Do many people in this hobby use anti-theft devices on their Corvettes? What seems to work best? Thanks. Pat G.
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
Nothing yet, I just got the car last Sept and it has been kept in a locked garage. As soon as I get a chance I will look for one of those things they sell on TV. It hooks on the the brake pedal or the clutch pedal. Maybe I'll get one for each. If my car isn't in my locked garage I would never park it where it is out of sight. I would never use the Club, IMO they are junk and a waste of money. -
Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
since i have a permit to carry i just leave my empty gun holster lay on the dash and let the potential car thief wonder where the corvette owner with the gun might be. the best for a carburated car is a electric fuel shut off valve because the car would start and run for a short distance till the carb went dry and leave the the car setting in the middle of the street. if the car does not start when the try to steal it they have time to look for the anti theft device but if it stops in the middle of the street they are just going to get out and run.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
There is no way to absolutely prevent it unless you never leave it out of your sight, and you have a gun. The key is to play the percentages. The harder you make it to steal it, the better off you are. I bought a brake pedal lock at Pep Boys. I like it. It does not prevent them from towing it though, or using the emergency brake to stop. Even if you could lock the clutch pedal, they could slam in into gear and drive off. I use a Club on the steering wheel in addition to the brake pedal lock. You can also buy ignition and gas shut off systems, but that is a no no for us purists. There is another trick that is effective but I don't want to broadcast it over the internet.
I think the pedal lock will make you feel better. And remember, back into parking spaces so they will have a more difficult time towing it. The best remedy is to not let it out of your sight, or have a designated babysitter, (like at club functions). One other thing. Don't back down from peer pressure. Some of these guys are gonna make fun of you, and call you paranoid. You are not paranoid. You are a realist. It happens.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
The locks that fit on the brake pedal are designed for newer cars. The brake needs to be depressed before it can be taken out of PARK. The lock on the brake does not allow the brake to be depressed therefore you cannot get it out of PARK and into DRIVE.
JimComment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
In the new Hemmings there is an artcle that states the MOST stolen collectible car over the last 2-3 years is the 1966-82? (not sure of the end year) Corvette. Second is late 60's Mustangs. This article says Hagerty insurance has a $100 discount if you install a "LOJACK" in the car. There are pluses and minuses and I won't repeat the article here.
As stated before, this is an important issue, as most collector policies require you not leave the car "unattended".
Of all the mechanical deterrents, the fuel shut off sounds like the only thing that would come close, but a real theif will have a flatbed with a fork lift attachment like the cops in NYC use and take the car from any parking place.
Rich Giannotti1966 L79 Convertible. Milano Maroon
1968 L71 Coupe. Rally Red (Sold 6/21)
1963 Corvair Monza ConvertibleComment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
1. Baby Alarm. And, it you put it in the right spot you can listen to the ooos and ahhhs of people as they drool on your unattended toy.
2. Motion sensor with pager
If you run out of range, you're too far from the car anywho.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
I think most collector cars are stolen with a flat deck tow truck with a winch. In additon to anti theft devices of your choice, I'm considering a 4 wheel hydraulic brake lock [micro lock]. That should make it pretty tough to winch it up on to the truck.Comment
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Good insurance and forget about it!
After all, it's just a car and can be replaced. Cold, callus but realistic. These cars are not living or family. They are replaceable and have a definite/distinct value. while theft can cause anguish and inconvenience, insurance is there to make your monetarily whole.
Buy the best insurance available, drive the wheels off the car EVERYWHERE and forget about it.
Mike
#11202Comment
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Anti theft devices
Use of a logging chain wrapped around the axle and an immovavable object secured
with the hardest locks that money can buy,followed with a bumper sticker stating
"PROTECTION SERVICES BY SMITH 7 WESSON".Comment
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all this talk about protecting the corvette loss
make sure you have plenty of liability insurance,because you could lose a lot more than your corvette.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
Article in Restorer several years ago on wiring in cutoff switch(s) to the wire at the distributor and somewhere else in ignition system. With one, the engine cracks but will not fire. The other one, the engine will not crack at all. These small toggle switches can be installed (hidden) up in the dash on earlier model cars. Then you just have to remember where you installed them when you want to drive the car.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
This exactly what I did the day after I purchased my '69 in early '71. I still have the toggle switch connected and buried loose somewhere in the within reach. The same day I bought a "Krook-lock" -the hook that goes over the brake pedal and steering wheel- and proceded to park it on New York City streets while at work. I still have the car although it is now in Michigan and its days of parking on the street are over.
JeffComment
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Re: Good insurance and forget about it!
Mine is irreplacable [to me]. Years ago I dropped my '74 off at a Corvette repair shop. Later I called the shop to tell them where the kill switch was. They already had it in the shop. When asked him how he knew he just told me that when it wouldn't fire, he just looked for the hidden kill switch. "They all have one somewhere". True story.Comment
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Re: vehicle anti-theft devices...
New Mercedes cars are shipped with a battery disconnect that consists of full size battery cables and a key operated switch. These cables and switches are removed at the dealership before delivery to the customer. Many dealerships discard (trash) the assembly.
I installed one on my 57 with the switch under the dash. It completely disconnects the battery so it has a dual function as a battery disconnect and a key operated security device.
I also keep a close eye on it.
VerleComment
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