Stolen Air Ride Camaro

[bret]

I could insert all kinds of editorial about this, but I think the situation speaks for itself. My 67 Camaro was stolen from the motel while we were in town for the Year One event.

http://www.ridetech.com/companyprojects/67Camaro.asp

It was my wifes car and she would really like to have it back. I considered offering a reward for the return, but I think it would be an insult to any honest hotrodder who could help us find the car and/or theives.

To the theives: We can build more cars than you can steal.

[Restomod]

Sorry about the loss, the good side is that a car like that cant stay hidden. Hope you get her back asap.

[andrewb70]

Bret,

I am sincerely sorry about the loss. As I understand it, your Camaro was one of a total of 6 cars that was stolen in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Andrew

[TonyL]

*note to self*

NEVER go to the year one event. Or at least in my own car.
6 cars stolen? Perhaps a change of venue is in order.

[StRacerDuke]

Damn, it looks like this is becoming a very big problem. 3 cars were stolen from a show up in Canada last month including a Rad Rides car...

From www.competitionplus.com

Lowdown Shame; Eaton SEMA car stolen, $5,000 reward offered

(4-12-2006) - Eaton is joining in the worldwide search for “Chocolate Thunder” the $450,000 custom convertible built by Rad Rides that was displayed at the Eaton booth during this year’s SEMA show and won the prestigious Mother's Shine Award. Rad Rides is offering a $5,000 reward for tips that lead to the return of the classic car and arrest and conviction of whoever took it.

The beauty, a 1937 Ford convertible with an Eaton supercharger, limited slip differential and Aeroquip hoses, was stolen around 6 a.m., April 6, from a parking lot in Brockville, Ontario, Canada along with its support trailer and Ford pick up tow vehicle.

Police have no leads and there are fears that the vehicle is headed out of North America and destined to be sold on the black market. It was one of three classic vehicles stolen that week in Brockville.

Rad Rides visionary Troy Trepanier said his team has sunk more than 8,500 hours into building the custom vehicle for its private owner who hasn't even had a chance to drive the vehicle yet. They vehicle was touring car shows throughout North America and was being transported in a 32’ trailer sponsored by Eaton.

Please contact Rad Rides @ (815) 468-2590 with any information.

[StRacerDuke]

Bret,

I am sincerely sorry about the loss. As I understand it, your Camaro was one of a total of 6 cars that was stolen in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Andrew

I'm aware of the 80's Monte but not about the other 4. Which cars were they?

[JChristian1835]

That's just sickening... I don't know what I would do if any of my cars were stolen. Sure they can be replaced but I can account for ever tear and blood drop on every one of them.. that's what makes them valuable to me.... sorry about your loss

[6'9"Witha69]

Cars can be replaced, but it is starting all over again to make it "your own" that sucks. It is like going back to square one, even if the insurance writes the big check for it.

Sorry for your loss.

[Steve1968LS2]

Damn, it looks like this is becoming a very big problem. 3 cars were stolen from a show up in Canada last month including a Rad Rides car...

From www.competitionplus.com (http://www.competitionplus.com)

Lowdown Shame; Eaton SEMA car stolen, $5,000 reward offered

(.

Actually that was a year ago... I ran the story.


Sorry to hear Bret, I hope they run themselves over with it...

[ProdigyCustoms]

*note to self*

NEVER go to the year one event. Or at least in my own car.
6 cars stolen? Perhaps a change of venue is in order.

No Tony, do not go to any cars shows if this is how you feel. this has nothing to do with Year One, Atlanta, or anything else. As I said in my Snitch article. Car theives are profiling shows and races, and taking orders. It is runored that one car was attempted to be stolen while outside the dragstrip, then later, when put in the trailer sitting at the hotel, they tried to get the entire rig! Someone ordered THAT car! your liscense plate number is all a theif needs to take it from your home later. this is a serious problem no matter where you and the show are.

Year One cannot be responsible for hotel security in every parking lot of every hotel in the area. We stayed 25 miles out and there were a dozen cars staying there. Our cars, our trucks, our trailers all have Snitches. I spend upwards of $150 a month to track them all, but protected over a half million in cars and equiptment this weekend between ours and customer cars. Looking in the mirro, that sounds cheap.

[Mike Holleman]

Frank, You are absolutely right. Year One is in no way at fault in these cars being stolen. If these cars had been left at the show site they would still be with the owners as Year One had 24 hour security there.
The sad reality is these cars most likely are already disassembled and parts from them will end up on internet auction sites.
Mike Holleman

[79_GBody]

No Tony, do not go to any cars shows if this is how you feel. this has nothing to do with Year One, Atlanta, or anything else. As I said in my Snitch article. Car theives are profiling shows and races, and taking orders. It is runored that one car was attempted to be stolen while outside the dragstrip, then later, when put in the trailer sitting at the hotel, they tried to get the entire rig! Someone ordered THAT car! your liscense plate number is all a theif needs to take it from your home later. this is a serious problem no matter where you and the show are.

Year One cannot be responsible for hotel security in every parking lot of every hotel in the area. We stayed 25 miles out and there were a dozen cars staying there. Our cars, our trucks, our trailers all have Snitches. I spend upwards of $150 a month to track them all, but protected over a half million in cars and equiptment this weekend between ours and customer cars. Looking in the mirro, that sounds cheap.

I was thinking that same thing...no regular car thief steals big dollar show cars. Maybe Jags and Mercedes, but to have someone steal a big companys show car, it had to have been someone who knew about it and really wanted that particular car.

[Nine Ball]

I always left my cars at the venue overnight during Year One events. Just put a car cover on them and leave them. They hire 24-hr security for these events, several big-$$$$ cars were in the same lot and nobody had any complaints.

Sorry to hear the Camaro was stolen. I'll make a post in the Southern forum on LS1TECH to help spread the word.

[TonyL]

Not blaming Year One. But damn. That's a load of stolen cars. I blame Atlanta and the Police's inability to control or deter crime in the area. I've heard 6 to 10 were taken. That's epic, epidemic crime in association with a car show. Either we're looking at a "Gone in 60 Seconds" type coordinated hollywood style crime ring, or we're looking at a car show held in a *super high* crime area. While it's fun and easy to say it was organized, it could be either. Sure, there are chances to have our cars taken anywhere anytime due to the high desirability factor. And then there's the factor of putting your high risk car in a high risk location. *That's* the point I was making. Atlanta = High risk.

[MarkM66]

A pic of all the cars stolen may help in recovery.

[Damn True]

Mark is right. The best thing to do right now is to get the word spread as far and wide as possible. Right now we need a list of the cars, with photos would be best, that we can all distribute as far and wide as possible.

Cars like these usually aren't parted out.

[Larry Callahan]

Sorry to hear about your loss Bret and the others that had cars stolen over the weekend. That Camaro was one serious ride. I have the distinction of being the last person to blast around the autocross in it and before you jump to any conclusions, I did not drive it home. Bret beat on and his cars and allowed others to beat on his rides all weekend. That's a lot of abuse and it still shocks me they don't trailer these cars to the track.

Watch for pictures, video and a full story soon.

[JEFFTATE]

The show is not really "in" Atlanta.
It's in Braselton , which is way the hell out in the country.( 50 miles northeast of the city)
That's not exactly a high crime area. The thieves came into the area to steal these cars.

I will keep an eye out. I live in the north-metro Atlanta area.
PM me the vins on any car that was stolen and I'll check every car I see .
It may not help , but I see a lot of older cars coming through the dealership.
You never know.


By the way , SORRY BRET.

[Damn True]

Our cars, our trucks, our trailers all have Snitches. I spend upwards of $150 a month to track them all, but protected over a half million in cars and equiptment this weekend between ours and customer cars. Looking in the mirro, that sounds cheap.

Is that something like a Lojack system?

[scogin918]

Frank, You are absolutely right. Year One is in no way at fault in these cars being stolen. If these cars had been left at the show site they would still be with the owners as Year One had 24 hour security there.

My friends car was stolen in broad daylight from the parking lot at Commerce. You would think that they would have lot attendants on golf carts or merely walking around to act as a deterent. As far as pictures go, I've got them posted in the For Sale section under Clean '87 Monte Carlo SS. Thanks for all of the concern guys. As I am finishing my ride as we speak, I will definitely have full-coverage, agreed value insurance, fuel/ignition cut-off, and a GPS locating device. This is getting ridiculous. I'll be damned if I'm going to let this ruin my good time.

[Kustom_dude]

Stolen cars at a car show is not new news…. Cars have been getting stolen from car shows since the 50's. I have a few friends that work for Good Guys and other shows. They have cars stolen almost at every show. I went to Pomona for the LA Roadster show and about 8 high dollar cars where taken the first night of the show. The next night 2 or 3 were taken.

I hate to say this and especially on the internet but … usually taken by young guys that can use the parts on their cars. I have heard rumors of a few certain car clubs that go out and do this type of stuff. Don’t know if its true or not but you never know….. You just have to keep a eye on your car at all times. It's just the way it is and use something like Frank says low jack, snitches, alarms what ever it takes.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Is that something like a Lojack system?

Kinda, but better. read it all here.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27697&highlight=gps

[buickfunnycar.com]

Wow...slimey stealing *******s.

One word...Karma

[HsvToolFool]

Rather than passive tracking devices, I'm strongly attracted to more pro-active solutions. The thieves open the trailers in remote, isolated areas after stealing the tow vehicle. So the idea of a trailer rigged with a "deterrent" which "activates" when the door is opened is rather appealing. For example, a redneck (me) sleeping in the back with a loaded semi-auto 12-guage shotgun. Probably not allowed in CA or MI, but perfectly legal in GA and other gun-friendly states. "It was self-defense, I swear! They kidnapped me, officer!"

But seriously, there's enough lost money here to justify FBI sting operations at the larger car shows. The chance of opening the trailer door on a few armored Federal Officers carrying full-auto M16s should eliminate all but the most desperate.

[ill steez]

Rather than passive tracking devices, I'm strongly attracted to more pro-active solutions. The thieves open the trailers in remote, isolated areas after stealing the tow vehicle. So the idea of a trailer rigged with a "deterrent" which "activates" when the door is opened is rather appealing. For example, a redneck (me) sleeping in the back with a loaded semi-auto 12-guage shotgun. Probably not allowed in CA or MI, but perfectly legal in GA and other gun-friendly states. "It was self-defense, I swear! They kidnapped me, officer!"




listen, if your up for it, i'll give you like ten bucks a day to sleep in the back of my car at shows. i'll even pay for ammo.

[toxicz28]

Sorry to hear it. Damn dirty thieves!

[LMDGUY]

Its a sad thing but it happens.. at every kind of car show. From Lowrider Supershow to CES to SEMA. The man that owns the corporation I work for had a race car and rig stolen from SEMA this past year. There is really nothing you can do.. if they want it they will get it one way or another.

[John McIntire]

I really do not understand why they do this? Do they just strip the cars down? Do they just repaint them? You would think that they would reappear somewhere. But Like Frank was saying they have some big time thieves come in and thise cars are probably thousands of miles away now, if not out of the country! I mean what do you do with Rad Rides car? Is that just sitting in some guys collection somewhere? I dont get it.

[onebad2]

But Its not like they could show them again...At least some of the cars with "one of parts" that others know that were done.

This just makes me sooo mad that people have to be doing this.

[jeff s]

One car was recovered. It had a hidden switch for the fuel pump. Got a little ways then died. The thieves abandoned it after spraying the areas they touched with wd40. Police figure it was a professional operation. Moral of the story, put a hidden switch in there somewhere.
I have it in different places on all my cars, not always the fuel pump either. Simple, cheap, effective. The hotel I stayed at was where the Bandit Run guys were staying. They hired a security guard to watch the cars. I chipped in, cost us $6 / night each, pretty cheap. Another deterent. I'd rather do these 2 things than quit going to events.

[WS6]

Jeff has the right idea. More times than not, if the car can not be driven away it will not be stolen. A hidden kill switch is way more effective than any noisy car alarm out there. The possibilities are limitless on what the kill switch is. All you need is a relay that interupts fuel, spark, or starting unless some other switch is turned on. Think of all the switches in a car that are normally there. Then think of all the places you could hide a relay and some wires. That's all there is to that. You don't even need to add a new switch that can possibly be found.

LowJack is a waste in a situation like this. These are obviously highend theives. Your LowJack system will be sitting in a trash can by the time you realize your car is gone. I have no idea how snitch works. I'll go read it now.

Sorry for the loss Bret. I do hope you can find it. I think more information about the individual cars being circulated would help a lot. Pictures of each car and maybe tag/vin info.

[Steve1968LS2]

Jeff has the right idea. More times than not, if the car can not be driven away it will not be stolen. A hidden kill switch is way more effective than any noisy car alarm out there. The possibilities are limitless on what the kill switch is. All you need is a relay that interupts fuel, spark, or starting unless some other switch is turned on. Think of all the switches in a car that are normally there. Then think of all the places you could hide a relay and some wires. That's all there is to that. You don't even need to add a new switch that can possibly be found.

LowJack is a waste in a situation like this. These are obviously highend theives. Your LowJack system will be sitting in a trash can by the time you realize your car is gone. I have no idea how snitch works. I'll go read it now.

Sorry for the loss Bret. I do hope you can find it. I think more information about the individual cars being circulated would help a lot. Pictures of each car and maybe tag/vin info.

And the best switch is one where the car dies after moving a few yards. No thief wants the attention of blocking traffic, they generally bail.

However this doesn't help if they flatbed your car away. In that instance something like lojack or the GPS Snitch is the way to go.

[Gordz32]

Sorry to hear that bad news for you bret and everyone else. I had heard about this and we were talking about this at the shop today. It really sucks. Sooo.. having said that, I'm going to mount motion sensitive machine guns that pop outta the chevelles fenders and trunk. I hope the cars show up.

[MonzaRacer]

I'm thinking a plate with 6 or 12 razor sharp knives that spring up through the seat and into the perpetrators backside.
OR possibly a stun gun wired to the steering wheel so it will stun the b@#$^*d while driving!.
I can be vindictive and mean when it comes to my property.
Sorry for the loss Bret.
Lee

[Steve68]

Lee, a friend did that to a radio in his Toyota Tacoma, taped razor blades to the backside, When they came back for the new radio, what a surprise!!! but it did cost the ins.co almost 3K for the interior, the ******* wiped blood everywhere, I like the GPS thing, or bolt it to a eye bolt in the ground, Jeffs hidden kill swith sounds best,

[bingham72]

That definately sucks, Bret! Us Georgia boys will keep an eye peeled. Surely the hotel has security cameras that caught a glimps?
I would think that the GBI or FBI would be involved in this investigation. Stealing multiple cars isn't a opportunistic endevour.

[[email protected]]

We hope you find the car in 100% condition!

[theorangeguy]

Not blaming Year One. But damn. That's a load of stolen cars. I blame Atlanta and the Police's inability to control or deter crime in the area. I've heard 6 to 10 were taken. That's epic, epidemic crime in association with a car show. Either we're looking at a "Gone in 60 Seconds" type coordinated hollywood style crime ring, or we're looking at a car show held in a *super high* crime area. While it's fun and easy to say it was organized, it could be either. Sure, there are chances to have our cars taken anywhere anytime due to the high desirability factor. And then there's the factor of putting your high risk car in a high risk location. *That's* the point I was making. Atlanta = High risk.

I want you to know that i registered for this forum just because of what you said...time to straighten some things out lol

maybe they should hold the year one event in Sacramento, the city with the 7th highest stolen car rate in the country. Just so you know, the year one event was actually over an hour away from atlanta...the reason it was stolen wasnt because of where it was located. Its unfortunatly because people go around to these shows looking for beautiful cars to steal...

As for the person who lost the car, i've seen this posted on atleast 3 forums so people are definatly on the look out!

[TonyL]

mmmkay. 6 cars ripped off due to one event. Hold an event here? Go ahead. Thing is, given the crime rate in Sac or the Bay area, shows like Good-guys get togethers happen and you're (un)lucky if one or two cars get stolen. There are bigger and more publicized events all over the country. This is the first time I've heard of *this many* cars getting ripped off due to attending one event. If I'm wrong, correct me. Find a show where 6 cars were stolen somewhere else. Given the relatively small attendance of cars in comparison to the nationals in Columbus Ohio, how many cars were taken from attendees of that show? (not sarcastically meant, seriously if any were taken, I don't know, and would like to.)

All I'm saying is 6 cars were taken after a show. Regardless of which show or where it was, *This particular news* is widespread now. People are going to remember this next year. Some simply wont bring their cars for fear of a repeat performance. Once a crime wave like this happens, people react. Usually negatively. They'll either take more precautions next time or stay away all together.

All I'm suggesting is damage control. Year One has to know this took place. Even though it was out of their control. They are going to feel the pinch next year as this bad publicity keeps getting spread around.
The only option available to them is to move the venue, since they have no control over hotel security.

Please don't take it as "I hate Atlanta." I'm looking at this from a damage control perspective.

[zbugger]

I thought the same thing happened last year with a bunch of Monte Carlos and a few other cars. And I think it was at the same show. And then it happened again on the Power Tour. At least that's what I remember. I could be wrong. But it's mainly been happening in that area. At least the grouping of car thefts has.

[bobbaganoosh]

That really sucks, getting your pride & joy stolen. I used to own a '93 Chevy truck that I had put a lot of time & effort in, and one night I had to park it in an area I was really uncomfortable with - I just had a gut feeling. I had a blown fuse laying in the ash tray so I replaced the PCM fuse with that one. Sure enough when I came back out the door & column were popped, but it was still there. Lucky for them I didn't catch them, otherwise I would have put a bullet in thier head. Texas is a great place to live.:twothumbs

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, I have to keep standing up for Year One here. There is NO WAY they can be responsible for security at all the hotels, nor should they. NONE of the hotels on Power Tour had security, not even the host hotels, except a few that had security all the time which was a joke. We hired cops with guns to watch our stuff every night and it cost $200 to $350 per night. The pressure, if any, should be put on the hotels hosting multiple car show attendees. But again, even at my hotel 20 some odd miles away, there were 4 to 6 cars. Who could expect Year One or the hotel for that matter to hire security for 4 to 6 cars?

As for a switch of venue. This show is held in the most perfect venue ever. The location is fantastic, The events are perfect, and if Year One is guilty of anything it is a reputation for drawing the nicest cars, and the thieves know it.

Year One had killer security inside both venues, that is all they should be expected to do.

As for cars being stolen from other venues. In 1989 I was at a show in West palm Beach Florida (not exactly a crime meca by any means) sleeping in a bit, and heard screaming and cussing in the parking lot about 6AM. When I ran out of my room to see who was getting killed, I found screaming owners who's trucks and trailers, complete rigs, were stolen, from a Marriott in West Palm Beach, and the hotel had security! Apparently deputy dog he was on the other side of the building.

Again, it is really the owners responsibility to protect their car. Switches, Alarms, and tracking devices are the only way to go. Or simply do not leave the house with your car. because even riding down the road a thief could follow you home, or get your tag info and find it later.

Any one that thinks one venue or show circuit is safer then another is fooling themselves.

[TonyL]

I am *NOT* blaming Year one, I'm worried about Year One.

Whether they deserve it or not, the Year One Experience is being tied together with "car theft" right now. Message boards everywhere are creating threads with "car stolen at year one" in the title. Google will automatically tie these together, so when you search for year one you'll see "my car got ripped off at the year one event" right near the top.

The words "bad taste in my mouth" "not the experience I had in mind" "this'll put a lot of people off" are EVERYWHERE now.

This sentiment is likely to proliferate. As an individual we can sit here and talk about how to rationally deal with the situation, but the majority of people are going to associate the year one experience this year with car theft. Even though it isn't Year One's fault.

*That's* where I'm going with this. I'm sure that they won't change venues. Or even give it a second thought. But if it happens again next year, It'll be devastating to the show.

The theft that occurred on Power Tour was a Monte SS in Birmingham Alabama, not even in Georgia. If any cars were taken last year at Year One, I'm unaware of it. If any other event has had this many cars taken from it, I'm also unaware of it. Either the theft problem is getting worse, (possible) or that area has a very organized car theft ring. (also possible)

[toxicz28]

I thought the same thing happened last year with a bunch of Monte Carlos and a few other cars. And I think it was at the same show. And then it happened again on the Power Tour. At least that's what I remember. I could be wrong. But it's mainly been happening in that area. At least the grouping of car thefts has.
Can't say the exact date for the Super Chevy show, but the Monte on the Power Tour was stolen between 6:00 am and 7:15am on 6-9-05. Called my sister to tell her her nephew was born, she told me her husband's car was stolen.


...that area has a very organized car theft ring. (also possible)
That's what B'ham PD told my brother-in-law.

[1FstChevy]

Wow thats sad to hear... Sorry about your loss thats a clean Camaro.

But I guess its a good thing I have a steering wheel that disengages from the column and spins freely! Good luck driving or getting it on a roll back when the wheels are turned all the way to the curb with no way of turning them back... that is unless you can pick a lock made by German safe manufacturers. Heh heh! I also have a few ignition cut offs and such hidden with a little custom work, I've considered adding a modern alarm and maybe even GPS?

I think if I attended one of those weekend events I'd start by practicing the my foot in your A** security measure against any unauthorized hoodlums who came too close to my ride, although you could also employ measures like placing your wheels inside the hotel room with steel blocks in their place? Outside of hiring security gaurds which is probably a good idea provided its not Barney Fife, I'd probably just enjoy lying in wait for any criminals looking to harm anyones Rides within my reach and then lay down a little Ohio style vigilante justice upon them.

[cudaman]

Theft rings by definition have some degree of organization. Power
Tour is right around the corner and there will be several of these cartels licking their chops. The route, event locations, and overnight stops are very well publicized far in advance. It has to be this way, of course, but it provides so many opportunities to plan and then execute theft. If you know where you are staying in advance each night, call around that particular town and find a security agency that will rent you a guard at the motel for the night. With a few people pitching in, it will be very cheap and worth every penny for the restful sleep and peace of mind that it should bring.

A motel parking lot could easily contain several hundred thousand dollars or more of classic cars at one time with no one watching them. You wouldn't leave several hundred thousand dollars of art or anything else unattended in a motel parking lot all night unattended, so why would this be any different. It should be different, but it apparently is not. These used to be just used cars, but those days are gone.

[Steve68]

My Nova sits in the driveway, I usually park another car behind it, but when I have to leave it out by the street, I get nervous, and try to park another car behind it(block it in) It was stolen once before I bought it, the Key switch was torn up, but they didn't get it running, it was found about a mile away, tired fools,

[ProdigyCustoms]

If anyone wants to track one of my snitches to see how it works, One of my guys is traveling to pick up some parts, e mail me [email protected] for a free invite to track a snitch today. Also you must include your pro touring screen name.

I will e mail you a invite and you can check it out.

[theorangeguy]

A guy over on one of the forums im on says he saw the car!

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718724

[TheMonkey]

he said he seen it on Sunday at 4-5 pm. it sounds like it was stolen in the early hours of Sunday am....

sounds like he saw the theif. "White guy, about 50 black hair was driving".

Bret- maybe you should talk to this guy that posted? i'm sure the cops will want to.

[got_hp?]

If anyone wants to track one of my snitches to see how it works, One of my guys is traveling to pick up some parts, e mail me [email protected] for a free invite to track a snitch today. Also you must include your pro touring screen name.

I will e mail you a invite and you can check it out.


what I dont understand is why ALL these cars dont have something like the Snitch installed??!?

If I spent $50-100k+ on building a car, not to mention countless manhours, i would have 2 snitches in every car!!!! Its a small price to pay to protect your ride, and they could be hidden so easily. With such a great service available, its mind boggling to see such high dollar vehicles not have such a simple safety device.

Just think of how good it would feel to catch up to the thiefs 5-6 hours later, thinking they got a clean getaway, with a bunch of cops to bust their ass.


Killswitch is also a nice trick, although that doesnt stop them from trailering it away.

[Steve1968LS2]

what I dont understand is why ALL these cars dont have something like the Snitch installed??!?

If I spent $50-100k+ on building a car, not to mention countless manhours, i would have 2 snitches in every car!!!! Its a small price to pay to protect your ride, and they could be hidden so easily. With such a great service available, its mind boggling to see such high dollar vehicles not have such a simple safety device.

Just think of how good it would feel to catch up to the thiefs 5-6 hours later, thinking they got a clean getaway, with a bunch of cops to bust their ass.


Killswitch is also a nice trick, although that doesnt stop them from trailering it away.

Funny, I think the same thing when I consider a fire suppression system..

$30k, $50k, $100k on a car and they can't spend $400 on a system to keep it from burning to the ground.

Non-sensical..

[wiedemab]

I agree that a device to track the car is a great idea and good advice for others, but it's all hindsight in Bret's case. It's a shame that something like this has to happen before we all take any/all necessary cautions to protect our investments.

Brandon

[Nine Ball]

Here is what I install in all of my vehicles, costs around $379 installed and is simple and effective. They would have to tow your car away if they want it. www.ravelco.com

[jsconiers]

Atlanta is no more high risk than other city. There are cars stolen at every car show....or at least the well known car shows were people travel out of town to get to. There are cars stolen from people houses while they sleep......it has nothing with Atlanta and no I don't live there. Cleveland, KC, cincy, and DC are all way smaller and have way higher crime rates. If you rank it by theft only Atlanta doesn't even make the top 20 (Ok 24) and car theft is even lower...People will steal whenever there is an opportunity and the people stealing custom classic cars are not two-bit criminals. They are well organized people who have the ability to get rid of what they stole. After all....who's going to get a way with selling a stolen car on ebay, craigs list, paper, etc.....most two bit criminals wouldn't even know how to get rid of the car or what cars to go after unless it had a big name sponsor attached to it.....


Not blaming Year One. But damn. That's a load of stolen cars. I blame Atlanta and the Police's inability to control or deter crime in the area. I've heard 6 to 10 were taken. That's epic, epidemic crime in association with a car show. Either we're looking at a "Gone in 60 Seconds" type coordinated hollywood style crime ring, or we're looking at a car show held in a *super high* crime area. While it's fun and easy to say it was organized, it could be either. Sure, there are chances to have our cars taken anywhere anytime due to the high desirability factor. And then there's the factor of putting your high risk car in a high risk location. *That's* the point I was making. Atlanta = High risk.

[bingham72]

A guy over on one of the forums im on says he saw the car!

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718724

Can some follow up about which direction on Hwy 92? That's kinda my neck of the woods. I can cruise around this weekend.

[SimplyKC]

This was in the SEMA News email I got today:

http://www.sema.org/Main/ArticleDetail.aspx?contentID=57475

[SimplyKC]

Can some follow up about which direction on Hwy 92? That's kinda my neck of the woods. I can cruise around this weekend.

Asked...check back in a while for a possible reply.

[bret]

In my opinion [which is actually really relevant here] Year One is not at fault in any way. These theives are aware of any large gathering of hotrods and will certainly go to wherever they are. They were professonals. It is likely that by the time we discovered the Camaro was gone it was already loaded into a container in Savannah and on its way to South America or wherever.
Theives know no boundries. This could have happened at ANY show anywhere is the country.
I must say that I have been driving hi profile cars all over the country for at least 25 years and have had not even a door ding. This incident will NOT prevent me from doing the same from here forward. I will not be further victimized by cowering under a car cover or inside a trailer. We will continue to build more cars than they can steal.
I will, however, be investigating the Snitch locating device, or something similar. Frank has sent me a link to see a sample tracking record. It sounds promising.
2 morals here...1. Year One is NOT to blame...the theives are. 2.Be aware...don't be afraid.

[hotrdblder]

great outlook bret, goodluck and i for one cannot wait to see what you build next
jake

[TonyL]

good attitude Bret! I still hope they catch the basstards. I don't think anyone is "blaming" Year One. Just stating that next year people will be apprehensive of the show.

[Tony_SS]

It's about time hotels start stepping up and hiring extra security at these types of events.. Raise the rates for the weekend.. it'd be worth it!

[audioman]

Bret

Sorry about your loss and I hope you find your car. That being said: There are numerous ways to protect a car, many of them mentioned in this thread.

Thieves are well aware of most security systems, if any in your car. They can cut the batteries and take an alarm system out of a car as fast as you can blink. The best defense is a great offense.

I won’t describe my system in detail but let me tell you some of its advantages:


First and most important I have an alarm system. Keeps amateurs away.
If the car is moved without ignition being on (like your trailer being stolen or your car being flat bedded) I get a call on my cell.
If the alarm is triggered, within seconds I get a call on the cell.
The system works even if the battery is disconnected.
The hoods on most all old cars can be opened from outside of the car. Thieves will then cut your siren wires within seconds and you will only hear one chirp from your alarm. I have more than one siren and the second siren is not accessible. They can remove your alarm if they can gain entry into your engine compartment. Put an old fashion hood lock on so they can’t get into the engine compartment.
Make sure you have a flashing led visible from outside of your car to let thieves know you’ve got an alarm. This will make them move on to easier prey.
My system allows me to shut off the ignition via my cell phone. I can lock the doors and disable the power windows from my cell.
I can track my car via cell phone and computer.
I still will use a snitch as another back up. Can be hidden where thieves are not trained to look.
I've been in the electronics industry most of my life and yes I’m paranoid. I’ve heard of most ways thieves steal cars. Again, a good defense is the best offense, I take it overboard for good reason I’ve been a victim.
You can actually do more (ear piercing internal sirens, air horns, etc) than what I’ve done, if my car gets lifted, he was the best thieve out there.

Is this worth it? Ask someone who has ever had their car taken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:machine: :machine: :machine: :machine: :machine:

[Roger Poirier]

It's about time hotels start stepping up and hiring extra security at these types of events.. Raise the rates for the weekend.. it'd be worth it!



Agreed big time!

R.P.

[BonzoHansen]

Bret

Sorry about your loss and I hope you find your car. That being said: There are numerous ways to protect a car, many of them mentioned in this thread.

Thieves are well aware of most security systems, if any in your car. They can cut the batteries and take an alarm system out of a car as fast as you can blink. The best defense is a great offense.

I won’t describe my system in detail but let me tell you some of its advantages:


First and most important I have an alarm system. Keeps amateurs away.
If the car is moved without ignition being on (like your trailer being stolen or your car being flat bedded) I get a call on my cell.
If the alarm is triggered, within seconds I get a call on the cell.
The system works even if the battery is disconnected.
The hoods on most all old cars can be opened from outside of the car. Thieves will then cut your siren wires within seconds and you will only hear one chirp from your alarm. I have more than one siren and the second siren is not accessible. They can remove your alarm if they can gain entry into your engine compartment. Put an old fashion hood lock on so they can’t get into the engine compartment.
Make sure you have a flashing led visible from outside of your car to let thieves know you’ve got an alarm. This will make them move on to easier prey.
My system allows me to shut off the ignition via my cell phone. I can lock the doors and disable the power windows from my cell.
I can track my car via cell phone and computer.
I still will use a snitch as another back up. Can be hidden where thieves are not trained to look.
I've been in the electronics industry most of my life and yes I’m paranoid. I’ve heard of most ways thieves steal cars. Again, a good defense is the best offense, I take it overboard for good reason I’ve been a victim.
You can actually do more (ear piercing internal sirens, air horns, etc) than what I’ve done, if my car gets lifted, he was the best thieve out there.

Is this worth it? Ask someone who has ever had their car taken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:machine: :machine: :machine: :machine: :machine:


Details on all this would be great for us! (products, etc)

[MonzaRacer]

Well I had an idea to deter thieves for those of use that have air ride.
A set of plates that you drive over, then you have a set of lock posts that point down to the ground and you would pad lock this to the wheel plates, then a master disarm on the air ride and you let the car down on the stake points. So the car sits on the posts and the wheels are pad locked to them and the car is down so low you cant get a regular floor jack under and if using more than one the guys would have to think twice to try and remove them all(provided you have 2 or more.
and it couldnt be dragged unless it made much noise and it would take a long time to heist.
Anyone like this idea?
I was thinking of a simple bracket with a heavy wall pipe thats welded to the car or air rideyour lock pipe slips into this and you set the car down and the plate and lock bar are padlocked together.
Properly set up you could even have an alarm switch inside one or more of the sockets too.
So the car sits on the posts, those are locked to the plates under the wheels (with traction points so as to be harder to drag)another lock bar couldbe made to lock the steering to the lock posts too.
Ill post some pics as soon as I dig up my scrap to make a prototype.
Lee Abel
AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE
PS I think that if wanted someone could probably use them even without the air ride but the car could still possibly be jacked up.
My thinking is that if you make it too time consuming then they will drop the idea and move on.

[HsvToolFool]

Okay, I have two ideas...

Attach a tiny blue wire to the car in a discreet location. It's highly unlikely that a former CIA agent code-named "Kit Kat" who presently works at CSI Miami would notice the wire. So when the blue wire is disturbed during an attempted burglary, a nested steel cage drops from the ceiling simultaneously securing the car and trapping the would-be thief. For good measure, a loud klaxon alarm blares while tear gas is released into the room, choking the inept security guard who stumbles into the cage by mistake. And don't leave a Pocket Fisherman™, olive oil, or Harvey's Bristol Crème® lying about.

Alternatively, you might store your car on a disabled four-post lift in the raised position.

[Restomod]

The wheel locks like I have seen where it clamps around the wheel and keeps the car from rolling would be great. It could be jacked up and moved but it could deter the theif as it would take to much time. Then you could have the 007 shocker from Tomorrow Never Dies,if someone touches the car they get a jolt!

[TheMonkey]

what about vanishing cream ?

[paul67]

audioman I'm interested in your system as well.

[4cruzin]

Definitely a sad situation. Not sure I'm going to sleep to well at the next show. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[darren@ridetech]

Okay, I have two ideas...

Attach a tiny blue wire to the car in a discreet location. It's highly unlikely that a former CIA agent code-named "Kit Kat" who presently works at CSI Miami would notice the wire. So when the blue wire is disturbed during an attempted burglary, a nested steel cage drops from the ceiling simultaneously securing the car and trapping the would-be thief. For good measure, a loud klaxon alarm blares while tear gas is released into the room, choking the inept security guard who stumbles into the cage by mistake. And don't leave a Pocket Fisherman™, olive oil, or Harvey's Bristol Crème® lying about.

Alternatively, you might store your car on a disabled four-post lift in the raised position.

Remember the Trunk Monkey's......
http://www.funnyclipcentral.com/content/trunkmonkey.php

[Larry Callahan]

Remember the Trunk Monkey's......
http://www.funnyclipcentral.com/content/trunkmonkey.php


LOL!!!!!!!!

[Moose]

any news on any of the cars??

Sad. sorry for your loses.

[ITLBTU]

Did they ever find your car?

[darren@ridetech]

Nope. We gave up and decided to build a new one. Check it out in the Project forum.

[78trans]

that really sucks. i'm sorry about the loss i hope you find the car.