Which Is The Best Antitheft System Or Method For Classic Cars
Posted in Car Batteries | Asked on Apr 14, 2010
Please share your opinions based on 2 scenarios: 1) If you had a no-holds-barred busget and could install the best system at any cost. 2) If you are a college student and can only spare below $300 for a solution.
My classic car is worth about $25K and I have put some work on it already so it is more emotional value than anything else.
A friend suggested I disconnect a spark plug wire when leaving it in questionable areas and once I forgot to reconnect it…The car started just fine and I didn’t realize it until about 3/4 of the way home and noticed some performance issues off-highway.
Others say to install a battery cutoff switch. This switch can be found by experienced thieves though….maybe? Maybe the best method is a combination of 2 or more systems.
I drive my car about 3 times per week.
There are 3 Answers
it all depends on where you usually park your car, where do you usually park your car? and when? the steering locking device called the club might help, anti theft alarms and shut off devices are fairly cheap. But if it is where someone can get to it and some one wants it enough it will be gone. Car thieves have been known to even use tow trucks to rip off cars. Locks only keep honest people honest. a well locked and alarmed garage is a good bet. and if you do install an anti theft device please resist any urge to show it of to your friends or to explain to anybody how it works
1) I like the auto-start Viper alarm with pager remote. The remote looks like a tiny cell phone (many people asked if it was my phone) that will ring/vibrate if your car alarm is triggered. It ran me around $1000 installed. But, you have to have fuel injection and an automatic trans. for the auto-start feature.
2) I like the battery disconnect switch, and I’m sure you could find a slick place to hide it. The only drawback is running the heavy gauge wires into the cab. It could be a risk of shorting and fire if you don’t properly insulate. The spark plug wire trick would have worked better if you disconnected the coil wire. I’ve seen people install a toggle switch in-line with the power wire to the distributer. I’ve also seen brake line locks used. You would be amazed what a simple flashing LED light on the dash would do to make a thief move on to the next car. Hopefully I gave you some ideas. Just remember, if someone wants your car bad enough, they are going to get it. Take some simple steps and try not to worry too much. Insurance is a good thing sometimes.
I have had classic cars stolen before and in my opinon you can do some simple things to deter joy-riders or punks that don’t want to hassle, ie ignition cutoff switch under the dash somewhere, club, or if you have an electric fuel pump like mine you can get a cut off switch for it and the car will start and make it about block and strand them.
Other wise get something like lo-jack if you really are concerned about the car and where you are parking it. If someone wants it bad enough it will be gone. An unfortunate risk you take with a classic or exotic car. You are more likely to suffer from the neglect of people banging shopping carts into it.
Enjoy the ride man