Re: Anti-theft Devices

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2023/6/20 11:21:07

If it's the conv in the picture, then good luck. They'll slit the top just for spite.
The best defense is one the enemy can see at a distance so those steering wheel bar locks or tire clamps are probably the best beside keeping it garaged/out of sight. Eventually, they'll get good at defeating those, if not already. If at first they don't see some deterrent, and it's juicy, they'll plunge right in. U want to stop/deter that initial advance. That's why those protection co. signs in yards work even when not in use. Given a choice, which house - with or without?
Be careful where you go, park, and for how long. If the steering wheel or tire isn't locked, then they can step on the clutch or ease in neutral and push it away/tow without it running, too. More time to defeat your puzzle elsewhere. That's why they came up with the locking ignition, locks the steering and trans too. They learned to defeat those, so it's a moving target. The sophisticated rings will simply winch it on a tow/box truck and whisk away to the chop shop. ie, not a joy rider theft.
I think being a P is a deterrent anyway. What is that? They like things they can flip or turn into parts for cash. Why they're cutting off catalytics now in daylight. May have to wait a long time to sell a P or its parts and they'll be more likely noticed/arrested if they put online/store. In this case rarity is a virtue. But hasn't stopped the theft of valuables through out history. There's an international collector market too. Put in a container and never seen again.
What I don't like about electrical gimmicks is if amateur breaks in and can't get it going, they may cause more damage. Plus more things to go wrong when troubleshooting issues.
Don't leave valuables in the open. I had my tow vehicle vent window pried open w/electric door locks to get less than a bucks worth of change off my custom van dash in a crowded parking lot plus they ransacked the compartments looking for more. All they wanted was money. I could have left some on the bumper taped a buck on the windshield and been better off. Don't bait the trap for the wise mouse. If you have a fancy stereo or other appliance, then concealing them from view is wise. Many options. I had to park out on the street at home once, quiet town, and they stole the safety break away hood ornament overnight when that was popular. Easy to walk/drive by and twist it off put in a pocket. I fished a tournament near a major city and four lower units were heisted at the motel. 4 bolts and it's yours @ $2K apiece. They backed them in so they were secluded from view. Night time is no time. If you go to a show, use an enclosed trailer.
I used to like alarms, but there's so many now, you hear one accidently go off on every Walmart lot, and no one pays them alert. Without a computer like today, these old cars are not easy to harden. Be wise.