Security Systems
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
A separate starter button used to be a guarantee, but now they are back in vogue! (probably will be on all cars thanks to GM's problems!)
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
A buddy of mine has a battery cut-off switch and thinks that it is giving him all the security he needs. I showed him this power unit that I just bought (
Amazon.com: PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter: Automotive
) and how it will start any vehicle. He doesn't lock his hood so I showed him how I could open the hood, attach the power source, jumper a lead to the coil, and then activate the starter relay to start the engine. He was floored! Anybody who thinks that a thief does not know about these trucks is selling the crooks short.
BTW - take a look at this Rosso PowerAll unit, 3 x 6.5 x 1.125 inches and it will start a hemi.
Amazon.com: PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter: Automotive
BTW - take a look at this Rosso PowerAll unit, 3 x 6.5 x 1.125 inches and it will start a hemi.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
A buddy of mine has a battery cut-off switch and thinks that it is giving him all the security he needs. I showed him this power unit that I just bought (Amazon.com: PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter: Automotive) and how it will start any vehicle. He doesn't lock his hood so I showed him how I could open the hood, attach the power source, jumper a lead to the coil, and then activate the starter relay to start the engine. He was floored! Anybody who thinks that a thief does not know about these trucks is selling the crooks short.
BTW - take a look at this Rosso PowerAll unit, 3 x 6.5 x 1.125 inches and it will start a hemi.
BTW - take a look at this Rosso PowerAll unit, 3 x 6.5 x 1.125 inches and it will start a hemi.
It is still a neat device. Thanks for the info Charlie.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Pete, I think that we are talking apples and oranges here...while the statement "Everything these days is run by computers" may be true for today's vehicles, this forum and the OPs post relates to 40s-50s vintage trucks. My bad for not stating that my buddy has a 55 F100...no computers, no locking steering wheel, no locking hood, no shifter lockout, etc.
I am running a Viper alarm and bought the Bitwriter programmer to access some of its "hidden" features. While it is not foolproof, it does give me the confidence in knowing that should someone attempt to steal my truck that at least I will have forewarning of the act and can return to my truck immediately. That plus the ignition will be disabled just in case they do get in before me and my friend S&W arrive....
I am running a Viper alarm and bought the Bitwriter programmer to access some of its "hidden" features. While it is not foolproof, it does give me the confidence in knowing that should someone attempt to steal my truck that at least I will have forewarning of the act and can return to my truck immediately. That plus the ignition will be disabled just in case they do get in before me and my friend S&W arrive....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Pete, I think that we are talking apples and oranges here...while the statement "Everything these days is run by computers" may be true for today's vehicles, this forum and the OPs post relates to 40s-50s vintage trucks. My bad for not stating that my buddy has a 55 F100...no computers, no locking steering wheel, no locking hood, no shifter lockout, etc.
I am running a Viper alarm and bought the Bitwriter programmer to access some of its "hidden" features. While it is not foolproof, it does give me the confidence in knowing that should someone attempt to steal my truck that at least I will have forewarning of the act and can return to my truck immediately. That plus the ignition will be disabled just in case they do get in before me and my friend S&W arrive....
I am running a Viper alarm and bought the Bitwriter programmer to access some of its "hidden" features. While it is not foolproof, it does give me the confidence in knowing that should someone attempt to steal my truck that at least I will have forewarning of the act and can return to my truck immediately. That plus the ignition will be disabled just in case they do get in before me and my friend S&W arrive....
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Prescott AZ.
Thanks everyone for your responses and ideas. I know that if someone really wants the truck their going to get it, I just want to deter or slow down the inexperienced thief or the kid who thinks that it might be fun to take it for a ride. I have already installed a hidden keyed master switch as some of you have suggested. I have been looking at some of the Viper alarms and they seem to be highly recommended. I think that one with the motion sensor and battery backup options will probably be the way that I will go. If that does not work at least the insurance company will know that I tried.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I like the alarms with proximity sensor and verbal warning (ampified voice chip): "WARNING! You have activated the vehicle alarm first stage, back away from the vehicle. Do not approach any closer or touch the vehicle or the full alarm will be activated and authorities notified."
If you use a pager notification type system be sure you know the exact location you are at and are carrying... Not gonna help to call the police: " ...it's parked in a big lot next to a motel, I think it's a holiday inn, on a major street." Or to approach 3 or 4 thugs while armed with just a cell phone.
If you use a pager notification type system be sure you know the exact location you are at and are carrying... Not gonna help to call the police: " ...it's parked in a big lot next to a motel, I think it's a holiday inn, on a major street." Or to approach 3 or 4 thugs while armed with just a cell phone.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
I think that is most people's reaction to the voice warnings. Personally I consider them an invitation to mess with the car. In any kind of a busy lot it will be going off non-stop.
I was in a motel once, a small old fashioned horseshoe-shaped single level kind of place. We had two babies at the time. Some !@#$'s alarm kept going off constantly, woke up both our babies, and everyone else in the motel, EXCEPT the car's owner. This went on for about 2 hours. Finally a bunch of us had had enough, and we sure enough "disabled" the alarm...
I was in a motel once, a small old fashioned horseshoe-shaped single level kind of place. We had two babies at the time. Some !@#$'s alarm kept going off constantly, woke up both our babies, and everyone else in the motel, EXCEPT the car's owner. This went on for about 2 hours. Finally a bunch of us had had enough, and we sure enough "disabled" the alarm...
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Prescott AZ.
I am not one who likes the voice warnings, however, while doing my research I found that there are some voice alarms that you can record your own message. Do you thing the sound of cambering a round might be more effective? It sure would get my attention.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
problem with the cutoffs is that experienced thieves expect them on hot rods and owner built cars, so if they don't just tow it away they will immediately sweep all the usual "hiding" places under the dash and around/under the seat. They know the likely location is going to be within easy access by the driver. Putting it under the dash is like "hiding" your spare house key on top the door trim, under the welcome mat, or in one of the fake rocks alongside the door. Might as well leave it sticking out of the lock! I would look for an unusual or disguised location, i.e. behind the ashtray, or disguised as a dashboard switch, a volume **** on a dummy radio face, or heater fan switch with a matching **** complete with label or symbol. You can use a light duty switch to trip a remote heavy duty latching relay or to ground the hot lead to the coil or points to prevent starting.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,910
Likes: 1,042
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
john
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
