This may be a dumb question, but every show I have gone to so far has been local and hasn't needed an overnight stay. I plan to go to the Lone Star Roundup in Austin next month and will be driving my '53 up there. I am worried about the safety of the car overnight while in Austin. I wasn't sure if people have had problems with cars being stolen, or parts being stolen. I can lock the car no problem, but the engine can be accessed by anyone who wants to take parts off. Are there any tricks to keeping the car secure overnight? Or is this something that really isn't an issue?
My '51 Ford has a quick disconnect steering wheel and I disconnect the battery which is in the trunk. My '49 has no door handles and operates on solenoids plus the hood is chained. Other than that, I have lots of insurance............LOL
I always used a good old chain and padlock on all my hoods in the past. Never lost a battery since I did that and I had lived in a rough area at the time where such thefts were common. Bob
How about just removing the battery every night at the show? I am trying to think where I could put a padlock on the hood to keep people from opening it.
If it is the one in your profile pics... I would not be worried about it man... There are a ton of cars there... I do not think someone would just open your hood and takes parts off... If you are that worried maybe you should stay home.. I just even put a hood on my car and have taken it many places and even overnight.. again though I have good insurance!
I think that there are two parts to the security question; securing the vehicle itself from being stolen, and security of the vehicle parts and luggage.As old cars have gotten more popular and valuable there is a bigger market for stolen cars and parts. Even when new, old cars were extremely easy to get into. Ever heard of a "slim jim"? A hidden electrical cut off switch which would prevent the car from being started combined with a pager type car alarm would probably be effective.A chain and padlock under the hood is easy to install and use and is very effective. Reduce temptation and attraction to thieves by emptying out the interior, pulling the hubcaps and using a"club" (better than nothing). I think the biggest threat would be a determined thief with a tow rig who could tow it away within minutes. Maybe one of those wheel lock "boots" would slow them down. Of course at a motel you would likely be parked in front of, or very close to your room. I generally haven't worried because my older cars have always been low buck drivers, but if you have put some big money in your car find out exactly what your insurance coverage IS! I was at my Insurance agents office a couple of days ago starting up insurance on my Riv. We discussed the need to have an agreed value policy in effect before something happens to your car. Without the proper appraisals and specific coverage you are in for an ugly surprise.
Kill switch, pull the coil wire, set the car on rockers, chain the car to my trailer,shot gun by the night stand.
Get a room on the ground floor, where the parking is right under a light. Do some of the kill switch stuff, chain your hood shut. I used to keep my Rottweiler in the car and never worried about anybody opeing the door or messing with it.
Coated bicycle cable lock, through the center hood brace and grill brace. You don't even see it from outside. Works on my 54
I use a batt turn off switch however I still have a motion alarm wire that cant be seen. other then that just worry like the rest of us. and keep a good eye on the car.
It can happen anywhere. You see it all the time people posting on here cars stolen right out of their garages. Now a days the thiefs are using rollbacks. Your car can be gone in seconds. I dont have the answer but the same stuff always comes up. Kill switches, alarms, low jack, gps and dropping them on the ground. Short of taking all the wheels off I dont know what would delay them in just ******ing it before you could run out.
Thanks guys I appreciate the advice. I have had a few friends have a carb setup yanked out of their car overnight at shows. It's not pretty, and these guys are getting smarter. My buddy had his Truck stolen right out of his driveway while him and his wife were up watching a movie. It's crazy how someone can steal someone's hard work like that, but it happens all too often. I just don't want to be a victim. I would put my 95 lb lab in the car overnight, but he would probably lick the guy to death. LOL. Thanks again guys.
Its really a bummer that this is how we think nowadays(me included)I used to worry about it alot and having worked in the alarm business before I have came to the conclusion that even with all the security in the world if they really want it they WILL get it.Im not saying by any means not to try and secure your ride please dont take it wrong do everything you can to slow them basterds down.Just keep good insurance for sure and try not to worry to much about it,you will never get it all out of your mind but if you worry to much you wont have a good time at the show.
Alltrac has a key fob size type GPS locator incase you do all the above, you can still find your car using a laptop.
I have a baby monitor in my car and I bring the receiver into my hotel room. I also shut off my fuel and my battery,I and use a car cover. Still I'm up checking the car at least 6 times a night. Carlg
Yeah Bro, something most of us sweat. I think step one---a car cover is one of the best. extra grommets with a couple of locks and you would be way ahead of the game. Battery disconnect is another minimal investment as well, every car should have one anyway. Get the rig properly covered with an agreed cost policy. The Round Up is a real blast, a lot of late night activity to discourage illigeal activity as well, the outskirts motels are usually worse for poachers. WE get pretty attatched to this tin. Just go have a good time, and remember, wrap that rascal. ~Sololobo~
Never had or heard of any problems at the Roundup or at the hotels throughout the weekend. There are lots of old rides out there yours should be fine. Just in case I pay about 200$ a year for 10k agreed value on my 52. Thats pretty cheep considering whats at stake.
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