Anybody have a simple solution for an anti-theft device for a 1976 F150? I have used a simple hidden switch to disconnect the electric fuel pump on my other vehicles, but this would not work here. Not sure what system to put a switch on (starter, distributor, coil). One of those NASCAR detachable steering wheels would be cool!

 

you could put it in the starter system. Run it off the neutral saftey switch.

 

Grant makes the quick detach steering wheel kits, but then you gotta carry a SW around.

you could put a disconnect on the battery, or just pop the hood and take the coil wire with you. i hate how my truck doesnt have a locking hood release. you can just reach in the grill and open the hood. i have to remedy that this year.

 

I bought a length of chain to loop between the hood and a cross-piece below, and a lock to close the loop. It keeps honest people honest -- a thief won't be deterred by anything.

 

true im more concerned about someone messing with the motor and electrical

 

Even with a mechanical fuel pump, you can run a disconnect switch in the fuel line under the hood, or under the drivers side part of the cab (this is how the old IH I was given was set up). You can get a switch from the plumbing dept at OSH. Anybody tries to steal the truck, they'll make it down the block on the gas in the carb, and then the truck dies.

If you don't want to deal with that, pulling the coil is probably your best bet.

 

I had a truck that i took the power to the coil to a switch under the dash and then back to the coil.

 

Listen, putting a switch in the starting or ignition circuit wont do a thing, since anyone wanting to steal the truck would be by-passing that anyway. It only takes a screwdriver and a jumper wire too crank these sweet crafts

 

That's why I was suggesting the fuel shut off valve. The electical systems on these trucks are too primitive and easy to jump, the club is useless, brake locks do nothing because you don't need the brake to start the truck and they can just use the parking brake while driving it off (it may not stop too well, but it'll work).

Options pretty much come down to installing an in the cab hood lock with a key lock, which can still be popped open using just a large screwdriver and about a minute or two (I had to do this to my truck when I first got it, because the cable wasn't working).

Or, pull the coil and carry it around with you wherever you go, which is a total hassle if you have to do it every night (or everywhere you go).

IMO, your best bet is to cut off the fuel with a switch under the cab. If someone steals a truck and it dies right down the street, they'll just abandon it. Especially if (to thier knowledge) it's out of gas, or the pump's just not working. They may make it further than if you take the coil or the battery out, but it's much less of a hassle to just reach under the cab and turn a switch.

I personally don't stress too much, as mine has the ultimate in anti-theft technology; rust and primer!

That's my $0.02... Hope this helps, I'll stop ranting now!
If anybody else has some good ideas, post 'em!

 

Big guns and lots and lots of ammo.

 

back in 77 my father found the anti theft device that i spoke of in a electronics catologue. I called him and he vagley remembers but hes going to look for it. if i remember right it had a 30 second fuse that would shut down the engine if you didnt have the switch or switches in the right position.if he finds it i'm going to use it again and ill try to let you know he also had made up a curcuit that would start blowing the horn if the engine started with out the key.

 

put a wire on the neg. side of the coil and run to a switch
then to a ground
when the switch grounds out the coil
even hot wiring straight to the coil wont work
this will prevent the coil from creating any spark

 

Wouldn't they just pull the groundwire off of the coil, then run the jumper to hotwire it? If they know how to jump these things, It seems like they'd notice the extra wire...

 

I just pull the engine and take it with me....

 

LOL!