Theft scare...

[oldskoolbug]

I've been reading a few recent threads about guys getting their precious beloved vdubs stolen. And that's got me worried about my own set of wheels. I have a battery cut off switch that I remove and take with me everytime I park the car, anywhere! I know the vehicle can get towed, but aside from physically removing the vehicle by means of towing, or alternate methods, can a thief actually start the car up without the battery kill switch key?

I live in a relatively "safe" area, but I'm always so paranoid about my car. So back to the question, if I have the battery essentially disconnected, can a thief still start the car? If so, how would this be accomplished, and what would be the best way to prevent that when the vehicle is parked?

[Komissar]

A normal , "casual" thief would not be able to start the car, however, if he really wants the car and has the time (and no body is observing him) he could trace your wires and by-pass your switch. If he has an accomplice all he needs to do is run a wire from the battery to the coil and push-start it.

It all depends, as I said above on how much does the want the car (maybe he's targeting it for a while and he's set on your car) and if he has time to figure out and by-pass your protection - for preventing this you must always park your car in a well-lit area, where a thief could be observed and avoid secluded spaces.

You could also install some sort of steering wheel or shifter lock to deter thieves.

Also, you could remove an important component from the ignition system such as the rotor cap.
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1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Type 3 Squareback
1978 Skoda 105S

[djkeev]

This is why so many antique car insurance carriers require a secure garage for storage. Not a car port, not a parking garage, a locked door with four solid walls.

Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[HyDr0]

Electric fuel pump w/cut off switch. Hide the switch...at best they will get down the street b4 the carbs are out of fuel.

Bottom line is...if they really want it, they will get it.
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-Will
1961 (o\ ! /o)

[Rustforlife]

[skabonner]

Someone on here once suggested that you could run a line from the coil to the drivers side seat frame with a switch, to zap anybody who doesn't know about the switch. A little frightening if you as me though
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[dirtpittt]

Put an 8 track in it.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[Longrifle]

You can thank the U.S. lack of justice system for that.
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VOLKSWAGNUT (0\!/0)


Thieves suck! Heads on a stick!
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Longrifle

67’ sedan
66’ SO-42

[CLASSIC CAR GUY]

buddy of mine had the ignition switch dummie wired and cig' lighter was ignition, when you looked in the car it looked like it was missing cig lighter, but inside lightter was keyed switch and his key looked like a cig lighter with a key coming out of the end of it,,pretty trick
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"every one wants to reinvent the wheel, but nobody knows how to make it round"

Vintage Volkswagen Sales and Service as well as Classics and Muslcecars all located here in Phoenix Arizona at www.rpmotorcars.com

[oldskoolbug]

[smkn_vw]

Stash a GPS w/backup battery in a welded case and alarm. Hopefully you catch em' in time before the damage is done. Take a visit with some of your boys to take care of business to send em' (and anyone else there) to ER then take away his car. No need to call 911 let em' bleed until somebody finds him, ask me how I know this works.
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"So didja?" -Bob Hoover

[CLASSIC CAR GUY]

[69rulz]

[skeeter!]

Your goal is to drag out the clock, make your car so inconvenient that a thief will not want to invest a lot of time (and the risk of being noticed) to make yours a victim. I've never actually had my car stolen (insert wood knocking sound), but I've had it and other vehicles broken into for tools, speakers, stereo, etc. and a vehicle almost stolen. That's one of my sub-conscious reasons for not making my car a show-winner; someone out there will think they need it or want it more than me, and that'll up the ante. As it stands now, all I do is keep the doors locked, stereo faceplate with me while I'm away from it, e-brake on so it can't be pushed away easily, etc...
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Life's better with a detachable roof!

[Indetrucks]

I can only add from what experience I have.

I have a 64 Lincoln Continental. I was living with my dad at the time (1995) and there was no room for it in his condo garage. Every time I parked it on the street, I physically popped the hood and removed the coil wire. I stuffed it in my pocket after I parked the car for the night.

One morning the car door was open, wing window broken open, and ignition completely hacked out and in the on position.

Fucker woulda had my car if I didn't pull that coil wire.
So yea... If you love your car, take literally 25 seconds of your time and pop your deck lid and throw that coil wire in your pocket.

I know this isn't realistic when visiting a restaurant etc. But if ya park it on the street at night, might be a good option.
Unless that bastard tows it, pushes it, or has a spare coil wire, your car aint goin no where.
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~Christian

[Chuey]

[bugger101]

good idea
Link



even better idea (this is actually used in Africa)
Link



[/youtube]

[Jeckler]

[CLASSIC CAR GUY]