Security C1

[Eric A.]

I have a 58 rebuild and correct judged car that I am looking to secure somehow so I can drive it and enjoy it but not worry about it overnight or in restaurtant parking lots. Any suggestions how to put a car alarm, starter disabler or something on the car that will help but also not hurt me for judging or easy to remove before judging. Have not had it judged yet. Thanks

Eric

[Don H.]

Re: Security C1

Hi Eric, The battery cut off switch (which gives bonus points when judged) can be a source of disabling the car. The type that has a big green engage / disengage knob can be taken out and removes all 12 volt power from the car. Good luck, Don H.

[Keith B.]

Re: Security C1

A trailer or roll back with a winch it's over in a few mins. Or a screw driver and a three foot wire with clips on the end. Let's face it it's to easy Take your car to safe places and always keep a eye on it.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Security C1

Buy good insurance & don't worry about it. If someone wants to steal it they can no mater what you do.

[Jim L.]

Re: Security C1

Eons ago there was an alarm system which, if you could still find one, would probably serve your needs. It worked well for me.

The system consisted of a radio transmitter, several microphones, some switches, and a pager. The microphones, bonded to the body, "listen" for any contact with the car. The switches could be installed to detect hood, door, or trunk openings. If any of these events occurred, they activated the radio transmitter which sent a signal to the pager carried by you. As long as you are within radio range (about 1/2 mile or so), you'd instantly know if someone was doing anything to your vehicle. At the vehicle, the alarm system is silent; miscreants wouldn't know that you know they are up to something.

My dim memory is that this system was called "Page Alert", but a quick web search didn't confirm that. The company that made this may have more modern versions of this available and they may call it something else now.

In any event, the concept is good and it works. I buried one of these deep inside my metal '57 and have had it alert me at shows to my car receiving inappropriate attention.

Jim

[Jim D.]

Re: Security C1

Jim, I think the system you remembered was made by Auto Page and they're still in business. I just removed one of their systems from a recent purchase/project.

[Leif A.]

Re: Security C1

Buy good insurance & don't worry about it. If someone wants to steal it they can no mater what you do.

This may be the best piece of information you will get. Don't be penny wise when it comes to your insurance. ONLY use an insurance company that will insure your car for "stated value". In other words, if you deem that your car is worth $70000 to you (or, to replace) then insure it for that dollar amount with a specialty insurer. Your standard, everyday insurer will insure your '58 Corvette as just another 1958 automobile and that won't get you very much. IMHO.

[Jim D.]

Re: Security C1

This may be the best piece of information you will get. Don't be penny wise when it comes to your insurance. ONLY use an insurance company that will insure your car for "stated value". In other words, if you deem that your car is worth $70000 to you (or, to replace) then insure it for that dollar amount with a specialty insurer. Your standard, everyday insurer will insure your '58 Corvette as just another 1958 automobile and that won't get you very much. IMHO.

Do not get a "Stated Value" policy. This has been explained many times. I copied this from an insurance web site:

Stated value coverage pays the cost of repair to the car or the stated value of the car, whichever is less, at the time that a claim is filed. There are a number of problems with this type of policy:
• The stated value is actually used only to determine the premium level. The higher the stated value, the higher the premium.
• In the event of a claim, the language of the contract allows the insurer to set an actual cash value instead of paying the stated amount as the insured party was given to believe.

Agreed value guarantees a set amount of coverage agreed upon at the time the policy was issued and is generally accepted as the best position for the owners of classics, unique, or highly modified vehicles. It carries a number of advantages:
• Allows the driver to secure and present a professional appraisal of the vehicle that they accept as a valid representation of its worth.
• Unlike standard insurance, the value of your car does no depreciate over the life of the policy.
• Is the only type of coverage that guarantees the owners will be paid in full in the event of a loss.

[Leif A.]

Re: Security C1

Do not get a "Stated Value" policy. This has been explained many times. I copied this from an insurance web site:Stated value coverage pays the cost of repair to the car or the stated value of the car, whichever is less, at the time that a claim is filed. There are a number of problems with this type of policy:• The stated value is actually used only to determine the premium level. The higher the stated value, the higher the premium.• In the event of a claim, the language of the contract allows the insurer to set an actual cash value instead of paying the stated amount as the insured party was given to believe.Agreed value guarantees a set amount of coverage agreed upon at the time the policy was issued and is generally accepted as the best position for the owners of classics, unique, or highly modified vehicles. It carries a number of advantages:• Allows the driver to secure and present a professional appraisal of the vehicle that they accept as a valid representation of its worth.• Unlike standard insurance, the value of your car does no depreciate over the life of the policy.• Is the only type of coverage that guarantees the owners will be paid in full in the event of a loss.

Jim,You are exactly correct and I misspoke..."agreed value" is the term that I meant to use.Leif

[Richard M.]

Re: Security C1

I've had a Pager Alarm in my '59 since 1988. It's designed to send a alarm to a pocket pager/receiver if the alarm is activated by opening the hood(hood switch) or a door, some other current draw, or is moved or bumped via a motion sensor. The main control box is behind the clock console and wired up to the fuse panel. There is a small led indicator that I velcro'd to the face of the E-Brake bracket below the hood release. The unit came with a remote enable/disable control for a key-ring.

This unit alerted me on several occasions since 1988. A few times at work when the guys were playing football in the parking lot at lunchtime. One of the guys bumped the car by accident. Alarm sounded, Pager informed me. I looked out the window and saw the action.

Another time was in 1997 in Lake Placid, NY. Wife and I drove my '59 from NH to LP NY for the National. Not for judging, just for fun and my first ever National attendance. We spent the whole week there at a B&B at the base of Whiteface Mountain. Since there was NO inside parking at the judging field....(insert " I'm still a little tee'd off about that when we arrived that day and some guys told me.... "You can't take that thing in here!") Anyways, had to park out in the street with all the traffic and congestion going on. All week long, every time a big 10 wheel dump truck, or semi-tractor trailer went by, my alarm went off.

BTW, It was a Radio Shack Alarm System. Still works. Every time wife and I go out for dinner, the pager comes with me. So far, no theft attempts, but peace of mind.

I got dinged a few points by the interior judges because the wiring from the alarm wasn't "neat" enough. I removed the hood switch for judging and tucked the wire up under the dash. I disputed that the alarm was allowed. Judge agreed but didn't like my wiring bridge across from the fuse panel and under the dash (I used the spare for the "SPOT" light).

I actually have a spare alarm system tucked away that I had in a car since sold. Keeping as a parts/spare unit if needed. I'd bet you can find a newer system just like mine available today, with more features, and could likely call your cell phone if alarmed. And if you call it back probably run a auto-starter, activate your power top, roll up your windows, and give you a lube job, all with a free included APP.

Rich

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Security C1

I have BULL DOG system in my 67 Easy to install and is somewhat functional At least the bad guys may go after another car first when it starts chirping

[Eric A.]

Re: Security C1

I have Barrett Jackson insurance which I think is underwritten by Haverty. Any thoughts on this company as an insurer.

Eric

[Leif A.]

Re: Security C1

I have Barrett Jackson insurance which I think is underwritten by Haverty. Any thoughts on this company as an insurer.Eric

Eric,If you mean Hagertys Insurance, then "yes" that is one of those I was speaking of...it is who I use.Leif

[Billy H.]

Re: Security C1

What do you think about a GPS alarm like Lojack?

The flatbed thief seems like a relatively low risk at a restaurant to me. They're more likely to steal your car from somewhere they've seen it repeatedly. Otherwise, what's the scenario? They happened to be eating at the same restaurant, saw your car and drove right home to get their flatbed? Flatbed theft seems more like a crime of planning, not a crime of opportunity. Maybe I'm too naive?

For the restaurant use case, it seems like a battery or fuel cutoff would be a reasonable deterrent against casual theft, combined with good insurance and maybe the GPS alarm.

You can also valet park and ask them to keep a close eye on it. It's the kind of car they shouldn't mind keeping up front. You'll feel better if you're not familiar with Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The GPS alarm might help with that too, though.

Billy

[Gene M.]

Re: Security C1

A big 1/2" link chain looped from frame to a light pole with heavy pad lock should secure your ride.