. :)

j

[Wazzobie]

Coil Negitave wire to a grounded kill switch and a factory steering wheel lock with tires pointed at the curb oh yea a big ass blinking LED should be fine.:D

[91xjjeep]

Down where i live no mater what type theft proof you have they will steal it. I had pump shutoff switch under dash and under hood, eletronic key switch (keycard system card must be in to start), Manual tranny lock, and gater chain (oil field chain) around 8" steel post in carport. took them 45min and loaded on flat trailer with cutting torch and winch. when jeep was recovered switches still in cutoff place, tranny lock still on,gater chain awrapped around fron bumper. no matter how much theft prevention you have if they want it they will take it.....

sold what was left from jeep and bought another proj to start..

now i park it in my garage and keep my rifle close by the bed.....( only theft protection i use now)

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by 91xjjeep
no matter how much theft prevention you have if they want it they will take it.....


Did you not notice the other person who got flamed for doing this same thing? There is probably something you could have done. The reason I like the slow blow kill is that they realize its NOT hard to steal, so they just drive away with it, then it dies in the middle of the intersection and they run.

and keep all your negative stuff out of here. We dont want to hear it.

[n2audio]

the best idea is to drive a rig like SR5Dave's. who the fuck would want to take that?

[Schnabe420]

n2audio,
What do you mean who would want to steal that? For one, that year is still the straight axle, for two a lot of people really like that old body style.

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by n2audio
the best idea is to drive a rig like SR5Dave's. who the fuck would want to take that?

:laughing::laughing: Dont worry schnabe.... He's pretty much right. I suppose there is a chance in hell. Its not a pretty truck.

[Schnabe420]

Ya, you're right.. Just needs a paint job:p

My truck was almost stolen AGAIN this weekend...Came back from shopping at the mall, and my door was WIDE OPEN - slim jimmed open!
BASTARDS....
Luckily, I have that kill switch...:roxy:

[n2audio]

i was serious about that. he uses it for offroad duties so why make it pretty. if you throw a 3k paintjob on it then it would just get fucked up again. a beater is what i crave. you can make the baddest rig you can but dont make it pretty, thats just asking to have it fucked up.

[guinea13]

I bought an alarm that pages me when assholes try to steel my rig. It is awesome. You can even silence the alarm so it will only page you when someone is breaking in the vehicle. I will work up to 1500 feet away and works pretty good when I am in a building.

[Schnabe420]

I have looked into that - it will cost me $380 installed. How much did you pay?

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by n2audio
i was serious about that. he uses it for offroad duties so why make it pretty. if you throw a 3k paintjob on it then it would just get fucked up again. a beater is what i crave. you can make the baddest rig you can but dont make it pretty, thats just asking to have it fucked up.

You werent around here when it WAS stolen. It was shortly after I painted it. :laughing: It came back, so im no longer really pissed, just happy she came home.

It wasnt a 3k paintjob, itwas just 100$ in rattle cans and junk. But you are right.

Dave

[guinea13]

I payed $200 and installed it myself. I have another one that is new in the box that I would sell for $200 if anyone is interested.

[SMiTTY_420]

Originally posted by guinea13
I payed $200 and installed it myself. I have another one that is new in the box that I would sell for $200 if anyone is interested.

What kind of alarm is it? Does it have remote start and all the other bells and whistles ?

Thanks,

- SMiTTY

[guinea13]

I will have to check for the name. Can't remember right now. Yes, it is a remote start system and has all the bells and whistles.

[Paul Gagnon]

I'm going to make this one a sticky so you guys can add all of your theft proofing tips and tricks.

[ALF]

What is a magnetic switch?


alf

[RepoMan]

Originally posted by ALF
What is a magnetic switch?


alf

A magnetic switch uses a magnet to turn the switch on or off, you simply wave the magnet in front of the switch which is hidden behind the dash.
This would not stop me from boosting a vehicle, sorry but it's just too easy to do.:flipoff2:

[mutant-jimbo]

ive got an alarm i bought used for $50 that pages you, but never hooked it up, will sell it cheap if anyone wants the thing. my truck is ugly as fuck! i drive it topless all the time (well, except for about 2.5 months a year). recently i broke my steering column and have to use vice grips on the ignition rod to start it. i really need to get a kill switch at the very least.

[SR5Dave]

Originally posted by RepoMan


A magnetic switch uses a magnet to turn the switch on or off, you simply wave the magnet in front of the switch which is hidden behind the dash.
This would not stop me from boosting a vehicle, sorry but it's just too easy to do.:flipoff2:

Please keep your "I could steal it anyway" comments out of this thread. Its annoying and frankly none of us care how large your penis is. The object is to make it harder to steal your truck than most. Nothing is impossible to steal, but we can make it WAY more effort than its worth.

Dave

Oh; Paul, thank you for making this a sticky :)

[RepoMan]

Originally posted by SR5Dave


Please keep your "I could steal it anyway" comments out of this thread. Its annoying and frankly none of us care how large your penis is. The object is to make it harder to steal your truck than most. Nothing is impossible to steal, but we can make it WAY more effort than its worth.

Dave

Oh; Paul, thank you for making this a sticky :)


Well sorry to piss you off, but its annoying to me to hear comments about my penis or about what you think I think about the size of my penis. I guess there are comments all over the internet that annoy people, get over it:flipoff2: I do:D

rather than you trying to start a flame war w/ me, ...please pm me so we dont annoy others on this site w/ your insulting comments as I would rather reply to a pm then have to flame in a productive thread.

...also the ease of stealing a vehicle is directly related to this thread how is your comment about my penis related to anything?

back to the topic:
...and how can you make stealing a vehicle way more effort than its worth?

[SR5Dave]

I did PM you. better way to deal with it, I agree.

On the how you can make a truck more effort than its worth...

Within a block of me there are 3-4 4x4 early 80's Toyota pickups. Most of them dont lock their doors, because most people dont see it as a problem.

Lets say someone tries to steal my truck. Gotta get the truck unlocked. Have to spend more time dealing with security issue A. Then have to spend more time working with security issue B. Then if they do manage to get it running and drive off without being noticed after tinkering, they have to deal with security issue C. Thats a lot of work to steal a 2000$ truck.

Now, what about the other one down the street with the doors unlocked? There is sort of a effort/benefit curve, of how much work is worth what vehicle. As soon as they really have to try to take a vehicle and start spending time, unless its a reallly nice rig, chances are 99% of them will give up and move on.

[Halogrinder]

lojack!!!!! i have it. steal it, i dont care, ill get it back.

[RClivin]

Hey guys where do you find these magnetic switches? Could you post a link?

[JesseA]

have a 3 way toggle on the Fuel pump relay circut. run one lead to a loud ass horn. the other to the pump as it should be. When leaving your rig for extended periods of time, flip the switch, so that the horn is blowing when the fuel pump is running. the switchs should be buried up under the dash where it is a PITA for even you to get to.

Iffn they figgure out where the switch is, or if they just cut the wire to the horn, (Bury this too) someone will have bound to come looking. If youre near it, you will, bearing gifts. :evil:

[AxlesUp]

repo

what would stop you or cause you the most trouble?

GPS is a great recovery method if very well hidden. like inside a bumper welded shut?

the magnetic switch sounds killer for fuel shut off. i like it for carjacking as well.


Peace
Jw

[Landslide]

The GPS system is the best to rely on. We sell it for heavy and light construction equipment and it works. If someone wants your rig bad enough they will trailer it or steal yours on your trailer. You can set a parameter with the GPS system. So if your rig leaves a given area it will send out a signal to the monitoring Co. They in turn will page, call, and e-mail you and the police dept. These are some what small devices and do take a small antenna. But all this can be hidden well. I don’t think thief’s will spend allot of time looking all over someone’s rig for items like this untill they think their free and clear.
This GPS system is not cheap and it pings your stuff once a day. Monthly fees do apply ($5.00 - $7.00) a month, what your rig is worth to you depends on what kind of system you run and how much you can afford to spend.
I'd rather have the Russians way of doing it - burn baby burn :mad3:

[RedneckCadet]

what other info can someone provide on the removable steering wheel. i have a fullsixe F350 and I like to ride around with my doors off. also, someone mentioned a brake lock?!?! i think it was called, where can i get one of those? I already have re-wired my ignition switch so you have to open a toggle switch under the seat and then hit the starter switch (which is right next to it), but i left the ignition switch on the steering colum so they would fumble around with it for a while.

-jason-

[Smash-K20]

Over the years I have tryed differant things and nothing really works. I lock my doors they break the window, I put in hidden switches, they steal my stero, I install a alarm, i get a phone call my truck is making noise & I get there and my windows broken and all my CD's are gone.

Then I get pissed off and go out and spend $3500 on a fully trained Shutzhund attack dog (Doberman). and for the last 13 years I have only had 2 incidents. The first was 11 years ago when some guy tryed to mug me in the parking lot of a truck stop outside of Philly, I don't know what happened to him but the dog came back with a bloody sneaker. The second was last week when a guy tryed to steal my tires at my shop. You can click this link if you want to hear what happened to him.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245026

I now have 3 of the dogs and take one almost everywhere with me. Not only does the truck not get robbed but most people will cross the street to stay a good distance away from the truck. It is the only alarm system I have found that has'nt let me down.

[jmbrowning]

IIRC, in the Grand State of Texas, larceny alone is still considered legally justified grounds for use of lethal force.

1) Wake up in the middle of the night
2) Hear cranking of starter
3) Stick head out window
4) See moron looking under hood for fuel pump cutoff
5) Duck back into window
6) Stick rifle out window
7) Fire (watch out for the radiator, 'K?)
8) Duck back into bed
9) Call 911 and ask the PD to use the doorbell instead of knocking

Gotta Love Texas

[Inferno]

Alarms don't really work anymore, people ignore them.. BUT.. orange smoke sure would.

I've been looking into finding some way to have someone pull the pin on a smoke flare. The marine rescue kind are about $10-$50 a shot, and would fill a truck cab in about 20 seconds. there's NO-WAY someone isn't going to get noticed with thick orange smoke bellowing out of your truck.

It doesn't stain or leave dust, and only in VERY few cases do people have allergic reactions.. the only problem is the canister heats up.

Dunno if anyone has any ideas of what to hook one too... but it sure would stop your truck from being stolen.

[jeffreydoctor]

lots of great ideas. i wouldn't necessarily tell people that the ignitions switches are under the seat of my 350 with no doors, kinda defeats the purpose of having that kind of set up. unless you need to gather more points by killing thieves, so you openly invite them. I like the dog approach, but i am a bad father. =) also the absolute cheapest way to use a cut-off system is to take the coil wire with you when you park your truck. not the most convenient way, but even if the dicks see you, maybe they'll understand that the shit won't run. nah, they are too stupid. you'll come back and they will have burned up your stater trying. i think i am going to hire a gun man to sit in the back seat with a high powered rifle and a couple grenades. he'll take pot shots at random people walking by, just to let them know he is there. i checked lo-jack and they want a flat fee of $695. that seems worth it now, that my rig is still on the loose. you guys shouldn't fight, damn we are all in the same boat or have been. if he tells you its still too easy to steal then he is sayin, make it harder to steal. i like the orange smoke, but what are the chances of it going off while you drive, yourself? i wished my shit leaked oil, i would have just followed the trail. well lets keep checkin the post for stolen rigs and lets beat some ASS!!!!

[jollypirate]

i have stolen a set off rims and 44's off a fullsize bronce in 4 minutes with a couple strong buddy's

checlist includes two fast jack's (one under each pumpkin) 4 axlestands 4 lug wrenches 1 van (or truck, but ppl can see u in a truck) and 7 ppl

1 to drive

2 for axle stands + jacks

and 4 guys for the tires

if u dotn wanna gibe they guy ur jack stands take a sledge hammer and knock em out from under the axles (hey u just jacked his rims do u care about his brakes??)


but anyway back to the topic of NOT getting jacked, my system:

1 two fuel cutoff switches one in plain view on the dash so the go for that one and another under the truck in beetween the the frame and body.

2 a FAKE key hole, its not hooked up top anything so once that jimmy that it dont do jack :flipoff2: the other (real)is under the seat.

3 even if they do find the one under the seat they stiull have to find the switch that turns it on

4 a brake lock that locks the brakes full time (have fun pulling it, boggers grab)

and the funniest one if all else fails (only once, and it was me lol i wanted to test it out, took me five miuntes and i knew where it alll was)
there is an old tape playerin the tool box that starts balriong get the fuck outts my truclk!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[JENSSEN]

there is allways a way
a friend recently had his 4x4 truck stolen from infront of his house and stripped it had the stearing colum intact, the ignition keys had chipps in them so you had to have the key to start it,
they had to have used a wheel dolly or trailer to move it

Chips are an easy bipass, swap the memcal with one of your choice that does not have the key code in it and whammo, we cam across that reading stock GM chips

[mtbman]

My god people, where do you all live? I am in So Cal and leave me jeep for days with the keys sitting on the driver seat. The CD player is very much exposed and there is no alarm/kill switch/cut off ect. Maybe I am just lucky, but it sounds like there are some desperat thieves out there I have never had to deal with.

[Vortec_Cruiser]

I live in an extremely low crime area of So. California, but I still have several theft-deterrants on my Cruiser. But then I can see why your vehicle isn't bothered - it's a Jeep. :D

[jollypirate]

My god people, where do you all live? I am in So Cal and leave me jeep for days with the keys sitting on the driver seat. The CD player is very much exposed and there is no alarm/kill switch/cut off ect. Maybe I am just lucky, but it sounds like there are some desperat thieves out there I have never had to deal with.
but you drive a jeep? that why, a jeep is a security system in itself.

[Paul Gagnon]

My god people, where do you all live? I am in So Cal and leave me jeep for days with the keys sitting on the driver seat. The CD player is very much exposed and there is no alarm/kill switch/cut off ect. Maybe I am just lucky, but it sounds like there are some desperat thieves out there I have never had to deal with.

In metro Vancouver the motor vehicle theft rate for 2001 (the latest stats) was 1,149/100,000

To put that into perspective the 2001 motor vehicle theft rate for Miami was 1028.8/100,000 and Phoenix was 1177.5/100,000

[dram97]

Schnabe420---your idea is a good one.....and a cheap one so it should be popular. A cut-off switch on the efi pump is simple and the switch can be hidden in other places other than the dash/under dash/glove compartment.....someplace where even if you are being watched you could disceetly set it. Having the cut-off is also good if you are in a precarious wheelin position where you want to use just the starter to move you to a safer zone without the engine trying to fire up.

A cut-off switch is effective against the redneck dumbass kids that would 99% of the time steal a regular Toyota. Pros could easily defeat most anything but don't be flattered thinkin one is gonna go for yours:). You probably won't know the the little twirps are stealin it unless you hear the starter crankin. Even with a siren, you might not hear the alarm if you parked around the corner or you're in the department store....BUT if you are somewhat serious about confronting the little rascals then SILENT alarms are available where you carry a belt pager good for about a mile or 2 reception.

AND you could easily improve on the simple fuel pump cut-off such that if the switch is not activated AND the starter engages....that it causes the horn to lock on(basic relay wiring). That way, the dumbass runs off without having any further chance to mess with your rig.

what we need is a belt pager than also give GPS coordinates....

[1981k20]

I park in a garage with a freightliner parked in front of the door. To steal the truck you'd have to air up the freightliner and move it. Very loud.

[SR5Dave]

I LOVE FLAGSTAFF!!!

I don't ever lock my doors anymore, its soooooo nice living in a no crime area :)

Not like in Sacramento where I would wake up every few hours to make sure my truck was still there :( Every time a door slammed or a engine started :rolleyes:

So, theft proof technique: Move to somewhere with less crime, like the woods/boonies :D

[mudluvr2]

well after having my bronco stolen a few weeks ago i think i''ll look into a lojack system for my next rig this is the 2nd rig stolen guess theres a ring of those bastards around the tacoma area targeting ford trucks .anyone know what the costs is for lojackand is there a monthly fee or not

[Weadwacker]

I LOVE FLAGSTAFF!!!

I don't ever lock my doors anymore, its soooooo nice living in a no crime area :)

Not like in Sacramento where I would wake up every few hours to make sure my truck was still there :( Every time a door slammed or a engine started :rolleyes:

So, theft proof technique: Move to somewhere with less crime, like the woods/boonies :D
i currently live in vegas, but my older bro lives over in flagg, the only place i never worried about leaving my trekker or my jeep with no top on and lots of stereo stuff....
i love flagg!

[Backncardr]

well after having my bronco stolen a few weeks ago i think i''ll look into a lojack system for my next rig this is the 2nd rig stolen guess theres a ring of those bastards around the tacoma area targeting ford trucks .anyone know what the costs is for lojackand is there a monthly fee or not

You can read the Lojack stuff: http://www.lojack.com/index.cfm

I think it runs about 500 bucks initially well worth it.

[1962fj40]

The GPS deal is pretty much the BEST way. Its pretty damn expensive though (But less than a new truck!!!)

Also; how easy/hard is it to take out the gps system and leave it on the ground? :confused:

Dave
So what GPD trackers have you looked at? This sounds like a great idea

Rob

[fabtoys]

SIMPLE I got a chain from the pedals to the steering column or a chain and lock thru a wheel to leaf spring

[SR5Dave]

So what GPD trackers have you looked at? This sounds like a great idea

Rob

Its been a while, but one of the things I recall standing out is that some of them won't work underground. LoJack is the standard from what I know. Make sure to check the coverage areas, who works with them (local police?) can it work underground, etc.

[budget76]

SIMPLE I got a chain from the pedals to the steering column or a chain and lock thru a wheel to leaf spring

damn you took mine. im jsut gonna weld a hoop to my gas pedal, then lock a chain around the steering wheel and to the hoop. just gonna make sure its tight so the pedal barely moves

some other great ideas on here. my favorite would have to be the doberman in the back of the truck, or the orange smoke(althuoght not perfected, would be extremely alarming to anyone seeing it)

hell, for all these high theft rate places, dont kno if itd work, but just set up a stun gun or tazer or something to shoot right at the drivers seat if the alarm is set. may be illegal, but so would be the thing id do to the guy that stole my truck. :evil:

[ironpig70]

at work(bobcat dealer) we started installing a "high tech" gps system not only does it track the machine but if a machine gets stolen you can track it online(secure website) and if the machine is not on we can turn the machines electrical system "off". i believe but am not sure that some of the gps units have a sensor built in that if the unit is taken out that it will send out an "alarm"

[ga mudder]

and keep all your negative stuff out of here. We dont want to hear it.

Dude, you must have been on crack when you made that stupid comment. All I see on Pirate are assholes talking shit about someone else's rig or post. Then you have the audacity to tell him to keep his negativity out when all he did was state FACTS? WTF? Sure, there was "something he could have done" like yank the axles but how realistic is that? Well, to someone like you....

Ole boy took some damn good preemptive measures to keep his rig. It takes 25 seconds to steal a vehicle. It took the scumbags in question 45 MINUTES to steal his. Seems to me that all he did to his rig backed up his line "if they want it, they will take it".

[SR5Dave]

Dude, you must have been on crack when you made that stupid comment. All I see on Pirate are assholes talking shit about someone else's rig or post. Then you have the audacity to tell him to keep his negativity out when all he did was state FACTS? WTF? Sure, there was "something he could have done" like yank the axles but how realistic is that? Well, to someone like you....

Ole boy took some damn good preemptive measures to keep his rig. It takes 25 seconds to steal a vehicle. It took the scumbags in question 45 MINUTES to steal his. Seems to me that all he did to his rig backed up his line "if they want it, they will take it".

This thread is here to say how you can protect your truck as best you can. Not to tell everyone that its futile and to give up. Piss off you stupid newbie.

[4RnrRick]

Heres something I put together for my local club........


How to make your vehicle theft proof....

First let me state that no matter what you do, if a thief wants your vehicle bad enough, they WILL get it. Nothing is 100% theft proof. No matter what you think, there is always a way. I've heard of stories about people (on a high profile auto thefts television program) that would actually use a small crane to pick up these exotic cars and put it onto a trailer to haul it away. So just keep that in mind. Sure, its very unlikely anything like that would happen but it just shows the extremes a theif can go to. So with that said, the idea ISN'T to make the vehicle INVULNERABLE to theft, only to make the vehicle down the street that much easier to steal than yours.

Probably the most important part is location and lighting. If the vehicle is out of sight, then its less likely to be targeted. But since most of us actually use our vehicles daily or weekly, its not ideal to just keep them locked up behind garage doors all the time. What fun is that. Our vehicles are designed to be used so lets not go to that extreme! So when you are using the vehicle, park in well lit areas and areas of high traffic. The more public exposure you have the better it wil be, but that also means there is more greedy eyes lusting after it.... But its better than parking in a dark alley.



There are several types of systems that you can use:
Visible, Audiable, Disabling, Recovery.



Visible systems are types that show others that the vehicle "might" be harder to steal than another. These systems are consist of:

Blinking LED's, Alarm Stickers, Clubs, Removable steering wheels, etc....

Blinking LED's are either wired up to an over-the-counter full electronical alarm system or just a dummy LED. Well some cars now even come with them from the factory. I won't get into those over-the-counter alarm system to much because they are pretty well documented by thier manufactures. Dummy Blinking LED's can be purchased through Electronics Stores, Stereo Shops, mail Order and Ebay. They are really easy to wire in as long as you purachse 12V internaly blinking LED's. They can be wired to just about any factory dash switch or a hidden switch. But I feel the best method is to to wire then to a normally closed relay off your ignition power. Doing that will automaticlly turn it on when the key is out of the ignition. Then when you start the vehicle it will power the relay, opening the circut, thus turning the LED off.

Most Stereo Shops also have Alarm Stickers available from previous kits they have install on other customers vehicles.

Most general department stores carry other types of manual devices like the Club and throttle pedal locks. While the Club is pretty easy to disable by just using a hacksaw to saw thru the steering wheel its still a OKAY visible device, but it shouldn't be the only device.

Removable steering wheels do make it very difficult to drive the vehicle, but still not impossible. A theft can come prepared with the correct tools to remove it or other devices to steer the vheicle. I've even heard one that some drove a vehicle with a pair of vices grips.... The other problem area is the fact tha tyou have to carry your steering wheel around with you...



Audiable systems typically make noise when the theif has already broke into the vehicle. These system use the idea of trying to get the attention of anyone close to see whats going on or they warn the theif that it will make more noise if they go any farther. Some systems have bump sensors so if you bump the vehicle too hard it would chirp at you. Others have radar so if it detects motion inside the vehicle, it will chirp or sound the alarm. Most of all of these systems will sound the alarm if the doors are opened. They will also flash the head lights. One system that I had would also send a 90 decimal high pitch squeal through all the interior speakers of the car. The major problem with these is that you can deaden the alarm very quickly with foam spray and/or by disconnecting the battery. The reason why I say foam spray is that some of the newer alram horns have interial batterys so just clipping the wires is not enough. so if you have these this type of system, a hidden battery and hidding the alarm horn is a good idea! which just makes it harder to disable.



Disabling systems are things that make the vehicle inoperatable. These systems include:

Battery, Starter, Coil, ECU, Fuel pump disconnects, Brake System line locks, electronic interlocking keys, etc.. Basically anything that makes the it so the engine won't run or you can't drive the vehicle.

Most of these systems can be installed by a D0-It-Yourselver for a few dollars. Just wire in a switch to one or more of these electical items. Some of these items will require a relay while others don't. And things like Battery and Starter disconnects require special high amperage devices. The trick with these "swicthes" is to wire them into a hidden area. Some thiefs are after quick valuables and others are for the vehicle itself. so you want to keep that in mind when you are tring to hide a switch. Try to keep them out of gloveboxes or center consoles since thats where the thiefs are going to look for quick valuables. So if you do this try to either put the switch in a odd ball place totally out of view or in plan sight using a factory switch. If your planning on being away from teh vehicle for a while you can even do basic things like removing the coil wire or spark plug wires is also a quick deterant.Some people like to use a time delay system, but I really don't like them, why give them any more chance than nessecary to steal something.if you have a mechaincal fuel pump you can also hide a 1/4 turn ball vavle in the fuel line.

Other types of these systems are physical locks to a solid object. basically its like chaining the vehicle to the ground.



Recovery systems are the high dollar systems like LoJack that actaully can be tracked on GPS after the vehicle is stollen. Most of us probably can't afford a setup like that but its still out there. There are less expensive ones that come with a pager to beep you if the vehicle is moved but by that tiem its might be too late.



Again remember that nothing is theft proof. but my recommendations is to have several systems. I highly recommend at least one visible system to let thiefs know that this vehicle has some type of alarm on it AND atleast one disabling system to they can't just jump right in and drive away. Also the more systems the better...



As for how my vehicles are protected, I'm not telling.... duh.

[FuzzyNuts]

Im thinking of hooking a tazer into my alarm . When the alarm is triggered you better not be sitting on the seat or your balls are fried. I realy dont care how Illegal it is, its illegal to be in my seat without asking me. The way I see it is the chances of my truck getting stolen is low, the chances of the tazer killing someone is very low, and if it did the chances of a conviction is low also, so if some dumb bastard wants my truck, I almost invite them to try taking it... shure they might tow it but im shure they will get in some time....by the way.....it`ll be silent with no flashing lights or horns, just a pager.(I like the GPS idea, but thats $$$$$$$$$) .and a machette or firearm. IN MY TRUCK IM THE LAW

[FuzzyNuts]

actualy it wont be silent, my boss gave me a little horn thing that plays a pre recorded message that you record when activated........say good bye to your little guy , you wont need him where your going.........say good bye to your...little..........or maby ..... feel your ass hole burning, im preparing you for jail..

[jeepcj776]

you could use a door lock/unlock solinoid for the smoke bomb Idea,
They run about 18 dollers at a local alarm shop, you could just wire it to a alarm or relay, so when the truck gets stolen it pulls the pin on the bomb.

[topekachevy]

a 10 dollar idea that wont keep them from stealing it but will really draw attention that people will look at is this. install a toggle switch that is hard to find but easy to access. then use it to wire your horn to your brake lights. every time the peddle is depressed the horn goes off. we have done this without the switch to friends wheelers just as a joke. and no matter where we are anyone around looks to see what is going on and most people come over to see exactly is going on.

[Daddylinex]

I have been able to show virtually every customer on their vehicle how to bypass an alarm or starter kill....if someone wants it bad enough they will get it. i have set up a starter/ignition/coil/magneto kill system that has been able to fool everyone so far. I will cost you about 4 dollars in parts and and you can even leave the key in the vehicle. It will scare your predator by honking the horn everytime they try to start it. I designed it about 12 years ago and so far so good...haven't heard of a vehicle lost yet. I am an MECP Master Installer...I won't sell it to you..because I belive in the small man helping each other out. Send me your email address and what kind of vehicle and i will help as best as possible.

[geberhard]

[QUOTE=budget76]damn you took mine. im jsut gonna weld a hoop to my gas pedal, then lock a chain around the steering wheel and to the hoop. just gonna make sure its tight so the pedal barely moves
QUOTE]


A chain will not do much, specially around the steering, a steering wheel can be cut in less than a minute.

Gui

[4x4creature]

Alarms don't really work anymore, people ignore them.. BUT.. orange smoke sure would.

I've been looking into finding some way to have someone pull the pin on a smoke flare. The marine rescue kind are about $10-$50 a shot, and would fill a truck cab in about 20 seconds. there's NO-WAY someone isn't going to get noticed with thick orange smoke bellowing out of your truck.

It doesn't stain or leave dust, and only in VERY few cases do people have allergic reactions.. the only problem is the canister heats up.

Dunno if anyone has any ideas of what to hook one too... but it sure would stop your truck from being stolen.
Hi Ya, I was just lookin over this forum and came across this. ( the missing calif. woman thread brought me here :( ) any ways I saw this and its a good idea, so heres how i thought you could make this work.

One, take a small coffee(paint flat black)that is big enough that you can mount the smoke flare in the middle of the can (be sure it has 2 inches of space around the flare,using wire to secure it in place, that should take of any heat issues, next find a mounting spot,(away from the gas tank of course) then use fishing line to attach to the pin , if you park it in the same spot, at work,home mistresses :evil: apartment ect...ect, drive a concrete nail into ground with a 1/4-1/8 inch sticking up , then just attach the fishing lines to it, if the truck moves , the pin is pulled. then as Jim carrey would say "You be ssh-mokin"
it should work if you have the angle right and strong enough fishing line to pull the pin. I would think it would get some attention seeing a smoking truck going down the road even if it was on a trailor or tow truck.

So what do alll think of this? :smokin:

[SR5Dave]

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I'm thinking like 2 dozen piccolo petes :laughing:

[majorezakimak]

A quick note on the idea of pulling the coil wire... I remember an old issue of Petersens, where the guy used to pull the coil wire as his theft protection. A smart thief (oxymoron?) pulled a plug wire and used it as the coil wire. His idea was to make a coil wire using black rubber hose and an old coil wire boots and change it whenever you park.

My $0.02

[geberhard]

Hi Ya, I was just lookin over this forum and came across this. ( the missing calif. woman thread brought me here :( ) any ways I saw this and its a good idea, so heres how i thought you could make this work.

One, take a small coffee(paint flat black)that is big enough that you can mount the smoke flare in the middle of the can (be sure it has 2 inches of space around the flare,using wire to secure it in place, that should take of any heat issues, next find a mounting spot,(away from the gas tank of course) then use fishing line to attach to the pin , if you park it in the same spot, at work,home mistresses :evil: apartment ect...ect, drive a concrete nail into ground with a 1/4-1/8 inch sticking up , then just attach the fishing lines to it, if the truck moves , the pin is pulled. then as Jim carrey would say "You be ssh-mokin"
it should work if you have the angle right and strong enough fishing line to pull the pin. I would think it would get some attention seeing a smoking truck going down the road even if it was on a trailor or tow truck.

So what do alll think of this? :smokin:

LOL, 10 points for originality :)

[roddinron]

I just read a lot of good ideas, but I'm an old fart who left his memory at a party somewhere back in the seventies, and if I did some of these I'd be screamin down the road in my own rig with the horn blowin', the brakes draggin', orange smoke trailin' and my balls taser fryin'. It's hell to get old. :eek:

[mdd0127]

I have been an alarm installer for 10 years and in every study I have read the LED has been the most effective theft deterrent feature. If a professional thief wants a car, it's gone. 90% of all car thefts are by wannabe thugs and kids. They see the light and they move on. There's been a laser out for a few years that blinks the word secutiry on your dash. I had one of these in my cougar and it freaked the crackheads out. I had a convertible cadillac in 96(lol) that I used two camera flashes mounted in the sides of the headrests, a motion detector and a voice programmable siren. The kids walking home from school would jump in it and act like they were driving and tear crap up. When I put this system in, they would walk up to the car, the motion detector would trigger the flashes and the siren would say"YOU"RE IDENTITY HAS BEEN RECORDED! PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE!" They would usually run. If they didn't and opened a door or set off the interior motion, my big giant beeper would go off and I could run outside with a big stick. The new way to go is the Viper 1020 gps and a 791xv. The alarm does remote start and will page you on the remote and the gps can be monitored on the internet. It has all kinds of crazy features. go to directed.com to look it up. PM me with any questions. I'm not in the business anymore, but it's fun to talk about.

[coolcruiserfj40]

i just ordered one of the ones seabass sells http://12voltguy.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog.0.html5.0.html http://12voltguy.com/images/theft%20ebay.jpg

[Vortec_Cruiser]

i just ordered one of the ones seabass sells http://12voltguy.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog.0.html5.0.html http://12voltguy.com/images/theft%20ebay.jpg

With this type of switch just be sure you mount it where dirt & sand can't get into it (through the key hole). They become inoperable when the slightest amount of foreign material gets between the contacts. Otherwise, they seem to work quite well.

[78jeepstang]

Since i've started working in a not-so-good neighborhood of Milwaukee now i've needed to find a way to make my Jeep a lot harder to steal. Not so worried about someone towing it off or whatever, moreso about someone looking for a ride or quick cash or something. What I've done is re-routed the ignition wiring for my MSD inside the cab. I even used a quick disconnect for the power cables so now when I park i reach over and unplug the two connectors and throw the MSD in my Tuffy box which gets locked. Crank and crank all you want, still not going to fire, and how many people who are going to steal a car are going to carry a $250 MSD 6-Offroad with them?

[lcruiser]

I use a 12' length of 1" thick chain to stop theft. I have one end of it set in a 3' deep concrete pier that I mixed and poured. The other end gets secured to a massive 1.25 D ring welded to the rear of the frame. A car jacker would need a set of torches to run away with my truck.

[johnryan]

Hey Folks.

I am a poor hillbilly hotrodder, but here are some things I have learned to do.
Some of these I have done, others seens, others, heard about.

1. Wrap the clutch, brakes, and gas
2. Wrap chains around the rearend and tires
3. Put an ignition coil hot lead to a metal door handle (always a shocker. Do have an ignition cut off on this as well.
4. Fuel Shut off Valve hidden.
5. Put an NRA sticker on it :)
6. remote battery lock knob - only $2
7. distributor kill switch.
9. the blinking LED thing.
8. a club - i swear it works. you cant drive anywhere or manuver the truck at all.
10. Grant makes a stearing wheel quick release kit. - $200.
No stearing wheel, no way to drive.

I dont know about the tow dolly thing. Good Luck.


On the Thumbprint thing - Go to a local Jaguar Dealer for the new thumbprint switch. they are the only ones who have it. Maybe you can figure out how to get it programmed.


The best thing to to is keep a watchful eye on your car. Dont leave it too long anywhere out of site and always pull IN to a parking spot. Dont make it an easy get away for the thieves.

[ElementX]

Great thread. I was gonna post a new thread but I may as well ask here since it pertains to the topic.

I was thinking that besides the usual kill switches, that having line locks would be a good for when you gotta park your rig on the street overnite. Even with the usual kill switches, a thief with a winch equipped trailer, dolly or tow truck could easily steal your rig in a few minutes. All they would have to go is get past the door lock if you had one and then throw your TC shifter into neutral. At that point they could winch your rig onto a trailer. Line locks wouldnt stop this, but would slow down the trailer equipped thief. And would be even more effective against a thief on foot if they were able to bypass your killswitch. It would also stop vandals if they wanted to throw your TC into neutral and just push your rig around or down a hill or into another vehicle.

Oh and it wouldnt be something you could use all the time since locking your brakes everytime everytime you drove somewhere and parked would warp your rotors.

[R290]

I LOVE FLAGSTAFF!!!

I don't ever lock my doors anymore, its soooooo nice living in a no crime area :)

Not like in Sacramento where I would wake up every few hours to make sure my truck was still there :( Every time a door slammed or a engine started :rolleyes:

So, theft proof technique: Move to somewhere with less crime, like the woods/boonies :D

Dave I don't get up when the doors slam or engines start, anymore. I thought I would wake up if glass broke, but I guess I sleep through that too now:( When going to work in the morning I say to my self "it's still there"
I use the obvious kill switch devices and the not so obvious devices.

If you want something not to be found, hide it in plain sight. If it looks like it should be there, then its invisible. I have not done this one, but you could use your cigarette lighter as a switch. :cool2: :shaking: For you auto guys, put in a switch on the neutral safety switch. If they show up with a trailer, winch, cutting touch and other dolly devices they are going to take your truck. As for the GPS antenna, that’s the first thing they cut. So use the stock antenna.
For you Toyota guys just remove your heater fuse. Should I give the secret away? Do you find your truck runs for about 30 seconds and quits? This "device" can also be used to help keep your truck there.

[oldrivers]

A quick note on the idea of pulling the coil wire... I remember an old issue of Petersens, where the guy used to pull the coil wire as his theft protection. A smart thief (oxymoron?) pulled a plug wire and used it as the coil wire. His idea was to make a coil wire using black rubber hose and an old coil wire boots and change it whenever you park.

My $0.02


My truck got stolen about a month ago, so ive been pulling the coil wire off at night , wouldnt you know it he or someone tried steeling my truck again last night. He broke my steering column again but was to lazy to look in the engine compartment, so he was unsuccesful. so even if you try little things it will stop the lazy thief kids Wich are more likely to hit you than the hardcore pros trying to steel 30,000 dollar sports cars etc.

[R290]

Cool deal on saving your truck. Your dead on, about who stealing cars, Did you remove the coil wire or just pull it loose and make it look attached? Never did heard about any toy's pulling their heater fuse :shaking: Toyota tied the oil pressure switch to that circuit. If the engine sense there is no oil pressure it cuts the fuel pump off. So the engine runs for about 30 seconds and dies, you can restart it , but it won't run for long :flipoff2:

[Urban Wheeler]

i just ordered one of the ones seabass sells http://12voltguy.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog.0.html5.0.html [im]http://12voltguy.com/images/theft%20ebay.jpg[/IMG]
That looks very similar to the one I got from a friend. Mine had battery cabls on it already and I haven't shortened them. I did hook it up on the negative side of the battery though. Now I just need to hide the wires so you can't see which side it is on.


I have heard lots of other little tricks, like using a 1/4 inch headphone plug
http://www.dsmiller.com/Images/PC-234S.jpg
with the two poles connected and the ignition run through it, pull the plug and it is just a hole in the dash... Put a kill switch between the coil and dizzy, just hide the wires so you can't see them...


Sometimes theives are just too dumb to steal a car...
Ok, so I am posting this in the FI forum for a reason you will see in a bit

Door bell rings and its one of my neighbors who tells me that someone is trying to steal my Scout right now. I tell my wife to call 911 and then head out and peak around the corner and shure enough there is some guy in my truck trying to start it. He keeps going from inside and getting out trying to open the hood from the front, HAHAHA, doesn't know anything about Scouts.

My wife is looking out the window watching the guy giving dispatch a play by play of what the guy is doing. My neighbor and I are keeping an eye on the guy to make sure he doesn't take off and I am just counting seconds for the cops to show up.

Meanwhile he keeps cranking and cranking and cranking and the Scout won't start, maybe it has to do with the ignition kill switch I wired into the EFI system when I installed it:rolleyes:

So the cops are having trouble finding my place because its a condo and they are driving by slow and the guy notices them and calmly walks back towards where my neighbor and I are standing and then makes a b-line for some neighboring apartments. We flag down the cops and in about 2 minutes they have the guy in custody and we are all making positive identifications of him.

So after the cops have him in custody we are all standing around my Scout going over it to see what all he was doing and I tell the cops how he was trying to lift the front of the hood open and the cop says "well he doesn't know anything about Scouts" I laugh and then notice that my ECM that is in the dash is now laying on my pass. seat not hooked up to anything. Now this whole time I thought my sweet security protection and planning were the main reason my my Scout wasn't half way to mexico and to find out the idiot screwed himself by pulling the ECM.

It really wouldn't have mattered if he left the ECM in place anyway because the ignition switch would have kept him from starting it.

So when all was said and done my Scout was sitting right where I left her, battery drained but still had enough left to start itself to charge the battery, had to plug the ECM back in, hit the ignition switch and she fired right back up. Besides the guy rumaging around and stinking my baby up like booze she came through like a champ.

Special thanks goes out to the Tualatin Police Department here in Oregon for a 2 min. resoponse time and knowing what a International Scout WAS!

Mark

[R290]

U.W. you woke me up:flipoff2:
Last week I was up at Deans place getting my H1 rims recenterd and another guy at the shop was telling me how he lost his Zuk. They showed up with a car trailer and stole it. I guess you need LoJack too:mad3:

[roundhouse]

Ive seen people use the windshield washer switch as a starter switch,

if you have a switch, you want it so even your passenger doesnt notice.

A good idea is to use a hi/lo beam headlight switch, the old kind on the floor as a switch,

I like the gpstrackers too.

Biggest deterrent is looks, when I was selling my 66 Thunderbird, many potential buyers were shocked that it was driveable.

[R290]

Biggest deterrent is looks, when I was selling my 66 Thunderbird, many potential buyers were shocked that it was driveable.

Mine looks like shit, but they would still steal it. I go with the multiple disable ponits. I talked with a guy, where he had to park at his apt complex and would just remove the SM465 shifter each night. push down and turn and pops right out. Hard to steal if you can't drive it. Still does not cover the trailer recovery method. For that you need to park where they can't get a trailer right in front of it. Think tight and narrow.

[Fordman500]

reverse threaded lug nuts every so few lugs or whatever. Thieves many times are pretty stupid. I am thinking of how I can rig my trasnfer case in neutral. My dad couldnt figure out why my truck wouldnt go anywhere, but thats because I had put the tcase in neutral. A locking hood is huge. The best so far is the orange smoke. That would be hilarious!

[R290]

Smoke is something I have looked into, as a smoking car will get people attention for sure. White smoke would be better than orange IMHO getting more attention from on lookers (aka fire). A linkage disconnect, humm not sure where or how to put one in, but fits the plan of disabling on more then one level.

[dram97]

I had a car with one. Worked great, it was just a power switch that I had to turn on or the car ran 50 yards and stalled.
I originally did it, found out later, smog sensors in the trunk said "shut off fuel pump smog function not working right".
After that I could leave keys in accessory and not worry about it disappearing.....make it interesting use an ARB switch as your fuel pump switch. They will never guess in time.

[KiGrind]

Um, this kind of crap is cool and all but...


how do you stop someone from stealing your $300 CMT ujoints or your brand new Atlas 5.0?


It happens a lot.



What about comming outside to see your truck on blocks and the 49" iroks mission....... THAT ALONE would take a shit load of blocks to move.

[KiGrind]

I had a few smoke granades and one thing that scared me was, if it was a dud, there was a 3 foot flame that shot otu of it for a good amount of time.


Would it not make your day to see some theft scumbag burn up your vehicle they just tried to steal? I'd trow up on the spot while I was laughing. I might ust pass out.

[KiGrind]

And my final note:


When I went to florida, I didn't want my Jeep (Which had no top on it) to be stolen. We had already had our place robed both cars and house once. They took my new rancho 9000 shocks out of the back of my Jeep (i wasnt going to be able to use them, but hey wtf!) and such.


So yeah when I went to florida, I parked int he back yard facing my house with the wheel turned way far right and pulled both drivehsafts. Took the top, doors and windshield insdie the garage, covered it with a tarp and bungie cords and went to FL for some fishing.



We install motion sensor lighting and some other stuff, havnt had anymore trouble for 4 years. Only time we have been broken into while at home is when our vehicles were done in. And it pisses me off we didnt hear that...


You might be thinking, why would you do all that?


My shed was wide open, two bikes missing, a grill, pressure washer and weed eater. Didnt take our lawn mower... what a bunch of jokes. It was kids. Some shitty teens that live two neighborhoods down tring to pawn shit off for money so they could party.


so sad

[KiGrind]

The best idea I have EVER seen is to make it were the idiot just turns the alarm on himself. My freind had a red CJ5 that was stolen by some punk ass kids. Now, he just thought it was "Unique" and he didnt have to change much with his hardware he already had. He had this horn that you can get a kit for about $400 thats an air horn. Really loud like the ones used on trains that has a 4 mile range.

So he made a switch on the dash and labeled it battery cut-off. It was wired to his air horn. The switch was cut so that it was unable to shutoff. Unless you took the time to pull the wires off the back of it. He was cheap.

When you flip the switch, the horn comes on and constantly blairs till the air tank is out, thats about 3-4 mins full.

7 months later on thanksgiving 05 the same kids tried to steal it again. It worked. The kid was caught and after changing his own pants, had to replace and seat but for some reason his parents didn't feel like it was that big of a deal to persue charges on his ass.

Still makes me laugh.

[jclaudii]

Heres a few quick thoughts on theft prevention. As a owner of my first vehicle I"M paying for a 05 tj, I want to make sure it's still there for a while. Heres some of my thoughts that I will prolly never try!

Radio transmiter/reciever, the r/c kind. Wire the reciever up under the dash well hidden and wire it up to a relay that is connected to the fuel pump or coil. Set the transmitter up in your house to constently provide a signal to the reciever, as soon as the vehicle gets out of range it engauges the relay and shuts the fuel off. This method sounds a little costly, but could be done. Another alternative you could do with this is to add a pager like device that transmitted the same signal as you, as long as your transmitting, your vehicle knows it's okay not to engage the system.

I love the smoke idea, especially if it was wired up under the hood and was set on a time delay for about 30 seconds. Tie it all in after the 30 seconds the smoke under the hood starts to bellow out and a relay is switched to kill the coil. I know if I stole a car and it started smoking, i'm going to leave the pos. You could even tie this into the radio transmitter idea and if it was towed it would still pull the pin :)

A way I always wanted to do but never would because it would be illegal would be to have your vehicle recognize you. Either by a switch you flip, code, voice, fingerprint, keycode, or other identifer (complete the circuirt) If you were not recognized the car would let you do what you were doing and would silently page you the owner. Once it's started and moving without authorization (your identifer) it would sound a warning "Please exit the vehicle to avert possible injury or death....you have 5 seconds" After the alloted time passes the electronic seats starts moving the victims towards the steering wheel. When the victim is extremely close, the air bag deployes busting that dude all up! It could kill him, it could just knock him out, or who knows, but either way It is a hardcore theft device. Plus you gave a ample warning and told them that harm is about to happen. Air bags are pretty cheap 150 bucks or so, but I know a lawsuit would prolly happen.

It seems to me that with microchips and all that the alarm themseleves would be extremely tiny or you could "flash" the manufactures memory to have new features such as a disabling device. It would be nice for a few bucks a month or so, your cell phone company would allow you vehicle to "ping" towers and contact you if you or your family's cell numbers were not close to it. There seems to be tons of ways to implement this technology, but I guess it's not a big enough market to disable vehicles.

Anyways these are just some of my meandering thoughts and didn't think them all out, so feel free to comment on them :)

[KiGrind]

The smoke would be better if it started with 3 or 4 granades or canisters from under the hood right when they started it up. I'd rather them think they blew something up and run away then worry about what idiot seen my car pouring smoke down the highway on its way to mexico and if I'll ever see it again. Most people would just see the smoke, laugh, and go on. I wouldn't think anything of it. I've seen a lot of cars with blown radiators going down the road without pulling over. Mo-Rons.

[sgleshot]

I run a removable steering wheel, along with 2 hidden switches, one for ignition, and one for battery ground.

[ptownTSI]

if you are leaving for a long time you can chain the whole vehicle to the ground. There was a 300zx turbo in sacramento that does this. he has chain go through every rim, around the subframe, and locks onto anchors in his concrete driveway. you would need hydraulic bolt cutters to cut this chain too. or a jackhammer to get the anchors out.

[dirtoyboy]

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/874/lock24ez.jpgI'm surprised no one mentioned this idea.....i haven't done it but it looks kinda cool. My Viper with proximity alarm allows me to roll in the city with no doors...no problem...i do need to wire up some kill switches though. Also, I saw this awhile back...very interesting... I just read this in the Peterson's mag.

"According to th CHP and SoCal chapter of the AAA, the top 10 stolen light trucks in the Golden State are

1. '88 Toyota pickup
2. '86 Toyota pickup
3. '87 Toyota pickup
4. '85 Toyota pickup
5. '86 Toyota van
6. '87 Toyota van
7. '84 Toyota pickup
8. '85 Toyota van
9. '84 Toyota van
10. '86 Nissan pickup

Be careful out there.

[xxxpedition]

i've travelled the world and had two main things:
a steering wheel club (even if it's just for the looks) and
a kill switch cutting power to the fuel pump.

i have never had any problems.
of course it might help that it needs a good workout and a couple of broken thumbs to open my doors since the body is so tweaked due to the couple of rolls i did... :-)))) and the rear doors only open from inside - that kinda sucks, though.

[norcalgraphics]

I just got my truck stolen from my driveway in the middle of the night so I found this.www.drivewaypatrol.com[/URL] Its pretty cheap and works good. Its an infrared sensor that you put at the end of the driveway or somewere in the drive way and it has a remote that goes off like a door bell when someone goes in front of it. It will let you know at 3am if that noise you heard was you truck leaving before its leaving, and gives you a chance to get off a shot or two before they even know your there. I hope this can help someone. Thank for reading.

[R290]

I just got my truck stolen from my driveway in the middle of the night so I found this.www.drivewaypatrol.com[/URL] Its pretty cheap and works good. Its an infrared sensor that you put at the end of the driveway or somewere in the drive way and it has a remote that goes off like a door bell when someone goes in front of it. It will let you know at 3am if that noise you heard was you truck leaving before its leaving, and gives you a chance to get off a shot or two before they even know your there. I hope this can help someone. Thank for reading.

Bummer on the truck. I don't like those motion detector version get the beam style. Their picture is miss leading as they are use a standard motion sensor. The other kind are pricy at 80-100 bucks.

[BillyBronco]

I know some newer cars use keys with chips in them. Do they make a product that you can hide a sensor behind your dash and have an electric chip key chain that unless the chip is within 4 ft or so fo the sensor then what ever the sensor is wired to will not work i.e. fuel pump/coil.? This would be great because it is hidden. So does anybody know if something like this is made?
-Billy

[DetailsByDolan]

Lots of great ideas. I've actually been thinking about getting a heavy duty arse chain and wrapping it around my rims, a few times around the front axle, and then running it into the garage and hooking it to the tire changer in our garage that's bolted to the floor. I've been thinking about cut-off switches but haven't gotten around to it. My neck of the woods is pretty safe, my neighborhood is pretty safe but we've had thefts. My stereo was stolen out of my old Blazer, my brother had his stereo system stolen, and my dad had about $2000 worth of tools stolen from the back of his work truck. But when I had my BMX bike I left it out front every night for almost a year before it was stolen. I've left my keys in my Jeep overnight and had it there in the morning. I've seen some of my neighbors leave their garages open all night, even with the back hatch or a side door to their car open and nothing happened. No break-ins (Well, since we've lived here, almost 8 years). No stolen vehicles either. Bums have sneaked their way into vacant houses to stay warm but that's about it.
I'm worried about theft but at the same time I'm not. At least for now. Hopefully wherever I end up when I move out within the next year I'll have relatively low thoughts of theft there too.

My neighbor did have some guys try to steal his YJ one night right after he bought it. It was backed up in his driveway, the thieves unhooked the winch and were running the cable out to their car when my neighbor woke up from the other dumbass crook revving the engine up ever so slightly. Loud ass exhaust on your car and you're trying to steal a car. Smart man! When my neighbor woke up he stuck a gun out the window and fired a blank into the ground, the thieves took off like a bat out of hell and haven't been back :D

[maverick16]

My friend purchased an electronic Jeep fuel pump (http://www.jpartsonline.com/jeepfuelpump.html) on line, I've heard that he was pretty satisfied with it... Though I forgot wat site he bought. Gonna see him this weekend.. Il keep you posted...

[Vert Murder]

This thread is so cool I have to put my 2 cents.

If you have not noticed, almost all azz hole (theft) protection is based OUTSIDE the main function of vehicles…the ENGINE. 99 percent of all crackhead deterrents are linked to satellite devices: power source, ignition, starter, steering wheel, brakes, even the security devices themselves are outside the true power source of your ride… your engine. These satellite components can be re-routed or disabled. These devices are great for initial deterrents but if it comes down to it, have a final back-up INSIDE your engine.

If you really don’t want you chit stolen build your security system IN your engine. So if you know your tech here are a few ideas:

Vacuum sensors (use your revs like a switch), full throttle open (self explanatory), sump pick-up redirect (any ware you want…intake, windshield, drivers seat lol), internal choke, etc. etc. I like internal engine systems because you only need one wire or vacuum line to enter your engine and a bit of tinkering skills. If placed properly the wire/vac line will be totally undetectable.

(Note this idea null and void to ppl’s rigs that are so phat someone might risk lifting it with a crane/flat bed :flipoff2: )

[R290]

This thread is so cool I have to put my 2 cents.

If you have not noticed, almost all azz hole (theft) protection is based OUTSIDE the main function of vehicles…the ENGINE. 99 percent of all crackhead deterrents are linked to satellite devices: power source, ignition, starter, steering wheel, brakes, even the security devices themselves are outside the true power source of your ride… your engine. These satellite components can be re-routed or disabled. These devices are great for initial deterrents but if it comes down to it, have a final back-up INSIDE your engine.

If you really don’t want you chit stolen build your security system IN your engine. So if you know your tech here are a few ideas:

Vacuum sensors (use your revs like a switch), full throttle open (self explanatory), sump pick-up redirect (any ware you want…intake, windshield, drivers seat lol), internal choke, etc. etc. I like internal engine systems because you only need one wire or vacuum line to enter your engine and a bit of tinkering skills. If placed properly the wire/vac line will be totally undetectable.

(Note this idea null and void to ppl’s rigs that are so phat someone might risk lifting it with a crane/flat bed :flipoff2: )

How is a vacuum switch not "outside" the engine? Plenty of ideas from disabling the fuel pump to replacing the coil wire with a vacuum hose. All outside the engine. Are you just saying make sure the engine won't start and the average Joe can't/won't see the reason?
Most ideas have been to the gas, electrical systems, steering, brakes as you have noted as these do work. I find the biggest problem is not using them :p

[Paul Gagnon]

This thread is so cool I have to put my 2 cents.

If you have not noticed, almost all azz hole (theft) protection is based OUTSIDE the main function of vehicles…the ENGINE. 99 percent of all crackhead deterrents are linked to satellite devices: power source, ignition, starter, steering wheel, brakes, even the security devices themselves are outside the true power source of your ride… your engine. These satellite components can be re-routed or disabled. These devices are great for initial deterrents but if it comes down to it, have a final back-up INSIDE your engine.

If you really don’t want you chit stolen build your security system IN your engine. So if you know your tech here are a few ideas:

Vacuum sensors (use your revs like a switch), full throttle open (self explanatory), sump pick-up redirect (any ware you want…intake, windshield, drivers seat lol), internal choke, etc. etc. I like internal engine systems because you only need one wire or vacuum line to enter your engine and a bit of tinkering skills. If placed properly the wire/vac line will be totally undetectable.

(Note this idea null and void to ppl’s rigs that are so phat someone might risk lifting it with a crane/flat bed :flipoff2: )

Thanks for that but this is a serious thread. Leave the theatrics to James Bond.

[Vert Murder]

How is a vacuum switch not "outside" the engine? Plenty of ideas from disabling the fuel pump to replacing the coil wire with a vacuum hose. All outside the engine. Are you just saying make sure the engine won't start and the average Joe can't/won't see the reason?
Most ideas have been to the gas, electrical systems, steering, brakes as you have noted as these do work. I find the biggest problem is not using them :p

Thanks for that but this is a serious thread. Leave the theatrics to James Bond.

lol yes it is a bit theatrical but it was meant to be somewhat comical. Thieves suck so why not make if fun.

The vacuums switch and full throttle open is no joke however. I run a small vacuum switch inside my intake manifold encased in urethane. It is programmed to shut down the ignition after 60 seconds if the manifold vacuum doesn’t drop to near atmospheric twice in 5 seconds after the engine is started. What im saying is after the engine is started the sensor needs to see two high revs twice in 5 seconds to deactivate the cut off. It only practical when my 4x4 is parked over night or for long periods (remind me to never post picks of my 4wd hear lol). It is extra insurance when the thieves have time to disable my other systems.

My friend runs a full throttle open system. Im not exactly sure how he has it set up (EFI system) but if you don’t now how to disable the system, when the engine is started it stays stuck in full throttle position for 10 seconds or so (the engine is rev limited). No crackhead is going to stick around for that!

[R290]

Cool deal Vert. A device your forced to use, and secret to boot:smokin:

P.S. so after 18 hr plane ride where your rig?:D

[jonnyjeeps]

I had a LOJACK installed last year for $469 and the installer wouldnt even let me near the vehicle while he did it. It is even hidden from me. the jeep was stolen two months ago from my driveway in the late evening,I reported it the next morning and the shrriffs dept found some tweeker 15 minutes later at his house with only the wheels off. I will lojack every car from now on.

[peiserg]

my (so far) fool proof method, which has worked even when I lived in the ghetto and had to park my car on the street is to cover the driver's seat with a plastic garbage bag. Make sure you cover it completely, or you'll be sorry.

Eat 3 large Taco Bell burritos with the hottest sauce they have. It's VERY important to add the hot sauce!! This will NOT work without the hot sauce!
When the first painful, massive, explosive episode hits, run out to the vehicle, and take a massive dump on the driver's seat. Try not to spray too much.. it's hard to get out.

Leave the package on the seat, exposed. ANyone who enters your car will be immediately immobilized by the smell, ESPECIALLY if you leave your windows UP!

Next morning, you just wrap up your garbage bag, toss it in the trunk for later, and drive away! :D

[SacRox]

i like the taco bell idea. But what about a removable gas or brake pedal? or even both? you don't need a lock on it just a pin to keep it in place. Like 2 small pipes one smaller than the other of course that slide into each other and held in place with some type of easily removable pin or nut and bolt type combo so you can take your pedals with you! that wouldn't stop those that want to tow it away but its an idea. or something of the same nature on your tranny and t case shifters! just remove the linkage and shifter for both and make your clutch pedal removable and they'll have a bit more trouble pullin that on a trailer

[85-yota]

for my dd i use a few of the common tricks on my wheeler i put a bolt thru the driveline e-brake and also take of the nut off my tre on the pitman arm. if you see my truck coming down the road without me in get out of the way

[cabojohn]

This is a really good thread.
I use a couple different methods of security as recomended...the average thug has little or no chance, others will have a helluva time.:p

What gives me piece of mind is knowing I have a good insurance carrier and a ZERO comprehensive deductible. Everything on my rig is documented with photos and receipts. :)

[sgtzoidberg]

ok i have a lot of experience with thieves. i must first describe my truck it was a nissan 720 with the back window and everything below it cut out making it like a pathfinder wannabe. well they climbed into the back and stole everything they could see radio amp subs even my truck trader. next morning i walked outside to see everything was gone. i called the cops they did all that investigating bs tried to get prints but thats impossible cause i bed-lined the whole truck. then they told me it was my fault for making my truck an easy target . wtf? so i replaced the stereo an decided id cage up the rear so people couldn't get in. i thought all was well like 2 weeks later it happened again only this time i caught them in the act. i ran outside but they were gone by the time i got there this prompted me to rig some home alone type devices meant to cause pain and the loss of maybe some fingers. first i welded spikes made from all thread onto the only place anyone could crawl threw the cage. then i made a trip to the hard ware store and bought some rat traps, and mice traps then called a good friend and went to work. we put the rat traps under the dash where you have to reach to disconnect the stereo, then we set up the mice traps all over the inside after a week of no luck catching the (rats) we decided to crank it up a notch. i glued close to 12 razor blades to the backside of the stereo along with the rat traps. then i stopped setting the mice traps. then the next day i hit pay dirt blood on the dash and all three traps had been set off. i called the cops turned out they caught the guy stealing from another car with deep cuts all over his hands that had been taped up so the moral of the story is don't steal from people... i think anyone caught stealing should have there fingers cut off:flipoff2:

[R290]

ok i have a lot of experience with thieves. i must first describe my truck it was a nissan 720 with the back window and everything below it cut out making it like a pathfinder wannabe. well they climbed into the back and stole everything they could see radio amp subs even my truck trader. next morning i walked outside to see everything was gone. i called the cops they did all that investigating bs tried to get prints but thats impossible cause i bed-lined the whole truck. then they told me it was my fault for making my truck an easy target . wtf? so i replaced the stereo an decided id cage up the rear so people couldn't get in. i thought all was well like 2 weeks later it happened again only this time i caught them in the act. i ran outside but they were gone by the time i got there this prompted me to rig some home alone type devices meant to cause pain and the loss of maybe some fingers. first i welded spikes made from all thread onto the only place anyone could crawl threw the cage. then i made a trip to the hard ware store and bought some rat traps, and mice traps then called a good friend and went to work. we put the rat traps under the dash where you have to reach to disconnect the stereo, then we set up the mice traps all over the inside after a week of no luck catching the (rats) we decided to crank it up a notch. i glued close to 12 razor blades to the backside of the stereo along with the rat traps. then i stopped setting the mice traps. then the next day i hit pay dirt blood on the dash and all three traps had been set off. i called the cops turned out they caught the guy stealing from another car with deep cuts all over his hands that had been taped up so the moral of the story is don't steal from people... i think anyone caught stealing should have there fingers cut off:flipoff2:

The thieves in my neighborhood are more vindictive, they would have burnt your truck to the ground.

[sgtzoidberg]

The thieves in my neighborhood are more vindictive, they would have burnt your truck to the ground.

true in most places they would have burned my truck to the ground, but the thieves here are stupid hell. i watched a dumb a$$ steal a 5 gallon gas can i keep my used motor oil in and he poured it into his car. im not dealing with smart thieves just idiots with sticky fingers. btw if the can had fuel in it it would have been diesel i currently drive a samurai or my dads ford. the samurai wont get hit by thieves it has nothing to steal except for the whole car, but fuel, coil, lights, and everything else runs off toggle switches that aren't labeled.

[PatrickNolan]

You guys all have great ideas. I like the fact that someone pointed out a back up plan could just stop the engine, not like a physical barrier like a chain or switch. I live in NJ and go to school in philadelphia. There is a way that costs 0$ to stop many many possible thefts - just take some distributor wires and put them in your pocket! I do it all the time. Its like having a second, hidden, key. And its not like they can break something or bypass it easily ( granted they dont carry the same wires in their back pocket ) Also, someone stole my spare tire cover and boy i dont really care for the spare its pretty much useless, but it looks ugly. So i bought a new cover, glued it on, and glued on razor blades and fishing hooks on the inside.

[jpcjguy]

For my manual 79 CJ7 I just bought a motorcyle disc brake lock and put it around the clutch and the brake pedal. They either have to put it on a trailer or they have to drive it around in 1st gear. As soon as they clutch to shift, the brake pedal is going down with it! :D

Not the best, but sure is easy to put on and take off - and with no top and doors, a bright yellow lock on the pedals is easy to spot in a Jeep on 35"s and will usually cause them to forget it....as has been stated before - if they REALLY want it, they will get it :shaking:

[My Road]

1st - Along with my Viper alarm, I installed multiple 130db piezo alarms in the cab of my F350 tow rig. Some are under the dash, deep in the a/c vents, under the seat, rear cab wall, and glovebox. There are 9 total. They cost just a few dollars a piece at radio shack, and are ear piercing! When they all go off it is almost impossible to determine where they are all coming from. It's unbearable to stay in the cab with that many sirens going off.

2nd - I wired my ignition kill switch to my seatbelt sensor. My thinking was, what thief in all their haste to steal a car will actually apply their safety belt?! It's been broken into 4 times, and never once has it be moved an inch.

3rd - I hard wired a GPS equipped cell phone (that is on my cell phone plan), to a charger tucked up under the dash of my truck. It's always on, and on the charger. So if the power is cut, it still has 12-16 hours of standby time. I also use http://free.3dtracking.net/ to track it via Google Earth. It's basically a cheap/free version of Low-Jack.

[edstarnes]

There are a lot of good ideas here. I have two ignition switches. They can fiddle around for a while trying to figure them out.