Spike

People have asked about simple protective measures to prevent the
theft of classic Mustangs, and some form of the Boot used by police
departments has been mentioned. In one of the many catalogs I receive,
I noted the following:

"Heavy Duty Wheel Boot
Secure your vehicle in seconds
Hardened steel wheel lock offers instant anti-theft security wherever
you park: Simply clamp on the light weight device, turn the key, and
go. Lock is pick and drill resistant and can't be frozen with Freon.
It's weather resistant protective coating won't wear out - or scratch
your wheels. Two adjustable sizes...
Standard Model (7 pounds) fits up to 11.5" wide tires...$129
PN 24901
Truck Model (8 pounds) fits up to 12.5" tires...$139
PN 24902"

Looks a bit like this....

== == (hooks fit into the wheel)
// \\
// \\ (adjustable claw)
\\ //
\\________// ---+(key)
||
|| tire obstacle

Anyone interested can check out www.autosportcatalog.com

DISCLAIMER: I have not tried this product, nor done business with this
company and make no claims regarding the abilities described. I
receive no compensation for distributing this information.
Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

Big Al

"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote in message
news:9nasa1tiu43trqup44f8q59htdbgtfhf9h@4ax.com...
> People have asked about simple protective measures to prevent the
> theft of classic Mustangs, and some form of the Boot used by police
> departments has been mentioned. In one of the many catalogs I receive,
> I noted the following:
>
> "Heavy Duty Wheel Boot
> Secure your vehicle in seconds
> Hardened steel wheel lock offers instant anti-theft security wherever
> you park: Simply clamp on the light weight device, turn the key, and
> go. Lock is pick and drill resistant and can't be frozen with Freon.
> It's weather resistant protective coating won't wear out - or scratch
> your wheels. Two adjustable sizes...
> Standard Model (7 pounds) fits up to 11.5" wide tires...$129
> PN 24901
> Truck Model (8 pounds) fits up to 12.5" tires...$139
> PN 24902"
>
> Looks a bit like this....
>
> == == (hooks fit into the wheel)
> // \\
> // \\ (adjustable claw)
> \\ //
> \\________// ---+(key)
> ||
> || tire obstacle
>
> Anyone interested can check out www.autosportcatalog.com
>
> DISCLAIMER: I have not tried this product, nor done business with this
> company and make no claims regarding the abilities described. I
> receive no compensation for distributing this information.
> Hey! Spikey Likes IT!

>

The cops out here use the boot to "capture" illegal parkers. Sometimes they
loose the boot. People take the tire off and put on the spare. Some people
have just let the air out of the tire, removed the boot, and re-inflate the
tire. It's supposed to grab the wheel but with larger tires it won't reach.

BTW: The ones the cops use are much stouter than the one in the link.

Al # 35

Spike

And the cops have tax dollars/funding to pay for the heftier model.

Your points are valid. Had not heard them before. But, I'm still of
the opinion that more deterrent the better. A thief checking out the
vehicle will "usually" be put off by an obvious deterrent. The boot. A
flashing LED inside, etc.

It also depends on where you live. Thieves are far more brazen in some
places than others.

For classic Mustangs, another unit I noted recently was a replacement
automatic shifter handle with a built in lock which "prevents the
shift lever from being moved from Park". I imagine that a thief might
get mad enough to trash the vehicle after encountering this device,
but, if it really works, at least you still have your car. In this
case, I suppose the handle might be removed, but would the thief be
able to shift the transmission if he didn't bring a spare handle with
him?

Practically nothing will stop a very determined thief. Remove the
rotor is a great idea, but won't stop a thief from dragging the
vehicle up onto a flatbed tow unit.





On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 08:49:01 -0700, "Big Al" <nospamsal1@qwest.net>
wrote:

>
>"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote in message
>news:9nasa1tiu43trqup44f8q59htdbgtfhf9h@4ax.com...
>> People have asked about simple protective measures to prevent the
>> theft of classic Mustangs, and some form of the Boot used by police
>> departments has been mentioned. In one of the many catalogs I receive,
>> I noted the following:
>>
>> "Heavy Duty Wheel Boot
>> Secure your vehicle in seconds
>> Hardened steel wheel lock offers instant anti-theft security wherever
>> you park: Simply clamp on the light weight device, turn the key, and
>> go. Lock is pick and drill resistant and can't be frozen with Freon.
>> It's weather resistant protective coating won't wear out - or scratch
>> your wheels. Two adjustable sizes...
>> Standard Model (7 pounds) fits up to 11.5" wide tires...$129
>> PN 24901
>> Truck Model (8 pounds) fits up to 12.5" tires...$139
>> PN 24902"
>>
>> Looks a bit like this....
>>
>> == == (hooks fit into the wheel)
>> // \\
>> // \\ (adjustable claw)
>> \\ //
>> \\________// ---+(key)
>> ||
>> || tire obstacle
>>
>> Anyone interested can check out www.autosportcatalog.com
>>
>> DISCLAIMER: I have not tried this product, nor done business with this
>> company and make no claims regarding the abilities described. I
>> receive no compensation for distributing this information.
>> Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
>
>>
>
>The cops out here use the boot to "capture" illegal parkers. Sometimes they
>loose the boot. People take the tire off and put on the spare. Some people
>have just let the air out of the tire, removed the boot, and re-inflate the
>tire. It's supposed to grab the wheel but with larger tires it won't reach.
>
>BTW: The ones the cops use are much stouter than the one in the link.
>
>Al # 35
>

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

Big Al

"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote in message
news:579ua1lsndfvebubgpnsu0ksgqg8ds6jhm@4ax.com...
> And the cops have tax dollars/funding to pay for the heftier model.
>
> Your points are valid. Had not heard them before. But, I'm still of
> the opinion that more deterrent the better. A thief checking out the
> vehicle will "usually" be put off by an obvious deterrent. The boot. A
> flashing LED inside, etc.
>
> It also depends on where you live. Thieves are far more brazen in some
> places than others.
>
> For classic Mustangs, another unit I noted recently was a replacement
> automatic shifter handle with a built in lock which "prevents the
> shift lever from being moved from Park". I imagine that a thief might
> get mad enough to trash the vehicle after encountering this device,
> but, if it really works, at least you still have your car. In this
> case, I suppose the handle might be removed, but would the thief be
> able to shift the transmission if he didn't bring a spare handle with
> him?
>
> Practically nothing will stop a very determined thief. Remove the
> rotor is a great idea, but won't stop a thief from dragging the
> vehicle up onto a flatbed tow unit.

Some years ago a guy in my neighborhood used hose clamps to clamp a revolver
to his steering column. Then put a heavy wire link between the trigger and
the clutch pedal. Took about three days for him to shoot himself. He was
able to drive to a hospital.

On an older vehicle there are lots of ways to make it hard to take. On the
newer ones it should be easier if you took the time to look at the service
manual. My Contour has the RF (PATS) key. Sometimes it's hard to start with
the key:)

Al

66 6F HCS

"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote
> from dragging the
> vehicle up onto a flatbed tow unit.

That wouldn't be obvious at all. :)
--
Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

Spike

How many people pay attention to an activated car alarm? If they don't
react to that, why would they react to what might appear to be a
legitimate towing situation? How many times have you watched a wrecker
driver load up a vehicle and gone and checked out whether it was a
legit haul or not? The owner might, and perhaps a close friend might.
Heck. In a lot of places, whether in homes or apartments, people don't
even know their neighbors, don't want to get involved if they suspect
something, and are not about to confront someone they think might be
doing something illegal.

On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 18:30:50 -0600, "66 6F HCS"
<92bottledance_spammit_@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote
>> from dragging the
>> vehicle up onto a flatbed tow unit.
>
>That wouldn't be obvious at all. :)

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

Wound Up

Anti-theft? Heh. With you as a retired cop, I get it.

But you'll likely cringe, as I leave my very nice, restored '67 Mustang with
all its windows down almost wherever I park it. Who am I kidding? If it's
to be stolen, it will be. What's to stop them? And what do kids know about
the value of an original AM radio?

They can still see the (bid) 10 grand in bodywork, and maybe even the five
grand in the drivetrain. A meager sum for some, but for me, and most, quite
a bit. That's just the obvious parts. I ain't leaving 20 G on the
sidewalk, I'm saying you can't get away with taking it. You Shelby and CJ
guys laugh all you want; I am jealous and coveting regardless.

Screw it. I see Torino CJs and Landau Coupes left this way here, of course
far more valuable than the "chirp chirp" crowd's ShitBoxes. My '67 Restomod
T-Code ain't even in the same category as those, although I've put a lot
into it. But I still snicker at them, and wonder what exactly they think
they're protecting, *come claim time*. CJ for one may be champing at the
bit (am I daring him) to laugh at this, but WTF do you think, that
they -all- have insurance riders for their stoopit stereo and blingy shit?
I know I'm publishing, and yet still I don't care. If they come to my
house, they'll have to break into THREE cars to get to it, then probably
face a short barreled 12 GA. I'm just not concerned. So I leave the
Mustang cooler, save its dash pad, leave the windows down, and show the
Natural Attitude the car brings with it. I let people know the best defense
is a good offense, if it came down to it. But what, risk my life for a car?
Never! Because I have enough insurance, and don't wanna spend time in jail
over some asshole. Crying shame, sure. Worth a trip to the ER with a
gunshot wound or felony assault charge? Nope.

Good idear, but none of my gray matter considers it important... feel free
to open a discourse! I am not taunting, I wanna get some discussion going!
So even FLAME ME DAMMIT IF YOU MUST

What can I do for less than ridiculous effort and less than a couple hundred
to help? Batt. box in the trunk? I dunno. Master cutoff switch hidden
along with that? Hmmm....

BILLIE? EDDIE??? LAURIE???

--
Wound Up
ThunderSnake #65

"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote in message
news:9nasa1tiu43trqup44f8q59htdbgtfhf9h@4ax.com...
> People have asked about simple protective measures to prevent the
> theft of classic Mustangs, and some form of the Boot used by police
> departments has been mentioned. In one of the many catalogs I receive,
> I noted the following:
>
> "Heavy Duty Wheel Boot
> Secure your vehicle in seconds
> Hardened steel wheel lock offers instant anti-theft security wherever
> you park: Simply clamp on the light weight device, turn the key, and
> go. Lock is pick and drill resistant and can't be frozen with Freon.
> It's weather resistant protective coating won't wear out - or scratch
> your wheels. Two adjustable sizes...
> Standard Model (7 pounds) fits up to 11.5" wide tires...$129
> PN 24901
> Truck Model (8 pounds) fits up to 12.5" tires...$139
> PN 24902"
>
> Looks a bit like this....
>
> == == (hooks fit into the wheel)
> // \\
> // \\ (adjustable claw)
> \\ //
> \\________// ---+(key)
> ||
> || tire obstacle
>
> Anyone interested can check out www.autosportcatalog.com
>
> DISCLAIMER: I have not tried this product, nor done business with this
> company and make no claims regarding the abilities described. I
> receive no compensation for distributing this information.
> Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
> 1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
> Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

66 6F HCS

"Spike" <jma@snowcrest.net> wrote
> How many people pay attention to an activated car alarm? If they don't
> react to that, why would they react to what might appear to be a
> legitimate towing situation? How many times have you watched a wrecker
> driver load up a vehicle and gone and checked out whether it was a
> legit haul or not? The owner might, and perhaps a close friend might.
> Heck. In a lot of places, whether in homes or apartments, people don't
> even know their neighbors, don't want to get involved if they suspect
> something, and are not about to confront someone they think might be
> doing something illegal.

Point taken, but I think it also depends on where your ride happens to be
when the tow occurs. If I leave the '69 anywhere but at my house or a car
show to walk around, It's never for more than 5 minutes, or where I can't
keep my eye on it.

I have made friends in my complex simply because I own that car. They walk
up and ask me about it when I'm out working on it. They wanna chat. We end
up being friends and they then have a reason to ask somebody who obviously
doesn't belong near my car just WTF they think they are doing.
--
Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

Nosey

Spike wrote:
> How many people pay attention to an activated car alarm? If they don't
> react to that, why would they react to what might appear to be a
> legitimate towing situation? How many times have you watched a wrecker
> driver load up a vehicle and gone and checked out whether it was a
> legit haul or not? The owner might, and perhaps a close friend might.
> Heck. In a lot of places, whether in homes or apartments, people don't
> even know their neighbors, don't want to get involved if they suspect
> something, and are not about to confront someone they think might be
> doing something illegal.

I live in an apartment and I do know my neighbors. I don't know them well,
but well enough to know which apartments they live in and what cars they
drive. If I saw one being hauled away I would at least get the name off the
door of the tow truck, and a tag number if possible.
A few months after I moved in here I was notified that there were some car
break-ins on the property. I don't keep anything of value in plain sight,
but I still wanted a deterrent to someone breaking a window or screwing up
the door locks on my daily driver. I shopped around and found a 2-way alarm
with remote start for $200. I love the 2-way remote. It notifies me if the
alarm is triggered by beeping the remote. If I park close enough to see my
truck from my balcony the remote is within paging range inside the building.
I keep the shock sensor sensitivity set very low because I work at an
airfield and jet noise vibrations set off car alarms frequently. I don't
want it to be a nuisance at my complex either. It could probably be hauled
up on a roll-back without triggering the alarm but nobody else knows that.
While shopping for an alarm the remote start feature was not something that
I was specifically looking for. I'm sure glad I got it now. Texas summers
are HOT. It's nice to be able to start the engine and run the air
conditioning for a few minutes before I get in. It also has a turbo timer
that I use daily.
--
Ken
ThunderSnake #51

Spike

I've lived in a lot of places. My experience has been that you are
fortunate. Most places, people don't really know each other, and
therefore don't pay attention. If a wrecker showed up, they'd just
think someone had a problem and they were having it towed in. As long
as the truck looked legit, I doubt anyone would take down a name and
license number.

Some of my present neighbors have so many comings and goings that it's
hard to know who lives there. This is a change from when I had the
place built. Then it was a new area and we got to know each other. Now
there is a major turnover and that closeness is gone. Add in that the
new style floor plans put the living room cout back, so you don't
really see your neighbors much. Not like the days of everyone hanging
out on front porches like a Norman Rockwell painting.


On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 19:33:09 GMT, "Nosey"
<kfrei43@removethis.hotmail.com> wrote:

>Spike wrote:
>> How many people pay attention to an activated car alarm? If they don't
>> react to that, why would they react to what might appear to be a
>> legitimate towing situation? How many times have you watched a wrecker
>> driver load up a vehicle and gone and checked out whether it was a
>> legit haul or not? The owner might, and perhaps a close friend might.
>> Heck. In a lot of places, whether in homes or apartments, people don't
>> even know their neighbors, don't want to get involved if they suspect
>> something, and are not about to confront someone they think might be
>> doing something illegal.
>
>I live in an apartment and I do know my neighbors. I don't know them well,
>but well enough to know which apartments they live in and what cars they
>drive. If I saw one being hauled away I would at least get the name off the
>door of the tow truck, and a tag number if possible.
>A few months after I moved in here I was notified that there were some car
>break-ins on the property. I don't keep anything of value in plain sight,
>but I still wanted a deterrent to someone breaking a window or screwing up
>the door locks on my daily driver. I shopped around and found a 2-way alarm
>with remote start for $200. I love the 2-way remote. It notifies me if the
>alarm is triggered by beeping the remote. If I park close enough to see my
>truck from my balcony the remote is within paging range inside the building.
>I keep the shock sensor sensitivity set very low because I work at an
>airfield and jet noise vibrations set off car alarms frequently. I don't
>want it to be a nuisance at my complex either. It could probably be hauled
>up on a roll-back without triggering the alarm but nobody else knows that.
>While shopping for an alarm the remote start feature was not something that
>I was specifically looking for. I'm sure glad I got it now. Texas summers
>are HOT. It's nice to be able to start the engine and run the air
>conditioning for a few minutes before I get in. It also has a turbo timer
>that I use daily.

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16