Securing your ride on a road trip

[rob07002]

With what seems like an increase in muscle car theft recently, what do you do to protect your baby?

I know there is no way to 100% prevent theft, if someone wants it badly enough, they will take it, but what can be done?

Part of the reason we build these cars is to be able to take road trips. That may or may not involve hotel/motel stays, extended perioids (several hours) when a car is not in line of sight, etc. so aside from literally hiring an armed guard, what can be done?

I plan to take a few overnight trips now that the car is mostly done, but worry big time about secure accomodations during the times I'm in my room, restaurant, or whatever.

Maybe some of the recent road warriors like Mr. Angry, and the guys who drove/own the Prodigy Chevelle for the Bull Run can chime in.

I'm sure we would like to know if hotels are willing to work with you to secure your car, IE supervised parking area and such.

Thanks

[dadto2jays]

This is going to get interesting as I really cant think of any precautions that cant be over ruled..

[MrAngry]

Hey man -

It really depends on where your going and more importantly, where your staying. We just got back (Mon.) from a 5400 mile, 24 day road trip and we did a few things to help ensure we'd feel more secure. First off, stay in reputable hotels. Most hotels have a nice covered entrance to them where you can pull up and unload - we generally called ahead to our hotels and simply asked if we could park overnight in their drop off zone. Most were very accommodating, especially when they saw the car we were driving. Those who were iffy about it on the phone always seemed to have an attitude change when we slipped them $20-30 bucks and in all honesty it was a small price to pay for the extra security.

When we could not park near the entrance we would cover the car at night and try to park it under our hotel window - we'd also pop a wire off the distributor just in case.

Otherwise there really is nothing more you can do, like you said, if they want it, they'll get it. Again and I can't stress this enough, stay at reputable hotels with good lighting and if you can find some with good underground parking all the better.

Hope this helps.
Mike

[brans72]

take the steering wheel off also.

[Nine Ball]

1. quick-release steering wheel hub.
2. remove/disconnect a few key wires under the hood
3. club type bar that locks the clutch or brake pedal off the floor
4. boot type lock that fits on a wheel, rendering the vehicle immobile
5. huge train horn attached to the car alarm

:)

[GetMore]

A few thoughts:
If you park in view of the road, then people driving past will see it, and you may attract a thief.
Most of the thefts were after a show, so the thieves knew there would be stuff worth stealing.
People, in general, are idiots. If they see someone winching a car into a trailer or onto a flatbed they will assume it broke down, or something like that. They won't bother to ask what's going on or mention it to anyone. Ask the hotel staff to keep an eye on the car for you and not to let anyone touch it. If they've got cameras park right in view of one and make sure the folks who could watch the cameras also know that nobody is supposed to tow the car away.

I like to cover idea. It still attracts attention, but you could also be some overly zealous person trying to keep their beater covered. It definitely won't attract as much attention as an excellent paint job, big, shiny rims, and the like.

[gtotto]

Is there really anything that can prevent a quick tow truck driver from scooping up your vehicle and sneaking away in about twenty seconds?? Have you seen these guys that work at the airports or downtown?? they're fast. Even if they lift from the front there are several ways of freeing up the rear wheels to roll. If you hide a GPS and have a laptop you might be able to at least locate the car before it's stripped

[Eric Howell]

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

[gtotto]

The best idea yet. That and maybe a hungry Rottweiller in the back seat

[joejaze]

I may go for both of these bad boys. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/787_flame_thrower_gun-1.gif https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


http://www.gettingit.com/article/69

[Mkelcy]

Although a thief could always flat bed my car away, I'm fairly confident no one without a flatbed is getting it.

I use an armoured cable operated lock for the hood that locks the hood release itself - unless you can find and cut the cable (pretty difficult) or are willing to destroy the hood and the front valence, you're not getting into the engine bay. The cable operated lock also incorporates a starter interrupt.

Backing that up is a hidden latching battery disconnect operated by a hidden switch. If someone does get into the engine compartment they need to diagnose both the battery disconnect and the starter interrupt to start the car.

And then backing both of them up is a Grant removable steering wheel that locks a steel cover over the splined steering shaft to prevent someone steering with a pair of vice grips.

As I say, I'm defenseless against a thief with a flatbed, but otherwise feel reasonably comfortable. I'm implementing all of this for my project '68 Camaro (together with the ISIS security measures), and will probably carry a car cover for times I feel particularly insecure.

[WS6]

A hidden kill switch is a good idea. Not hidden as in a switch under the dash. That's easy. I'm talking hidden in the sense that one must turn something else on first before the car will start. An example would be that the passenger's side window switch on the driver's door must be pressed in the up position before the ignition will engage. You just wire it up on a relay system much like the actual key switch is wired up.

More times than not, if the car can not be quickly started, the car won't be stolen.

[BuddyP]

Hey man -

It really depends on where your going and more importantly, where your staying. We just got back (Mon.) from a 5400 mile, 24 day road trip and we did a few things to help ensure we'd feel more secure. First off, stay in reputable hotels. Most hotels have a nice covered entrance to them where you can pull up and unload - we generally called ahead to our hotels and simply asked if we could park overnight in their drop off zone. Most were very accommodating, especially when they saw the car we were driving. Those who were iffy about it on the phone always seemed to have an attitude change when we slipped them $20-30 bucks and in all honesty it was a small price to pay for the extra security.

When we could not park near the entrance we would cover the car at night and try to park it under our hotel window - we'd also pop a wire off the distributor just in case.

Otherwise there really is nothing more you can do, like you said, if they want it, they'll get it. Again and I can't stress this enough, stay at reputable hotels with good lighting and if you can find some with good underground parking all the better.

Hope this helps.
Mike
Yeah pulling wires or take the steering wheel off.

[aany001]

take the wheels off put it on jack stands and roll the wheels into your hotel room.that would really slow them down or they would move on to the next victim and spare yours!

[CarlC]

I too have slipped the night watch at the hotel a $20 and parked in the covered drop-off zone with the alarm set.

[Zanie]

A hidden kill switch is a good idea. Not hidden as in a switch under the dash. That's easy. I'm talking hidden in the sense that one must turn something else on first before the car will start. An example would be that the passenger's side window switch on the driver's door must be pressed in the up position before the ignition will engage. You just wire it up on a relay system much like the actual key switch is wired up.

More times than not, if the car can not be quickly started, the car won't be stolen.

that's a good one; not only an anti-theft device, but it will stop you from driving your own car if you drink too many cocktails!!!

"Now, what was that order of button pushing to start this rig??" Doh!

[shmoov69]

I do like Tonys idea of a air train horn to the alarm......as long as it's not one of those overly sensitive ones! Pull a couple wires. Removeable wheel and lock it. And the relay operated starter is the best for the semi professional thief is the bomb! Good ones guys!
Does the iPhone have an app for that if you leave the phone in the car as a tracking device?

[monza]

High end hotels were available, grease the door man for celebrity parking... they actually like it if your car is something cool. Low end hotels, small towns and such I park right in front of the room, car alarm with key fob (sp?) sitting right there and get ready for a ****ty sleep. I always pick the hotel that 'looks' like the best security. Let them know you have a 'show' car and ask, 'please look out for it'.

Car thieves are every where nothing is safe, if they are good and want it they'll get it. The frickin' door man you just greased make a call and it's gone... I HATE parking FUeL at hotels this thread just stressed me out!!!

[jackfrost]

for my g-body I have a steel collar that locks on the steering column. I think this is mandatory for any car with a column ignition like these cars.


Does the iPhone have an app for that if you leave the phone in the car as a tracking device?

yup.

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/ihound-track-your-lost-or-stolen-iphone-056061.php

[WS6]

Using my idea prevents the column plunger from being any good. They'll break the column and slide the plunger but the car will still not start. You're correct though, GM vehicles with those column are easy targets

[garner67]

Thieves SUCK!

As everyone says... if they're pros, and they want it... they'll get it. We just gotta do some basic things to keep the amateurs from getting it.

I have...
Hood lock
Multiple kill switches
Clutch/Brake type of club

... but I might add one of these! :yeah:

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

[avewhtboy]

This is a problem with Motorcycles as you can imagine, and their are some expensive bikes sitting in the parking lots at biker events.

I purchased two kryptonite cable locks. I used to put these around the wheels and the frame, basically the wheels not going to roll with this on. Might be a good idea for a car as well???

I have two, one for each wheel. I would think that a couple of these would keep the car from being moved.

Really works well when you can chain the vehicle to something like a light pole or concrete post.

[garner67]

How about a wheel boot?

However, storing it in the car would be a pain, but maybe worth it on a road trip. If there isn't an easy way to break it, this would slow down a tow truck heist.

PitBull TireLock (http://www.tirelock.com/)

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

[shizzy]

My boat, car and motorcycle never leave my sight unless they are locked securely in my garage.

[BonzoHansen]

How about a wheel boot?

However, storing it in the car would be a pain, but maybe worth it on a road trip. If there isn't an easy way to break it, this would slow down a tow truck heist.

PitBull TireLock (http://www.tirelock.com/)

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

I posted that the last time this came up, lol.

[streetk14]

How about a wheel boot?

However, storing it in the car would be a pain, but maybe worth it on a road trip. If there isn't an easy way to break it, this would slow down a tow truck heist.

PitBull TireLock (http://www.tirelock.com/)

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


Nice, but I think it only fits wheels up to 10 inches wide. Guess I'm not putting it around one of my 335 rear tires! Would probably even be a tight fit on my 275/35/18 front tires, but is a great idea. Much more effective theft deterrent than a club, IMO.

[joemac]

I think there are two conversations here.

One is how to DETER thieves from stealing your stuff which this thread covers pretty good. Still these methods are not foolproof. These things only work if they want to drive it off and keep it in one piece. If they have a tow truck and want to chop it your still screwed.

Second is how to RECOVER your car if it is stolen which is more important to me. When I build a car of this caliber it will absolutely have GPS tracking that way you can figure out where they went. You might get lucky and catch them before they chop it.

[Richio1]

I know I am reviving a 4 year old thread but since it is car show season and I plan on going a couple over nighters at hotels I wanted to see if anyone has any new or creative suggestions that haven't been mentioned here. With all the advancement in technology I would think some new things have hit the market.

As mentioned, hotel parking lots during a car show weekend are easy pickings for a thief. Not having an enclosed trailer has me searching for other theft prevention measures. I know I will be downloading the GPS app on my kids itouch and stashing it in the car to track it... But that is for after the fact. Detergent and theft prevention are my goal.

[R32Jordie]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/LiononFerrari458Italia_zps6737db8f-1.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/Lion-on-Ferrari-458-Italia_zps6737db8f.jpg.html)

[IMPALA MAN]

I do like Tonys idea of a air train horn to the alarm......as long as it's not one of those overly sensitive ones! Pull a couple wires. Removeable wheel and lock it. And the relay operated starter is the best for the semi professional thief is the bomb! Good ones guys!
Does the iPhone have an app for that if you leave the phone in the car as a tracking device?

Sometimes simpler is better and the thief doesn't expect it. My vehicle was stolen in college and the one I got to replace it, was outfitted with my new design of cheap car alarm.
1. Tap into a hot wire that is live when the vehicle is started (acc., radio, etc)
2. Wire it to a toggle switch in a hidden location of your choice (under a seat, etc.)
3. From the toggle switch run a wire to a separate horn that sounds just like the car horn in a rear quarter or some place no one would look.

Anytime you shut the car off, flip the toggle switch on. The next time the car starts, the horn will stay on until the switch is flipped. This means the thief is left with two choices (even if the car is hot wired):
1. Start the car and start looking for the switch. Find the switch...probably not. He could also cut the horn wire...however he will soon find out cutting the wire didn't kill the horn as there is another horn somewhere. at this point he will most likely give up and flee.
2. Steal the car without starting it, which could happen.

Don't get me wrong, it's probably not what you will find at Ft. Knox, however it's also under $25.

[R32Jordie]

Sometimes simpler is better and the thief doesn't expect it. My vehicle was stolen in college and the one I got to replace it, was outfitted with my new design of cheap car alarm.
1. Tap into a hot wire that is live when the vehicle is started (acc., radio, etc)
2. Wire it to a toggle switch in a hidden location of your choice (under a seat, etc.)
3. From the toggle switch run a wire to a separate horn that sounds just like the car horn in a rear quarter or some place no one would look.

Anytime you shut the car off, flip the toggle switch on. The next time the car starts, the horn will stay on until the switch is flipped. This means the thief is left with two choices (even if the car is hot wired):
1. Start the car and start looking for the switch. Find the switch...probably not. He could also cut the horn wire...however he will soon find out cutting the wire didn't kill the horn as there is another horn somewhere. at this point he will most likely give up and flee.
2. Steal the car without starting it, which could happen.

Don't get me wrong, it's probably not what you will find at Ft. Knox, however it's also under $25.


All kidding aside. My friend wired the fuel pump to the rear defrost switch (didnt use the defrost ever) in his car. Everything looked factory, you just had to hit the switch before starting it. But Impala man said, there is still the possibility of stealing the car without starting it, in which case you should install a GPS system hidden somewhere (behing interior panels) so the vehicle can be tracked and located from a computer if the unthinkable happens.

[shizzy]

If the car is up on a trailer, don't forget about disabling / securing the tow vehicle.

[minendrews68]

I believe if I was really worried, I would sleep in the car, armed of course...

[71RS/SS396]

I just make sure there's enough insurance on it to replace it and don't worry about it.

[zombiekiller]

this is how:
78828

yes that is seriously my dog. :)

in all seriousness, i have some hidden switches to disable various functions, an alarm with a two way remote (and a remote backup battery), and a hidden line lock.

GPS trackers are fine and dandy, until your car gets tossed in a container.

I end up paying more to stay in nicer hotels. the funny part is, 9 out of 10 times, at those nicer hotels, the valets "get it" when i tell them that i dont let anyone else drive the car and I need to park it. They also would usually have a muscle car parked near the door instead of a porsche or escalade.

[bret]

I've been driving "unusual" cars all over the country since 1978...and actually had one stolen in 2005 in Georgia. Other than that experience, I've never experienced as much as a door ding. The red 67 Camaro that got gone in Georgia was the work of professionals...they would have gotten that car if I'd have been sleeping in the back seat.

My precautions are simple:

1. Insure the car for stated value. Grundy, Hagerty, and several others do this cheap.
2. A car cover not only discourages vandals and keeps hail damage to a minimum, the extra layer of disguise can make theives move on to a more convenient target.

I am not a fan of car alarms at all, nor will I allow the criminals to "win" by imposing layers of inconvenience on my part. At the end of the day...its just a car, and it exists solely for my enjoyment. I refuse to live in fear of it disappearing. If it does disappear, the insurance money will fund building or buying a better one!

[vette427-sbc]

I just installed a simple Viper alarm in my car with the smart start system. Works like a normal alarm with the door triggers, glass break, tilt and shock sensors, but instead of relying on being able to hear the alarm go off when someone tries to take it, it sends a signal to my phone. Unlimited range, GPS tracking and you can pull status updates from it whenever you want. I think its pretty "steal proof" but like its been said before, if someone wants it, and they know what they are doing, they will get it. As for the GPS, you have at least a minute or two to get a location on the car before it gets into a container, so the GPS is still somewhat worth it IMO

[Richio1]

Thanks for the input guys. I agree with most points... I just wouldn't let my big ass dog sleep in my car -LOL.

Living in the Bay Area the Port of Oakland is about 30 minutes from anywhere. Its one of the busiest ports in the country. Just like in the movies, the thieves could hit the hotels around Pleasanton during a big GoodGuys show, grab a few cars and have them in containers before you can get the cops to respond.

Brett you are right. As long as its insured, you're good. My car isn't a super rare model but it is insured through Hagerty for a stated value which would get most of my money back. I just dont want to have gone through 3.5 years of ups & downs building "MY" car the way I want it just to have some jack@$$ rip it off. I am a big fan of keeping what's mine and protecting it.

The GoodGuys events are the biggest shows by far out here in the Bay Area. I haven't read or heard of any issues in the past ... but its better to be safe than sorry.

[mikedc]

I've always thought a tilt sensor (that notifies you remotely) is very a good idea.


The pros with flatbeds are the ones you really cannot stop with anything. You can have locked wheels, removed steering wheel, kill switches . . . and a real pro will just drag the tires up onto a flatbed and haul it off anyway. A tilt sensor should warn you about this.

I would not expect there to be much chance of false alarms with one of those things, just disable it when you are driving the car yourself. I would expect that you'd also get the warning from a tilt sensor a few precious seconds earlier than the GPS indication of the car having been moved.

[RIF RAF]

I'm not sure how difficult it would be but what about installing 1 or 2 small cameras...like a high res cell phone camera that take video 24/7 when you turn them on and have remote link through wifi (most hotels have that) to an online data base for you're viewing and storage...that way if the car does get stolen...you have video evidence of the theif. Or get lucky and catch them in the process.

[Quickboat]

These work...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif.....operates right from your hotel room!

[Lenie]

Now that's funny.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/LiononFerrari458Italia_zps6737db8f-1.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/Lion-on-Ferrari-458-Italia_zps6737db8f.jpg.html)

[Richio1]

I like this one... I'm sure it would be quite a surprise when they pop the hood. He blends in too so they may not see him at first if it is dark.

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

[So Cal Camaro]

I've done quite a few cross country trips for Power Tour or to attend events...My basic prevention is staying in a little better hotels, outside of major cities...I know a lot of people that will stay in a Super 8 or other cheap motel to save $30 bucks in hotel cost, with their $50k to $100k car in the parking lot...never felt like I had to worry about leaving my car overnight at most HIE, Hamtpon Inns or the like...to me spending a little more and looking for a better area to stay has worked so far, never had the car damaged or stolen...and more recently if staying in big city use a friends wifes method of looking for the greatest concentration of Starbucks, as they are usually a good, safe, upscale area....good luck and park next to someone with a nicer car than yours...