Bill, when I re-read the thread, the OP's concern was of theft, not a hood flying open going down the road. My bad.

Thartman, many people start to become a bit paranoid about the vehicles they are restoring as the money they are putting into them begins to add up. It's natural to a certain extent to feel this way, but usually is unwarranted. Like one's fears after a fresh paint-job about the first scratch, it eventually subsides. If you live in the hood, that's different, but then again, why would you?

 

Valid point. But the old trucks, specially living in an area where farmers out number everyone else, get more attention. Anti theft measures are necessary as much for peace of mind as anything. If you make it difficult for the opportunistic thieves, they'll look elsewhere.
That said, the best alarm system you can get has four legs and a tail that usually wags

 

My truck, in fairly nice shape, and parked on my property near the street for the 15+ years I've owned it, has drawn no interest from the tweakers that prowl around doing break-ins. Most of them are out of it anyways, and would more likely be looking for exposed electronics in the vehicle, such as cell phones, GPS's, iPods, or purses and laptop bags. These they can easily turn into cash for more meth. A battery, Y-block parts, even performance parts from our workhorse trucks? Not so much. If you've a pimped out trailer-queen, perhaps you might worry. Get an alarm, keep it in the garage, hell, aim a security camera at it if you must. Even then, a thief will not be deterred, he'll have it anyway.

Our trucks, important to us, are simply not that attractive to thieves, in my experience. I cannot recall anyone coming on FTE and posting about their Fridge having something nicked from it.If it gives you a better nights rest, though, spend away.......my truck and it's contents will be there in the morning, I'm confident.

 

You added to my thieves of opportunity idea very well and you're 100% correct. However, modern alarm systems can be had for well under a hunnert bucks. I'll install one before I put the door windows in because the door lock function will be an easier install that way. And what's cooler than coming up to an old truck, hitting the remote, having the ah ooooogah horn sound and the lights flash? Never underestimate the cool factor. Us single guys giving that hawt babe at the other end of the bar a ride home, well, you get the idea

 

People are so used to alarms going off in today's world, that they pay little attention to them.

And since they all sound alike when they go off, how will you know if it's yours, I buzzard bait's, or Col Flashman's?

'Course, Buzzard probably doesn't have one, cuz he's sooo cheap, he wouldn't pay a nickel to watch an ant eat a bale of hay.

Install a chain and padlock...and be done with it.

 

I need the occasional beatdown from El Senor NumberDammy. I just wouldn't feel alive going more than a week or two without one!

Yeah, you youngsters need something on which to spend your "hard-earned". Might as well be your trucks. Sure would be scary to see any "hawt babe" that would be attracted to a guy driving a rusty old Fridge chick magnet, though. LOL!

Course, some of the FTE guys are worse on the eyes than the trucks they drive. Just saying, Bill. That's how I came by mine, from the Helen Keller Mail-Order Bride Catalogue.They take Paypal, you know.

 

When I was driving my '65 I had many women ask for a ride. Not so with my '99 Ranger. But the Inland Northwest is mostly an agrarian area where girls are attracted to men that are good with their hands.
BTW I'm a single old fart.

 

Lucky for you, I guess.

Who was it that said, " If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." ?

 

"Red Green"

 

Winner winner, chicken dinner!


" I'm a man, but I can change - if I have to. I guess." Julie/Dan

 

HA HA you guys made my morning with a real LOL reading this thread.

My hood is ridiculously heavy and I'm no weakling. Are new hood springs available?

 

If you search thru this forum there have been multiple discussions about this. I found on mine that the springs had worn notches on the bottom surface where the spring rides, causing the tension to decrease. Removed the springs, filled in the notches and reinstalled, problem solved. Even with as dumb as I am some times!

 

Which hood hinges does your '59 have, the original 1957/59's, or 1960 hinges?

1960: FoMoCo replaced the 1957/59 hinges with 1960 hinges for use as "service part replacements."

The 1960 springs (COTB-16789-B) are not the same as 1957/59 springs (B7C-16789-A).

 

that stirs up some bad memories. I don't know if I should cry or get mad? Truly, we hardly kew it.

 

That is actually the Man's Prayer, from Possum Lodge (Red Green Show)