OT: Anti-theft/The Boot

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 which tire would bump over with each revolution) Anyone interested can check out AutoSport

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1-800-726-1199

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
Reply to
Spike
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"Spike" wrote

Yeah, so now instead of stealing your car, they can just f-ck it up real badly. No thanks. :)

Reply to
66 6F HCS

Well, that is possible. You could say the same about the Club, and most any physical barrier.

On the other hand, most car thieves will take the easiest mark they can find. If they see an obvious deterrent, they'll usually move on. No, not always. But, some protection is better than no protection. Which is worse? They screw up your car, or they take it away and strip it, chop it or total it?

Naturally, if a thief is targeting your particular model, they'll do whatever they have to do.

The post was simply to let those who want something simple and relatively cheap, the opportunity to check it out. Apparently it's not what you would use, but others might be quite happy with it if only as a temporary measure, or to use in conjunction with something else. And it does seem that it might work better than the club where all a thief has to do is cut the steering wheel, pop off the club and drive off.

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
Reply to
Spike

"Spike" wrote

I wasn't trying to belittle your post. Yes, as a visual deterrent, thieves looking for a quick buck would probably move on, but there are those stupid thieves out there who actually think they might be able to get the car and would end up trashing it in the process.

I prefer something visible, yes, but not a visible thing that could potentially trash my car at the same time. I'm thinking a cheap alarm with a blinking light (or just a blinking light if you're REALLY cheap) would be decent as a visual deterrent, along with something that the car truly couldn't go without. If I park somewhere I don't trust 100%, I pull the rotor. Cheap insurance. This lets the motor turn over but not start. It's now taken him some time to figure out why the car won't start. Time is his enemy. Unless he carries a SBF rotor in his pocket, the more time he spends trying to steal the car the more likely he'll get caught.

I am going to run a fuel cutoff switch also eventually. So if I don't feel like popping the hood and going through all that, then I flip a hidden switch. The car starts and runs normally, but not for long once the available fuel in the line is gone. The car has now been moved, probably into a situation where it would be VERY visible and the thief isn't gonna take the time to figure out what happened. No, He's gonna ditch and run. Of course I need the electric pump first, ;)

Now I do want to make it clear that my '69 sleeps EVERY night in a locked garage. Without fail!!

My '68 Ranchero 500... hell if somebody wants to steal it, go ahead, I could use the insurance as a down on a new '05. But they'd have to get into a secure gated community. Plus, it looks like a total POS even if there IS a beast hidden under the hood. I'd be surprised if it got a second glance from a would-be car thief. Plus I tend to always park next to either the rice boy Mitsu next door, or the BMW across the hall. The BMW's been stolen twice in the last 2 years and the 'Chero was parked next to it both times...unlocked...with the windows down...and a full 5 gallon gas can in the bed!! Hell I probably coulda left the keys in it and they still would've taken the Bimmer. DUH!!!

The '66 is currently sleeping in a friends backyard with no motor, so if they can get to it past the bulldog and the 6' fence, just to find out there's no motor. Well, have fun trying to get back over before the bulldog catches up if he hasn't scented you already. And he's a huge slobbering beast!!

Reply to
66 6F HCS

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