Good ALARM shops in San Jose CA

Porsche Head · Porsche Head's Garage

Want to install a newer car alarm in my 72 911. I am fearfull of the Best Buy and fly by night small shops run by kids, I would rather pay good $ and know it is done right. I have also heard of cars and/or stereos stollen right after the install.

Any good recommended shops in the San Francisco bay area, preferably South Bay?

Thanks,
Cliff

DW SD · 06-23-2009, 02:19 PM

Cliff,
Why not install lo-jack and a hidden kill switch? I think Lo-jack would have recommended installers on their site?

I have an battery kill along with a removable steering wheel.

Doug

PCA7GGR · 06-23-2009, 02:28 PM

I had BestBuy install an alarm with battery backup in my '87 Carrera and they did a great job. While I didn't not have any, you can't beat the fact that you can take it to any BestBuy if you have any issues.

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

DO NOT get an alarm installed in your car. The $5.00 per hour cheap labour that they hire at alarm shops (best buy included) will cut and hack at your wiring harness and then use suitcase connectors to reconnect the alarm stuff.

It's just a headache waiting to happen when their connections start to rattle loose. Both of my Porsches took several hours to sort out the bird's nest wireing from ameture alarm installations. I even have reciepts for the 'professional alarm installations'. in my 964, the passenger window wouldnt roll down from the driver's side. You are WAY BETTER OFF installing a master switch in a concealed spot that disables your ignition or fuel pump than an alarm. If you really want an alarm, I'll sell you the Alpine siren out of my 77 for $10 and you can wire it up with a switch and a timer to your interior light switch. Basically, when your door gets opened, it starts a timer (say 30 seconds) which gives you time to flick a switch to turn it off.

docrodg · 06-23-2009, 05:28 PM

The best alarm ever is a hole in the dash with a shotgun behind it, little hard on the upholstery tho.

Seriously tho, check out the lo-jack systems, they have approved installers. Also you can ask at local dealerships who they recommend. Just about any alarm will be coded, and if worried jsut change the code right after you get the car back. Specify only soldered connections with heat-shrink on them and that you want a pre-assembly inspection to verify wiring etc. A good shop won't complain too much about that on a classic car.