Recommended aftermarket alarm?

[Mark E.]

The aftermarket alarm on my 1970 stopped working, and I'm looking for a replacement. Features I want:

- No damage installation and easy to remove (no splicing, cutting, drilling or major disassembly)
- Senses voltage drop (e.g. dome lights) and movement/shock
- Audible alarm plus alerts me via text or an app
- Wireless remote (key fob or phone app (preferred))
- GPS tracking would be a nice bonus feature

My old alarm had all of these features except for the alert and GPS functions. It's a small black box stuck to the inner fender with double-sided tape and has only two wires (12v and ground). Simple, small, no damage. But it's no longer available and the company apparently went out of business.

Recommendations?

[David M.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

Recommendations...A Doberman, a .44 and all 3 of you sleeping in the car.

I've had the Viper and CompuStar. I like the Viper.

The real challenge is locating professional installation techs. Most are wire hacks. Splicing is fine as long as its performed properly.

I could be wrong but I doubt you will find a system which does not require some level splicing or piggybacking? Id be interested to see if you find something to the contrary. Im sure advancements have lead to wireless everything?

Splicing is fine as long as its performed properly.

https://www.viper.com/car/

[Frank D.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

I had a Viper system installed in my 2013 Tundra and it ties into the door locks, ignition key, exterior lights, horn, etc..
I imagine it would take a lot of splicing to emulate the full functionality in a vintage car.

Don't think I'd want that personally.

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

So far, I found two candidates:

- Qube sold by Quanta for $75 - $129: https://www.gastanks.com/ALARMS_SECURITY/products/1934/

- Autopmall Alarm sold by Amazon for $105: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TSNY8HR/

Each are two wire installation with no splicing. The Autopmall has a 2-way keyfob that will buzz when the alarm is triggered up to 1,000 meters away.

I'm trying to reduce risk during overnight stays on the road. That's about the only time the car is alone. The plan-
- Choose a motel with a view of the car from the room (preferably outside my door)
- Lock steering column with front wheels turned all the way
- Install armor collar lock that goes around the column and covers the lock
- Install wheel boot on a front wheel. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H494DC
- Arm hidden ignition kill switch
- Set factory and aftermarket alarms
- Install car cover

During brief visits to a market or restaurant, I would skip the wheel boot and car cover.

I believe the biggest threat is a tow truck. I'm hoping the locked wheels and boot slows them down while the alarm is waking me up. The easiest way I can think of to disarm the alarms before towing is to cut the negative battery cable under the car. So I'm thinking of adding a secondary ground wire in the battery compartment.

I like the idea of GPS tracking, but those cost $20 - $30 per month and only help after the the car is gone.

Any professional car thieves on the Forum who can provide input?

[Frank D.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

GPS trackers/cell phone locators/etc are nothing to a professional thief.
A broadband jammer can be had for just a few hundred dollars.

https://jammerspro.com/product/raptor-8-bands-portable-3g-4g-cell-jammer-mobile-phone-blocker/

A fuel or electrical hidden cutoff is prob just as effective, but nothing will stop a determined thief with a rollback.

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

A fuel or electrical hidden cutoff is prob just as effective, but nothing will stop a determined thief with a rollback.

I'm hoping I can stop him as I'm stepping out the motel door...

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

I would recommend a 45 and a sign telling your visitors what to expect!

JR

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

I do have a Texas LTC and Texas penal code allows use of deadly force when someone is "committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery."

But be careful; state laws vary. Not all states permit use of deadly force if your life is not in immediate peril (for example during theft of your car).

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

I do have a Texas LTC and Texas penal code allows use of deadly force when someone is "committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery."

But be careful; state laws vary. Not all states permit use of deadly force if your life is not in immediate peril (for example during theft of your car).

And that would be a reason to have a drop gun available!

Your in Texas and you don't know that? What kind of Corvette Guy are you anyway?

JR

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

And that would be a reason to have a drop gun available!

Your in Texas and you don't know that? What kind of Corvette Guy are you anyway?

JR

...........

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

Put your Ignition Kill Switch on the points (negative side) of the coil. This way a hot wire at the coil (+) will still not fire.

I have "ghost switch" systems of my own design on most of my cars, particularly the Super Duty I tow the cars with. It is passive in that it sets and protects every time I turn the ignition off and open the door. I envision a simple system for a battery ignition car that would use two relays, a 12V Ign source, a hidden reset button, and the connection to the points.

Some protection against roll-backs is to park next to a wall or another vehicle and turn the front wheels to the side that puts the car into the obstruction if it is pulled back. Then lock the steering wheel. It's not much, but another obstacle to getting the car out.

Good stuff. To your point about the kill switch, an approach I've used on a couple of cars is to disconnect the cigar lighter and run new wire from the lighter housing to the negative post on the coil. Pressing in the cigar lighter grounds the ignition and is difficult to detect. And no splicing into the harness.

[Ara G.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

Yeah, all good advice you've received here. A pro is taking your car if he wants it. Period. A Glock 21 (45 cal) and not letting the car out of your sight is the best option IMO. Shame, but the pro's are good. I've heard stories of them driving around in a flatbed to find a car, load it up on the flatbed and drive on. ARA

[Mark E.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

Yeah, all good advice you've received here. A pro is taking your car if he wants it. Period. A Glock 21 (45 cal) and not letting the car out of your sight is the best option IMO. Shame, but the pro's are good. I've heard stories of them driving around in a flatbed to find a car, load it up on the flatbed and drive on. ARA

I've heard these stories too. Flatbeds are visible and require getting out of the cab. It's the hidden lift/tow systems that turn an ordinary pickup into a stealth tow truck I worry about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMJPrs6j-LM

And here's food for thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrMWT2bYPjk

[Ara G.]

Re: Recommended aftermarket alarm?

I've heard these stories too. Flatbeds are visible and require getting out of the cab. It's the hidden lift/tow systems that turn an ordinary pickup into a stealth tow truck I worry about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMJPrs6j-LM

And here's food for thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrMWT2bYPjk

Mark,
That youtube video was incredible/scary. I have never seen one of those. Jeez.....
Like i said, the pro's have one job - get the car.