I'm looking for ways to somewhat secure my car. To totally imobilize it when parked would be ideal, but I realize that's impossible.

Presently when I know I'm going to be a while I pull the ignition rotor out and put it in my pocket.
I do not leave it for long, or in dangerous places so I don't think it could get towed away without raising suspicion.

Back in high school I knew a guy who chained his to a light pole. He used a big heavy chain, dragged it through the A frame.
I'm not looking for anything that dramatic, but I do want low tech. I should at least lock the hood I guess, can that be done in a simple way without scratching everything? Maybe a chain through the hood latch and down around the sway bar, locked just below the sway bay.
I have no faith in a steeing wheel lock, it's too easy to cut the wheel and slip the lock off. All in the safety of the vehicle with the door closed. Too easy.
Maybe something on the pedals?
A kill switch?
I like the rotor because it will at least slow a regular thief down.

Tear gas?

 

you can pull the coil wire from the distributor and stick that in your pocket. I used to have a 67 Impala that I drove constantly and I too was afraid of theft. I used to pull the wire until I got an air-ride suspension. At that point I would lower the car completely (it would almost sit on the frame) and pulled the wire to the switches that would activate the suspension. I loved it! It couldn't be towed or anything! Anyhow, back on subject- I've also heard that people who installed an aftermarket steering column also installed a quick release steering wheel- but I can't imagine you carrying your steering wheel into a movie theater! I think this is a good topic. I'm curious how other people deal with this as I'm sure it's a regional thing.

 

well i just unplug the coil wire and stick it in the trunk. i have a steel seat divider so i imagine it would be pretty difficult to get to it...

i know they do make something for the brake pedal that locks it so you cant drive it, maybe something like that. look at it this way, if someome really wants your car they are just going to load it onto a flatbed and drive away with it anyways...

 

Putting your car in a locked garage is the best way to secure it.
We have a bunch of ways to secure it on the street in the FAQ section.

 

i have a kill switch
it will only stop joyriders, not serious thieves
i just avoid parking it where its at risk

could you get one of those wheel clamp thingamy whatsits and clamp your own car like the parking cops do???

 

Garage, dog, alarm, S & W - what else can you do, live in it? Humm.
Jim

 

Well i would take my car to a voo doo witch doctor and have him cast a spell on it that way anyone who was going to do harm to the car would be cursed all his life. Im sure you can work something out with the witch doctor you know they loose their hair.. they have bad breath forver.. a certain part of their body falls off lol just imagine the possibilities lots of curses..

 

I like the air ride trick. Make the thing squat. If they want it they must drag it.
Pulling the coil wire will only slow some one for a minute, they can pop the hood, take off a plug wire to use as a coil wire and drive away on seven cylinders unless the hood is locked. I did go out and look, it seems like a small chain might fit through the hood latch and be locked. Forget the sway bar.
A kill switch is good, where and on what wire is it located? It's like pulling the rotor but easier.
The FAQ section was written by the Whittier College Campus Police and gives all the standard suggestions. Common sense mixed in with the things money can buy and thieves expect. I'm not saying they don't work, but that they are pedestrian. If somebody steals my car I don't want him laughing at my Walmart anti-theft measures.

Unorthodox is best, teargas, chains, dogs.....where are the witchdoctors at?

 

you can buy kill switch kits that mount an activatingpad under the carpet in a secret location of your choosing

i hate electrics so i paid someone to do it

my car does not have an electric fuel pump so only stops the coil from feeding spark. motor still turns over, but will not fire.

 

oh yeh, i like the witchdoctor idea or the concept of running a large current through the whole car so anyone who touches it gets a big ol taser like zap...not enough to kill them, just maybe start their hair smouldering a little.

lobbying politicians for automatic death penalty for car thieves is another personal favorite.