[jdanlatta]

I'm nearing the "end" of my project (which really means the car will be actually driving instead of up on jackstands) and I can't help but wonder about how to keep this car secure when parked at places like home depot.

I understand that it would be simple to hotwire a 1970 El Camino, but is it a good idea to install kill switches for the ignition. If so, anyone have any creative ideas on where and how to install them?

Also, is going with a standard aftermarket alarm a better idea-I'd hate to cut into that new wiring harness I'm thinking about getting but if I have to...

Thanks in advance for all opinions!

Dan Latta

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1970 El Camino
Student, Santa Monica College
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ElCaminosandChevelles/lst
Santa Monica, CA
Current ground up restoration in progress: All parts brand new except rear end: GM 350 crate motor w/ Weiand dual plane intake & Holley 600 cfm carb, K&N exhaust. Doug Thorley Headers w/ Flowmaster pipe & exhaust. Rebuilt transmission from A1 w/ shift kit & 2500 stall converter, Hurst pro-matic II shifter, 15" Powder Coated Rally's , Chevelle SS steering wheel, combo oil/tranny cooler, ARP bolts everywhere.

Project almost done-at this point-wish I had the resources and space to do a frame off. Anyone take the frame off before in a standard size garage? Now that all the new parts are in except radiator, it wouldn't be all that to tear down again. Hmm….

 

[John_Muha]

There are no foolproof ideas. Every one can be defeated. My opinions for something on the cheap side, student budget, that will slow them up and perhaps get the kids to walk away. The pros will take it if they want it. I say "kids" not as an insult. Can't use the word I want. I have watched them practice on cars in the junkyard.
My opinions:
1, I hate alarms. No one pays attention to them out here. Waste of money.
2, Buy a club or a gas pedal style club. It is somethng visible and may get them to walk on. It slows up taking the car.
3, Install a flashing red LED in the dash. These give the idea that there is an alarm system besides the club. May get them to walk away or spend a minute or two looking for it.
4, You can easily get at the neutral safety start wires on the top of the column. There is a purple wire tied to one end of the switch. Without much work a switch can be added in the purple wire. This wire goes to the start terminal on the solenoid. A switch will keep the starter from working. A thief would have to cut into the purple wire, under the hood, or crawl under the car to jump the starter.
None of these ideas will prevent it from being towed away. Together the will slow and perhaps stop the car from being driven away. All cheap ideas without messing up the car wiring.

 

[JJ'65]

Go to the tech reference "miscellaneous" section on this site. Lots of ideas. Thieves also can read, of course.

AS has been noted, if they really want it they will get it, but if its difficult, it at least (maybe) keeps the "kids" at bay.

Seems to me like disabling/disconnecting the battery and keeping them out of the engine compartment are very important.

Then you just have the CS vandals like the guy who tried to pry the V and 327 off my rt frontfender, and the guy who swiped my chrome gearshift ball, and the guy who busted off my antenna and this was 30+ years ago when people were (arguably) more civil than they are today.

I wouldn't park mine out in public. Some criminal could look under and see the stock trans and axle and see $1,000 easy money. Too easy for them to get it. Just my...

$0.02

 

[Pudekuf]

On my S10 i just wired a togle switch. one wire to body ground & the other wire to coil. Do this and a club & it will help. BUT if somebody wants your car they will get it. but this will help if your in a store only for a few minutes

 

[MalibuJerry350]

WOW! What would you guys do if you drove your Chevelle everyday and parked it in parking lots, parking garages, etc? Nervous breakdown time? As was stated, if THEY want it, they'll take it. What can you do? Put a hidden ignition disable switch on it and hope for the best.

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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
576,000+ miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

 

[JJ'65]

Jerry, I agree with you 99% My daily driver is a '72 Valiant 318 four door sedan with a Torqueflite and a little skinny axle and skinny 4 for $99 Sears tires. 20 MPG, reliable, comfortable, and runs and drives great. Who would want to steal it and why? Registration is as close to free as it gets and needs no insurance. (except liability of course)

Wouldn't do the same with a bonafide '72 MOPAR muscle car though, or my EC. How much is an excellent '65 4-speed console worth? Then throw in the muncie and 12 bolt and waht's left over. Too tempting and easy for a crook.

My $0.02

p.s. Nice looking car; original paint? I like the whitewalls too! Interesting-looking old buildings in the background especially the one at the left.

[This message has been edited by JJ'65 (edited 04-02-2002).]

 

[DjD]

Parallel paths!!! Take a look at this thread... www.camaros.net/forum/Forum4/HTML/004219.html

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...Dennis
The '69 & the '96
Team Camaro
Camaros Limited

 

[mr409]

Here's a few oddball ones I thought of:

1) If you have points, keep a "fake" coil wire on hand. Just rip the guts out of an old one and install it when the car is unattended. No thief is going to suspect that. He'll be there all day trying to start it. Hee hee.

2) Pinch off the fuel line hose with a small clamp. The thief may get it going down the road but it won't go far!

Of course, this is really only good when the car will be parked a while. Not something you want to do to run into a store for a few minutes. Taking a friend along to do "guard duty" is good for that. Or the family pitt bull! LOL

There are a kazillion ways to disable a car. Anyone one will make it tough for the thief. They don't like to spend much time and will most likely move on.

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Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 C10 stepside 350
1971 Cheyenne 20 3/4 ton
Somebody stop me...

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