Need an immobilisation fix for winter layup

tincan · 10-31-2008, 03:32 AM

I don't have covered storage at home and have found that covers are not exactly paint friendly, so, I have organised to park for the winter in an underground garage in a space owned by my sister. To help me sleep at night as my baby will be about 4 miles from home and in an area where kids learn to steal cars at about age 12, I would like to immobilise the car physically in addition to using the alarm.
I would like a quick method, which wont impact the existing setup which keeps the car running very sweetly indeed, as I will still use the car over the winter if the weather is dry on weekends. I should probably fess up to being fairly hamfisted at this point so the less tools required the better.

Thanks

Noel

krd · 10-31-2008, 03:36 AM

remove your battery and wheel chock lock.

robert walsh · 10-31-2008, 03:39 AM

Pop the cap and remove the rotor, doubt you can find one very quickly in Ireland, best of luck, from Mr. Walsh

safe · safe's Garage

Pulling the red fuel pump relay (or DME depending on year) will make it more difficult to steal. That said, if someone is looking to steal your car, nothing will stop them.

robert walsh · 10-31-2008, 03:49 AM

Then again perhaps immobalize the flatbed!

911pcars · 10-31-2008, 06:07 AM

I suggest a combination of visual and non-visual theft deterrent devices.

For example, 12 year old delinquents may not be put off by a missing rotor. A pet Pit Bull or other winter-type carnivore nearby is something else. Check with your sister first.

Other visual cues would be your attractive Fuchs sitting instead in your living room; steering and brake lock bars; missing steering wheel and car stereo (next to your Fuchs); a nondescript car cover.

A locked and secured space is preferred, if possible. Can you locate a space in a neighborhood garage closer to you?

Sherwood

robert walsh · 10-31-2008, 06:13 AM

He wants to be able to use the car on nice weekends, meaning easily brought back to life.

tincan · 10-31-2008, 09:52 AM

Mr Walsh got it right, while it sounds like a great plan to remove the wheels I'd be afraid the axel stands would be stolen instead and then I'd be in very deep doodoo.
Well I've bin an gon an don it. I removed the rotor having failed miserably to budge the battery. I also removed the radio front, all loose items including toolkit, compressor etc and fitted a steering wheel bar. I am considering an enormous chain around the pedals and steering wheel. The parking area is secure with CCTV and apparently no details of thefts in the three years my sis has lived there. While she may not win Miss World I think it's a bit naughty to compare her to a pitbull though and she's not even a hockey mom like one Ms Palin

thanks for the tips - All I have to do now is remember to bring all the bits with me when I want to go for a spin

Noel

911pcars · 10-31-2008, 06:36 PM

Regarding your battery. At a minimum, disconnect the ground cable during storage. Various circuits draw a small amount of current and will, in time, discharge the battery. If there's a handy outlet nearby, connect a maintenance-type charger so it gets you started when you feel the urge.

Regarding your battery. You might have a typical lead-acid type that vents battery acid, especially when charging (See above). The resultant sulfuric acid vapor will slowly, but surely, consume the metal bits around the battery. That's why many convert to a sealed battery (Optima or equivalent).

Sherwood

SteveinTO · 10-31-2008, 08:53 PM

I like the wheels in your living room gambit. Your average thief/moron will have trouble dealing with that. Even the flatbed thief. Just put the rear on cheap stands and take two home.

Pazuzu · 10-31-2008, 08:57 PM

Remove the fuel relay (the red one under the bonnet.
Remove the rotor.
Disconnect and/or remove the electronics package behind the ignition switch.

The first two keep it from driving away, the third keeps it from even trying to start. An annoyed thief might just ruin something by cranking the starter, hammering the throttle, and thinking it's just flooded. Remove the ignition module from under the dash, and the starter won't even run.

safe · safe's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tincan

Mr Walsh got it right, while it sounds like a great plan to remove the wheels I'd be afraid the axel stands would be stolen instead and then I'd be in very deep doodoo.
Noel

I don't think I would park my car in that kind of neighbourHOOD, period!