Security Devices?

[MightySprocket]

With yet another OSF being nicked it is obviously becoming a problem. I am very disturbed by the prospect of having my car half inched by these low-lifes as I am sure you all are.

 

Maybe we could all put up suggestions for security devices, it is definately something I have thought about and budgeted for in my build.

 

Obviously there are some brilliant alarm systems out there, I had a toad system that rang my phone if the car was disturbed (obviously car alarms are ignored by your neighbours). I also am considering a Tracker system.

 

My only concern is, with the electrics being extremely simple (and there not being many places to hide an alarm system) on OSFs, how effective would they be against the thieves?

[4parajon]

Bloody good question this, Ive got an alarm on mine but it's something I'm defo thinking about up-grading at the minute. Anyone got any good recomendations then???

[MightySprocket]

I had a problem with a Cobra alarm on my old RST, basically wouldn't turn off, quite a high spec system and I removed it in 30 mins and the car was a goer again, had to sink the siren in a bucket of water so I didn't piss off the neighbours.... imagine how easy it would be on a stripped-out mk1

 

Please post any suggestions of systems or who we can contact for advice and fitting so we can all sleep at night (obviously not giving away your own secrets, you don't know who's reading this)

[Jimbob-Squarepants ©]

Good question Sprocket

 

O.K, I have 1 alarm & 2 immobilisers on the Capri. I even have an alarm & immobiliser on the Anglia. I have to be totally honest here & say that I have never owned a car without either an alarm or immobiliser. (Me being Paranoid)

 

These systems at the end of the day are only going to be as good as how you fit them. I am always playing with wires etc. and have fitted alot of systems in the last few years.

 

Unfortunatley, the Thatcham systems have to be fitted by an approved Auto-Electritian otherwise, they don't give you the discount on your premium. The long and short of it is, I don't want anyone fitting security devices to my vehicles - END OF.

 

I have seen some "Professional" installations and let me tell you, a traind chimp can do a better job. Basically, I have worked out that the fitting for the insurance side of things is just a certificate to say you have that particular system on your car. It is nothing to do with how it has been fitted, which I think is a f**king usless waste of time.

 

There was a few cases to me locally where a local company had fitted alarms etc. then a few weeks later the car went missing. One of these cars was a Sierra RS Cosworth.

 

So to give you an idea, when I fit security, I am there the whole day. I also never fit anything like that near my house either, it will always be outside a mates house. I am fairly lucky here, my alarm never goes off, so if it does, the neighbours will know there is something up.

 

Trackers are a great idea. Two years ago my neighbour next door was broken into and they stole the keys for her boyfriends Porsche 911 and torched her BMW X5 on the drive while she slep upstairs. Within 10 mins the Tracker people had the car located doing 160Mph down the A2 towards Kent.

 

Now here is the problem. If it is an expensive modern car, the theives will more than likley know there is a Tracker fitted, so they will park it up in a quiet street for 3 days whilst trying to strip the car for the Tracker. My neighbours Porsche came back in a dreadfull state, it was ruined.

 

An old car will be quite different. No-one on this plannet will think there is a Tracker fitted, so they wont look for it. This will mean, the cops will find your car & catch the theives red handed. Nice thought

 

Alarms at the end of the day are a deterrant. But if I have to touch any wiring or change a fuse on mine, I have to take half the bloody car apart, annoying, but thankfully it doesn't happen everyday. Immobilisers are a good idea. The only way they will have your car (if it's wired correctly) is by towing it. They can be there 5 mins trying to start it, by which time hopefully, you will catch them.

 

Personally, I don't go in for any other devices like Krook Locks etc. Just have my trusty Air Pistol to hand at home

 

So, if you can find a place that will sell you a good alarm without their fitting, and your not bothered about loosing any discount on your insurance because you fitted it yourself, go and get one and spend the whole day fitting it with soldered joints and running all wires through the cars original loom.

 

The best tip I can give you is this: When you fit security devices to your vehicles, think like a theif. Think how they would try and get round things, think about the places they will look to dissarm such devices, & do the opposite. Make it as hard as possible for any theif!!!

[MightySprocket]

Thanks mate, I think I will fit my own alarm system & immobiliser and have a tracker fit. I also have some quite simple little ideas that may help. I have CCTV at home which I had fit when I had my Cossie which alerts you and starts recording when someone breaks the boundry, but this won't stop them taking or damaging the car.

 

There was a few cases to me locally where a local company had fitted alarms etc. then a few weeks later the car went missing. One of these cars was a Sierra RS Cosworth.

 

I know of a similar thing, one of the top cossie builders in the UK employed someone fitting alarms who then later nicked the cars! Scum bag!

[Jimbob-Squarepants ©]

Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself when a mate of mine told me. Obviously I wouldn't have thought a company would be behind such an act, but you forget about the people who work for them.

 

If you fit security for a living, you have to be whiter than white in my book, and lets face it, people like that are getting harder to find these days.

 

I do feel out of order in some ways because of the posts that we have had already about stolen cars. I know exactly what it is like to have something stolen & yes it is gutting. Obviously I sympothise with these people, but the vast majority who restore / build these cars don't budget for security. This is total madness!

 

Our old Fords were the dream target of theives back in the day because they were so easy to steal. With all the progress in car security over the years, what are they going to steal now???? A ford Focus or an old Ford with a great chance there is no security!

 

Let's face it, some of these Escorts now are fetching big bucks, so why waste your time with a modern family car, just go for the easy nicks. With alot of us on here, including myself, we use our Fords everyday, and it is our only car for alot of us. To have no security is totally stupid.

 

Unfortunatley with these vehicles being up and coming classics, and the rare parts that may be fitted to them, & not forgetting internet sites such as eBay making the outlet for stolen cars or parts easy to get rid of, this only advertises to theives the vast amounts of money they will make by stealing such an easy target.

 

I wont get fed up by saying this all the time, we live in a world now where the government don't give a shite, Police resources are strapped, theives get a smack on the wrist, and human rights are for the criminals not for the innocent victims. Unfortunatley alarms / immobilisers are a part of life now. You don't know who's is eyeing your car up.

 

I have had a case recently where someone jumped out of the darkness and started to take an interest in the Capri. He started asking too many questions about it. Yeah sure, people do, but normally it stops at "I had one of those when was younger, nice car mate, look after it" & not "Yeah, Capri isn't it? 2.8 injection, I was checking it out earlier today, clean isn't it. Are they the original seats???? What about the wheels???"

 

I shit you all not, this is what was said to me. Get your car belled!!!

 

BTW, I think there should be a rule in car shows like concourse etc. where the use of an alarm should be over looked. I said about this problem to a mate. I said "why don't these people have a bell on their wagon???" (This was when that rally rep Mk2 Escort was stolen. Was the one in the Sun)

He said "Well, alarms aren't original are they?" True, but I would much rather keep hold of my car thanks!!!!

 

Sorry to go on, but it seems that this really does need to be put across. We no longer live in an age of "Life On Mars" where you can go out and leave your windows open, or your front door ajar. There is some gob-shite waiting to f**k you over at the earliest opportunity

[4parajon]

How much would a Tracker be then???

 

I was told what I thought was a good idea a few years ago. Because nobody seems to take much notice of the alarm noise when they go off they fitted the actual alarm in the interior so when it went off it would deafen the would be thiefs, now I've had my head under the bonnet of mine when the alarm goes off and its bloody deafening. Just thought it was funny you can imagine their faces can't you

[Jimbob-Squarepants ©]

Personally, I am not a lover of Clifford alarm systems. I managed to get one wired up with no instructions after someone chopped it out of his car and then gave it to me. If they are that easy to wire up, they are that easy to dissconnect.

 

Your idea is a good one, but for things like that, Toad are very good. On their systems you can get various add ons such as CCTV (so it records everything once the car is broken into) and you can even buy a smoker. What this does is it gives the theif a few seconds, then lets off shite loads of smoke into the car. They start coughing and get out. Some of the systems will even lock the doors for a set time so they get a good lungfull.

 

Trackers vary really. I think a decent one is around the £600 mark. You can get them cheaper, but it is all to do with the add ons you get with them e.g. automatic tracking, or telephone to trigger the system, etc.

 

It isn't something I have personally looked into, but I do know you may well get a healthy discount on your insurance premiums because there is a much better chance you will get the car back.

 

If you want to fit the siren in the interior, you go ahed and do it. That is something they wouldn't expect

[MightySprocket]

can you get sirens so loud it will make their ears bleed until they died

[andyg]

i got one of those thatcham steering locks (covers the full wheel) must be a bit of a deterrent cos it's got to be a pain in the arse to get off, it's bad enough with the key

[4parajon]

can you get sirens so loud it will make their ears bleed until they died

 

I dont want some arse bleeding all over my recaro's thanks

[MightySprocket]

can you get sirens so loud it will make their ears bleed until they died

 

I dont want some arse bleeding all over my recaro's thanks

 

lmao good point

[sab6024]

First job I did when I bought the Capri was to have a Thatcham 1 put on it. All very well, but because it's not sealed quite as well as a newer car, the wind keeps setting it off. The neighbours are p****d off with it and don't listen anymore. My dad tells me if it's gone off when I'm not home, but wouldn't get off his fat arse to check it. I had a secondary immobiliser put on by my brother because I don't trust anyone. I can't imagine anyone wanting to nick mine but you never know.

This guy told me once that he had an XR4i Turbo Technics that he spent a small fortune on having rebuilt. Took it home and a couple nights later it went missing. Police told him they were watching the garage he took it to because of other peoples cars being stolen. They couldn't find the car because they were being shipped straight out the country.

I'm thinking on getting a Tracker unit for mine but not sure whether it's worth it. Maybe once I've had it resprayed and a new motor dropped in.

[duchy boy]

First job I did when I bought the Capri was to have a Thatcham 1 put on it. All very well, but because it's not sealed quite as well as a newer car, the wind keeps setting it off. The neighbours are p****d off with it and don't listen anymore. My dad tells me if it's gone off when I'm not home, but wouldn't get off his fat arse to check it. I had a secondary immobiliser put on by my brother because I don't trust anyone. I can't imagine anyone wanting to nick mine but you never know.

This guy told me once that he had an XR4i Turbo Technics that he spent a small fortune on having rebuilt. Took it home and a couple nights later it went missing. Police told him they were watching the garage he took it to because of other peoples cars being stolen. They couldn't find the car because they were being shipped straight out the country.

I'm thinking on getting a Tracker unit for mine but not sure whether it's worth it. Maybe once I've had it resprayed and a new motor dropped in.

I would'nt bother just get a 2.8

[escpri]

First job I did when I bought the Capri was to have a Thatcham 1 put on it. All very well, but because it's not sealed quite as well as a newer car, the wind keeps setting it off. The neighbours are p****d off with it and don't listen anymore. My dad tells me if it's gone off when I'm not home, but wouldn't get off his fat arse to check it. I had a secondary immobiliser put on by my brother because I don't trust anyone. I can't imagine anyone wanting to nick mine but you never know.

This guy told me once that he had an XR4i Turbo Technics that he spent a small fortune on having rebuilt. Took it home and a couple nights later it went missing. Police told him they were watching the garage he took it to because of other peoples cars being stolen. They couldn't find the car because they were being shipped straight out the country.

I'm thinking on getting a Tracker unit for mine but not sure whether it's worth it. Maybe once I've had it resprayed and a new motor dropped in.

I would'nt bother just get a 2.8

well who needs a 2.8 when a 2ltr will keep up come on.

[sab6024]

First job I did when I bought the Capri was to have a Thatcham 1 put on it. All very well, but because it's not sealed quite as well as a newer car, the wind keeps setting it off. The neighbours are p****d off with it and don't listen anymore. My dad tells me if it's gone off when I'm not home, but wouldn't get off his fat arse to check it. I had a secondary immobiliser put on by my brother because I don't trust anyone. I can't imagine anyone wanting to nick mine but you never know.

This guy told me once that he had an XR4i Turbo Technics that he spent a small fortune on having rebuilt. Took it home and a couple nights later it went missing. Police told him they were watching the garage he took it to because of other peoples cars being stolen. They couldn't find the car because they were being shipped straight out the country.

I'm thinking on getting a Tracker unit for mine but not sure whether it's worth it. Maybe once I've had it resprayed and a new motor dropped in.

I would'nt bother just get a 2.8

well who needs a 2.8 when a 2ltr will keep up come on.

 

I'm hopefully having a 2.0l put in. Just have to ask George nicley!!!

 

Mark - Did Tris do your Sig then? I want one!!!

[duchy boy]

First job I did when I bought the Capri was to have a Thatcham 1 put on it. All very well, but because it's not sealed quite as well as a newer car, the wind keeps setting it off. The neighbours are p****d off with it and don't listen anymore. My dad tells me if it's gone off when I'm not home, but wouldn't get off his fat arse to check it. I had a secondary immobiliser put on by my brother because I don't trust anyone. I can't imagine anyone wanting to nick mine but you never know.

This guy told me once that he had an XR4i Turbo Technics that he spent a small fortune on having rebuilt. Took it home and a couple nights later it went missing. Police told him they were watching the garage he took it to because of other peoples cars being stolen. They couldn't find the car because they were being shipped straight out the country.

I'm thinking on getting a Tracker unit for mine but not sure whether it's worth it. Maybe once I've had it resprayed and a new motor dropped in.

I would'nt bother just get a 2.8

well who needs a 2.8 when a 2ltr will keep up come on.

 

I'm hopefully having a 2.0l put in. Just have to ask George nicley!!!

 

Mark - Did Tris do your Sig then? I want one!!!

Just check your messages

[Rick]

are those TOAD alarms any good iv seen them on ebay they come and fit them for you. they go 'blurp' whenever anyone goes near

[MightySprocket]

The last 'toad' I had was very good, had an adjustable perimeter defence so if anyone went within 3 feet it chirped at them!

[J_mk1]

Umm i couldnt be bothered to read the whole of this topic So sorry if this has already been mentioned. But what i think is a good idea (and what im doing) is installing a 'snap-off' steering wheel on my car.

 

I think its basic and effective. Also gives ur car more of a racey feel

 

What u think?

[Rick]

its worth doing you can buy a quick release boss on ebay.

 

if someone wants your car bad enough though theyl bring a spare steering wheel

[Andy504]

I know once my car was finished i was paranoid about it goin missin, still am, im up at the window at every noise, and if i ever caught anyone goin at it with a screwdriver for any reason, i would personally drag them round the back and snap there grubby little mits off.

 

Anyway i jus got meself a sparkrite alarm with immobiliser, but got the one with the voltage drop on, adjustable sensetivity, and a red led for the dash. Its got shock sensor on it, infa red on it, and switches for the doors, i also personally added switches for the tailgate and bonnet, so nothin can be touched. I have also got a manual kill switch hidden away and i fitted the lot meself into the loom so nothin can be seen as alarm wires. with the help of my old fella, cheers dad. I also got some tracker alarm stickers that are really good with proper dates on em and everythin off ebay for the side windows, lets face it, are the robbin barstools gonna take a chance if the stickers are in it, i know it sounds heartless but they will go to a different motor if they see it and leave yours alone.

 

However i am still up at the window at every noise and i do the round the block thing if i think someone has been behind me too long, unless i lose em

And lets face it if they really want it, this day an age they will have it wether it be wagon, trailer or dolly. even hiyab.

 

What we really need is some serious punishment for these robbin little cnuts, or eventually we will catch one of em and end up killin them, problem is you will get 10 times the sentance any car robber has ever got.

[4parajon]

I know once my car was finished i was paranoid about it goin missin, still am, im up at the window at every noise, and if i ever caught anyone goin at it with a screwdriver for any reason, i would personally drag them round the back and snap there grubby little mits off.

 

Anyway i jus got meself a sparkrite alarm with immobiliser, but got the one with the voltage drop on, adjustable sensetivity, and a red led for the dash. Its got shock sensor on it, infa red on it, and switches for the doors, i also personally added switches for the tailgate and bonnet, so nothin can be touched. I have also got a manual kill switch hidden away and i fitted the lot meself into the loom so nothin can be seen as alarm wires. with the help of my old fella, cheers dad. I also got some tracker alarm stickers that are really good with proper dates on em and everythin off ebay for the side windows, lets face it, are the robbin barstools gonna take a chance if the stickers are in it, i know it sounds heartless but they will go to a different motor if they see it and leave yours alone.

 

However i am still up at the window at every noise and i do the round the block thing if i think someone has been behind me too long, unless i lose em

And lets face it if they really want it, this day an age they will have it wether it be wagon, trailer or dolly. even hiyab.

 

What we really need is some serious punishment for these robbin little cnuts, or eventually we will catch one of em and end up killin them, problem is you will get 10 times the sentance any car robber has ever got.

 

Sounds like a good system that Andy, you'll have to show it me at the weekend mate, ooooeeeerrrr

[Rick]

its best just to add everything you can thats gonna stop the crooks cuz they dont wana be there half hour stealing it so as andy says theyl move on to somet else.

 

Trackers

motion sensors

snap off wheel

brake/clutch pedal lock

handbrake lock

electric cut off switch

fuel cut off switch

alarm/tracker stickers

delocking (if you are that way inclined)

chain it to something

wheel clamps

 

and if your not happy with any of those wire it to the mains while you sleep

[Essex Boy]

A few years back i can remember someone Toad i think doing an alarm/immobiliser that filled the car with acrid thick smoke if a thief gained entry, fast working and made it impossible to see inside the vehicle and foul smelling too.

Anyone have info on it and is it still available???

 

Also another had a hidden camera which would take 12 pics of intruder (good idea but even then the usless police would still do sod all)

 

 

I favour a paging system no siren i'm never more than 5 minutes from my car at home or work and i'd rather catch and severley injure the low lifes than WASTE time with the police