[My65CaliWagon]

I was reading the stolen alerts today and it got me worried. We don't have a garage, I keep my car covered overnight. We have a driveway that goes all the way back to our property with locked gate. But locks can be cut, cars can be rolled away at night. Most of the time we try to block it with my husbands truck. But I've also been driving it a lot lately. I'm afraid to leave it in any parking lot if I need to stop somewhere.

What is the best way to prevent a car from being stolen? I have a club, but I heard those can be easily removed. Is there anything that will lock up the axels so that it can't be rolled or driven if started? I'm willing to hear about any method that you think is effective though. Thanks.

 

[69velle]

I just bough a Grant Security Wheel system. It allows you to remove the steering wheel and has a heavy duty metal cap so the system cannot be removed by a theif. I haven't installed it yet cause the car is at the engine shop, but if it doesnt have a steering wheel, you can only tow it. At which case, you just turn the wheel all the way to the right or left, take the steering wheel off and that would make it 10x harder to even tow.

Just a lot of theft deterrent..of course if someone really wanted it, they could get it. Then install a cut-off switch of sorts and it just becomes a major hassle for someone to try and steal.

 

[gilby246]

Other than having a pro install an alarm.

This is what I did..Maybe Im just fooling myself into thinking it will prevent a good car theif from driving off with it but who knows.

I ran the ignition wire into a toggle switch and then into a push button mounted under the steering column. To start it I have to flip the toggle, turn the key to start and push the button all at the same time. I also ran the electric fuel pump into a toggle switch as well. If it doesnt prevent someone from taking it then maybe it will just be a bigger PITA

 

[My65CaliWagon]

I just bough a Grant Security Wheel system. It allows you to remove the steering wheel and has a heavy duty metal cap so the system cannot be removed by a theif. I haven't installed it yet cause the car is at the engine shop, but if it doesnt have a steering wheel, you can only tow it. At which case, you just turn the wheel all the way to the right or left, take the steering wheel off and that would make it 10x harder to even tow.

Just removing the steering wheel was my first thought, but of course it's a pain if you drive it often, would only work for storing. I didn't know there was an actual device like that. How much modification does it require? Do you know if it's visable?

 

[ak 67SD]

I did the same as above, i have my ignition wired to a toggle, my toggle is so plainly obvious on my dash i don't think anyone would think of it. I also disconnect my battery (in the trunk), but its in a garage. These solutions cost less than a buck! A removal steering wheel is another good option.

Your issue might be someone with a flat bed, a wheel lock like they use for parking fines might be in order, parking behind it as often as possible is a good idea, a decent car alarm (and still install the ignition toggle!).

Basically make it hard for a common thief, if someone really wants and they are experienced at it they'll take it.

ak

 

[busterwivell]

I agree that if they want it bad enough, they'll get it.
My Chevelle is in a locked garage, with an alarm system tied into the house alarm system.
When I'm at a show, It's got the Club on the steering wheel.
And, it's insured rather well..............

 

[My65CaliWagon]

Thank you. Yeah, my main concern is not really someone starting it, but rather rolling it away half a block, then taking their time to tow it. But I guess when I leave it in a parking lot my concern is someone starting it. I'll have to avoid doing that. I'll look into this steering wheel device. In the meantime at night I will remind my husband to block the driveway at the side of our house, it's the only way out.

 

[gilby246]

I just bough a Grant Security Wheel system. It allows you to remove the steering wheel and has a heavy duty metal cap so the system cannot be removed by a theif. I haven't installed it yet cause the car is at the engine shop, but if it doesnt have a steering wheel, you can only tow it. At which case, you just turn the wheel all the way to the right or left, take the steering wheel off and that would make it 10x harder to even tow.

Just a lot of theft deterrent..of course if someone really wanted it, they could get it. Then install a cut-off switch of sorts and it just becomes a major hassle for someone to try and steal.

I have never seen one of these, so my question is.
Does this mean if you happen to go to the mall (or where ever) you take the wheel off and you need to lug it around with you ?

 

[My65CaliWagon]

I guess you would have to. But then you risk losing it! I wonder if it would be dumb to hide it in the trunk? (or back of my wagon). If no one is looking. Cause really, once they see there is no steering wheel, who would attempt to steal it? In a parking lot anyways.

 

[ontheline]

Besides adding anti- theif devices since your in California check with your local Police or Sheriff's Department on window etching, most departments receives grants so the program is free. I lived in southern Ca. and moved to Arizona a year ago. We have the window etching program here that's free here and also a program called Watch Your Car. If your car is on the streets from 1 to 5 a.m. the police statewide will pull your car over to check it. Also if it's seen anytime day or night near the border it will be stopped and checked. There is a tipsheet webpage where you can get other anti-theif tips
www.azwatchyourcar.com
www.azwatchyourcar.com/watch_your_car.html Program

 

[69velle]

Go to www.grantproducts.com and after you enter the site, look on the main page for the security wheel system. You have to use a Grant Steering wheel though.

Basically you install the hub that allows you to remove the wheel with a key. You can do this wherever you go and only takes a few seconds. Once the steering wheel is removed you install a metal cap that keeps people from getting to the mechanisms. You can leave leave the steering wheel in the trunk because even if they have the wheel, they still cannot get passed the metal cap without damaging the whole system making it useless to them anyway. They might steal the wheel out of spite though if you leave it taunting them.

 

[66SSFan]

I used a toggle switch under the dash in - line with the nutrual saftey switch. Works great and would be very difficult to find and start the car. If I was going to use it as a daily driver, I would get a GPS tracking system installed. They are not cheap and mostly work on the idea of recovering your car within a couple hours of it being stolen.

 

[busterwivell]

Yah, but the problem for me with GPS is I'd about have to see it leave for it to be of any help, cuz you can be across the border in just over half an hour from my place.

 

[bxtrack]

i did the same thing as gilby but put it near my emergency brake handel where it is hidden and they would have to search and i also have a car guard its a device that goes over the stearing colum that covers the ignition and locks the shifter on the colum in place along with the turn signal lever you can find them on ebay sometimes but you just put it over it and my dad accedently left one on one time and that had to drill the lock out of the car guard before they could get it open

 

[Timmer]

http://www.unitracking.com/ I am considering this set up product number
UTK-V220TOVP portable battery operated tracking. The nice thing here is if someone cuts power to your car battery or uses a roll up truck carrier this still works. It puts a three foot perimeter around your car when activated so as soon as movement starts of your asset tracking and notification begins. Being portable can be used in child's backpack,luggage,boats,ATV's motorcycles, computer servers,tool boxes or other high value shipment. This GPS tracking device will notify you within minutes of movement via cell phone ,pager,email, and police if you wish
May get a reduce insurance rate as well --tim--

 

[Ark68SS]

Gracie, one of the Team Chevelle sponsors offers this product-
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1284709#post1284709
You might check with them.
BillL

 

[70 SS LS-5]

There is, practically speaking, no foolproof method for keeping your car from getting stolen.
Without going into how they do it, be advised that sophisticated thieves are easily able to steal vehicles even with the new "tracking/notification" systems; without it being tracked or you notified. The upside of a tracking system is just that it narrows the field of potentially successful thieves of your vehicle.
The only real piece of mind is having very good insurance.

Mike

 

[2cool]

When I worked construction about 20 years ago a tow truck came into the parking lot and stole the motors and trans out of about 3 cars, I mean they used a torch and cut the motor out and then jerked it out of the front end of the car taking the grill out too!! so if they want it they will get it.
Also most thefts happen in the day time when your not at home.

 

[figbash]

The best way to keep your Chevelle is install a hidden switch on the electric fuel pump. This will allow it to be started and driven a short distance but it will quit in a very visible place, like the middle of the street. No thief in his right mind is going to stick around to figure out how to re-start it. I have a buddy that has used this system for years and it actually kept his car from being stolen. He found it a quarter mile down the road from his house.

Tom

 

[vintageracer]

Sell the car. No worries Mate!