Anti-theft on PT cars? [Archive]

GetMore

08-20-2009, 09:23 AM

I think a lot of the cars stolen were taken by theives who didn't even try starting the cars.

GPS Snitch (if I remembered the name correctly) lets you track the vehicle, so if it's stolen you have a better chance of finding it. You can also see where it is and how fast it's going, in case you let someone borrow it. ;)
However, there are devices that will stop this from working, and I don't think they're very expensive, either.

Now, while there is nothing that will stop a determined thief, I do think that it's a good idea to do things to stop the less determined ones.

I think the most effective method would be an armed guard. Preferrably one who is loyal to you, but doesn't necessarily believe in laws. One that knows how to make sure a potential thief has threatened their life, so the guard's shooting the perp is justified.

Steve Chryssos

08-20-2009, 10:17 AM

The Stickman

08-20-2009, 10:28 AM

I haven't done it yet but plan on a fuel pump switch and and electrical cutoff switch as well as a kill switch on an MSD. Doesn't help if they tow it though.

rjp71

08-20-2009, 10:35 AM

i have been looking into lojack and I think I may prefer it to gps snitch because it is tracked by a radio signal rather than a gps signal. My thought being the GPS signal will be useless if the car is taken in a car hauler etc...
Additionally, law enforcement is used to dealing with Lojack.

gkring

08-20-2009, 10:37 AM

GPS tracking device, very cheap and better than lojack. I also just bought into the ISIS group buy which will ,make starting the car practicaly impossible without the right remote. Anything beyond someone just trying to find a joyride is going to get towed out and that makes the GPS solutions the best.

gmjj13

08-20-2009, 10:56 AM

fuel pump cut-off switch, battery in trunk with kill switch, and Grant removeable steering wheel kit. not sure how much it will help, but hopefully the lack of a steering wheel will help deter any one...

camaro2nv

08-20-2009, 11:00 AM

ISIS System if your doing a rewire.

PT Sportwagon

08-20-2009, 06:14 PM

As a former automotive electronics installer. I have seen the best alarms money can buy but if the installer doesn't know what he is doing they can be out witted. I have a few tricks and ideas that I may incorporate into my wagon. But not limited to electronics.

Tim

thedodgeboys

08-20-2009, 06:20 PM

Wasn’t there a James Bond movie were someone went to swipe his car and it exploded sending the would be thief into a fiery ball?

:drive2:
That’s the one I want.

Mr.VENGEANCE

08-20-2009, 10:55 PM

i chain the damn thing to a tree with a huge heavy lock and chain..

patriot68

08-21-2009, 07:05 AM

ive got a trunk monkey, well worth it
check it out -----http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee3L9BQQ4Gs

GrabberGT

08-21-2009, 07:20 AM

I keep a toddler in the car at all times. This particular child (not mine) has a wild, piercing shriek that would send any hoodlum running for cover. Think fingernails on a blackboard times 1000.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Got one of these myself. Here he is practicing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/FSCN1833JPG-1.jpg

Dayton

08-21-2009, 01:09 PM

xzc

Mr.VENGEANCE

08-21-2009, 01:40 PM

man you might damn well have to bolt it down to the ground where you are..

anyone know is you have 4 bolt points into the ground connected to the frame if that would slow them down?

like one on each leaf and 2 in the front frames.. almost completely under the car..

overkill?

Jim Nilsen

08-21-2009, 02:03 PM

It's getting to the point that you will have to treat your car like your girlfriend or your wife and sleep with them when you are out of town.

It's like leaving a little kid on playground all alone with a shirt with his name on it. You can't leave anything out of your sight these days it seems. Losing a car is like losing a part of the family to some.

All we can do is keep them insured and take a lot of pictures for the memories cause if they want it bad enough they will get it, the things we do just make it challenging for them to say the least.

At the rate they are going it won't be long and they will take them at gunpoint and make it look like an old school car jacking.

I say hang the ones that steal horses,especially steel ones!

terryr

08-22-2009, 09:05 PM

The best system is 'something' as opposed to nothing. I'm surprised how many people spend big bucks for every thing on their cars but don't have an alarm.
If they really want your car they will get it. But if they just want some car, alarms will make them go elsewhere.
I have an aftermarket system, with some extras wired in. Park lights flash. Sirens are inside the car not out. False alarms don't annoy the neighbors, and anyone who gets in will have very unhappy ears.
A simple wire to ground and a microswitch tied into any important circuit is neat trick. Turn it on when you leave. If they turn on the car the circuit grounds and blows the fuse. They waste time while their eardrums bleed.
Once some ass stole a 4x4, hooked it to my car with a chain, and dragged it down the street in park where it hit a 'cuda. He was never caught. I had fender damage, and the cudas owner got a no insurance fine.
The cure for that is a garage.

novaderrik

08-23-2009, 12:33 AM

how about the Kirban Touch and Start system?
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=27

might not be "the" answer, but it is another layer of security..

TT302Z28

08-24-2009, 09:46 AM

I have a series of relays that interupt the ignition and fuel sytems. I also have the relay open the circuit that was used for the neutral safety switch. Before my car had a T56 it was an automatic column shift car.

I haven't done enough to my Chevelle and that is the one I leave in parking lots at Hot August Nights and such.

Pretty sad since I represent the largest line of commercial and home security equipment in the world. You'd think I knew better.

Rocco

08-25-2009, 01:50 PM

Anti-theft measures may be effective in slowing down some thieves. But, as it was mentioned earlier, a determined thief who has a tow truck or knows a variety of ways can get your car unless you do keep an armed guard on duty. Sad but true. A good tracking device is probably worth the investment. I also use ignition disconnect methods on both of my cars. Here in Los Angeles screaming car alarms are NOT paid any attention other than as an annoyance someone doesn't know how to set or shut off. I often see tow vehicles going down the road with a car in tow and it's alarm just blasting away - nobody looks twice at this... not even police. Maybe in a less populated area these things work to deter a car theft, but not around here. Of course its best to avoid parking on the street overnight and my garage is well locked and secured ( a garage/home alarm does seem to make a difference )

justasquid

08-25-2009, 03:43 PM

There truly is little that can be done if someone really wants to steal your car. If your car is a high profile, sought after ride, chances are pretty good it will have been staked out awhile before it is stolen. Probably more than one person, multilple vehicles and all. It sounds a lot like the movie "gone in 60 seconds"... but thats actually the way it happens to a lot of high profile vehicles. They will be on a shipping crate long before anyone knows they are gone. The more drastic the security the car has, the more drastic the dirtbag thief is going to be.

On the other hand, some vehicles, ( not all, I'm sure quite a few vehicles have been truly stolen), due to the owners finacial distress, may be "stolen", not truly stolen. So many small resturaunts and small businesses in my area that have misteriously burned down. A rash of them in the last year, about 15 in a 10 mile radius. Before that, you never heard of any fires. Heck, some of them even burned after being closed. It sure seems some of the owners have filed claims to get out of a failing business. Im sure the same fate could be for a person who has a 100,000 dollar car but needs money. And lord knows if the car is sold, it will only bring a fraction of what its actually worth.

Im not trying to discount anyones stolen car, just saying it may not be as big of an epidemic as it appears. I truly feel very sorry for anyone that has had their pride and joy stolen. Its probably just the "cup half empty" attitude I have lately.

MIGOAT

08-25-2009, 05:06 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Maybe I can help where do you need me?

I know our Dept. doesn't carry any Lowjack honing devices. They are primarily provide to LEO Agencies in big Depts for free to help locate. While in the military working in D.C we had lowjack and it works good in a confined city or areabut the new GPS items seem to work very well but the problem is who is going to go and get your vehicle? You the Police or a private party? I personally like the hidden GPS I'm probubly going to hide mine somewhere good in the car requirring time to locate.

And to justasquid Yeah all the time !!!!!! you wouldn't believe how many honest people turn to fraud.

1968Maro

01-04-2010, 03:13 PM

High end and hard to find cars are almost always stolen with a flat bed tow truck. Why bother with somebody's complex security system and kill switches when you can tow the car off in thirty seconds; in broad daylight, with everyone watching. Take the car home and fiddle with it to your heart’s content.

When was the last time anybody ever ran up to a tow truck operator and demanded to know if they were stealing the car?

Low jack is a great idea, but its like $39.95 a month.

My idea is to get a two way Key FOB from Viper or some other company. That combined with a tilt sensor should tell me immediately if someone is towing my vehicle.

I know it has been joked about a lot on this thread, but I will also be carrying a pistol at the same time.

I really think this is the best way to go, If they break the glass or try to tow it the buzzer goes off in my pocket and I go running.

In all serious about the fire arm let me say this. I am in the Army and have been trained on how to use a gun. I have a conceal and Carry license so I am legally allowed to carry a weapon. My intention is not to kill someone, but to defend myself and my property with all necessary force.

NOT A TA

01-04-2010, 04:05 PM

Last time a vehicle was stolen from me a couple years ago they just stole the whole truck/trailer combo with my 66 Mustang in the enclosed trailer. It was taken in broad daylight out of a supermarket parking lot. The Atlanta police were horrible and said I was making it up and then actually drove away after meeting me because I didn't have the VIN of the tow vehicle. When I got the police back on the scene they wouldn't even look at the security footage showing the "perps" breaking in and driving away in broad daylight! Now I chain the trailer wheels together among other things every time it's out of my sight. Police have not done any investigation on any of the thefts that have occured to me. In todays world unless there is a physical injury or a weapon involved in a crime the police I've dealt with (on many occasions) consider everything as just paperwork. When my 68 Camaro was stolen years ago it was alarmed and the people who saw it being winched into a box truck on ramps figured they were supposed to be taking the car because it was daylight. Anyone ever see this car? I'd sure like it back. Easiest way to tell it was mine would be 2 coins glued to the trunk floor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/Scan_Pic0007-1.jpg

Taman

01-04-2010, 04:15 PM

Doesn't matter what you do to disable the car. If they want it they will take it. I have mine insured for replacement value. I have a 35K Stated value policy. I don't park it unattended. I was thinking of buying a Denver Boot for the power tour this June. Would make it more difficult and make noise. Hopefully someone notices.
At home, I have two very large dogs. If that doesn't work. My .357 should.

mc84_zz4

01-04-2010, 05:59 PM

The best thing I can do is security layers: a car alarm, collar lock, removable steering wheel, ignition cutoff, or coil cutoff etc, electric fuel switch/pump, that will at least discourage the amateurs from wanting a joyride, but the Pro's bring the flatbed or the tow truck with the crab claws, they are gone in seconds, literally.

Lo-Jack is around $600 installed, one time charge, no monthly anything. They do have a yearly 'maintenance fee' around 25-35 for a system checkup to ensure all is operating as it should.

GPS is line of sight, so your car in a trailer becomes invisible, Lo-Jack is radio wave, will work in underground parking lots, or trailers, and most law enforcement take it personal, and love to catch the perp.
Lo-Jack is one that is almost a guaranteed bust, and the cops love jumping on the case.

GPS snitch does give you some additional features for tracking and alerting you via the web based on perimeter violations, etc, which itself could be your car monitor, and page your smart-phone.
Lo-Jack can also allow remote disabling if you add electronics to it, ignition, fuel injection, fuel pump, coil, etc, you can even listen to the interior of the car and speak to the perps if you want that ability.
The really are no limitations other than budget, you can even add cameras inside...

Young Gun

01-04-2010, 06:04 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lov9mdgO4G0

wicked68

01-04-2010, 06:16 PM

There seem to be an alarming number of rides reported stolen. What have you guys done to your cars as far as anti-theft or recovery measures?

sleep with it while on the road in the trailer with a weapon - if you have a trailer you can park it in the trailer and open the vent at night - you can build a tool workbench that doubles as a bed up front - works nicely.

have a non descript trailer - nothing on it.

keep the trailer in a secure gated facility with an armed guard on patrol 24x7 and signs on the front of the gate that say - if you come in we may shoot you.

those are things I do - as I have seen too many cars grabbed quickly on tow trucks like many others say.

If you let it out of sight it might be gone. I dont even keep it at home as somone could steal it out of the garage.

I am probably a bit over the top ocd on this though.

Rag-Rat

01-04-2010, 06:36 PM

Put several types of anti-theft on the vehicle. Thieves want what they can take quick. The more you have, the longer it takes, the more they have a chance of getting caught. And you have to stay vigilante. I had a trailer stolen after I used it and I only applied the receiver lock. I had always locked the wheels together with chains and this time I didn't feel like crawling under it in the cold. A week later it was gone forever.

megaladon6

01-04-2010, 06:43 PM

what works for me is rust. lots and lots of rust. no one even THINKS about stealing my car.:)

MIGOAT

01-04-2010, 07:14 PM

You should carry a gun if your law abiding citizen. It's your right and who better to take care of you than you. I know it's a little of subject but in greenvile a off duty officer went to the ATM and shot a subject that stuck a gun in his face. You never know when some thing is going to hapen to so you must prepare.

I know sometimes the paperwork involved in a stolen car sucks. And Police can be the same as any profession there are Great, Avg. and Below Avg. "some are meant to be the Po-lice and some are meant to call the Police. Honestly it's not that bad of a report. It is just paperwork in a sense yes and at times we are very busy and short handed . Most of us don't have problems with doing those reports their rather easy and it's not everyday a 65 Shelby Gt500 is stolen in a trailer or by flatbed. Finding a prized car stolen is hard. Esp if someone is a professional most of our stolen cars in the Mount are unauthorized use and the victim knows the subject. The high end cars suspects usually have those cars chopped in hrs. and are located at a legitament shop with pro's not your basic car stolen to be used for robberies and other crimes.
I wish i had a better answer for us but the truth is anything can get gone. Anything.

MonzaRacer

01-05-2010, 08:06 AM

Back when dial pulse phones were still in use, the boxes had sevral large capacitors.
Well a fella I came to know help me build a shock system, using an old 6 volt car coil, I decided it wasnt enough, so I used 16 caps, wired in, and used a (I think it was a Vertex) magneto coil by the name,bought it at Racers World, and it tied to car. As my 69 Pontiac was all metal, when one local fella who was at Lincoln Tech while I was, used to be a thief. He said there wasnt a car he couldnt steal.
Ever see a guy grab a weed burner electric fence? Honestly there WAS a large lump in the back of his pants. AND a puddle under his feet after he set it off.
All high voltage with filter pack to drop the amperage, the heat sink for this set up was 14 in square and had to have a fan on it if it got too hot. The setup was setup with a 3 second delay to refill capacitors, then bang if they grabbed again , lights out.
Turns out the system was nearly a taser quality charge, never knock ya out but made this guy who was 6ft 6in and nearly 275 of all muscle cry like a baby.
too bad it wont work with electronics today.

My new idea would be a car with air ride have enough tank space and use a 500db train horn, may loose glass but car would still be there and guy would be hurt or dead, just dont forget to unarm!