Public Parking

Or Birdman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 05:17 AM

I have signed up for a 2 day driving class at PIR this summer. This will mean two or three nights leaving my car in some Motel public parking lot.
What do I need to do to protect my car while it's in the parking lot un attended?

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 05:48 AM

Just a couple of suggestions. Try to get a room where you can see the car and also talk to the management about maybe letting you park it in a more secure area. Some of the motels around here will do that for a small fee, but it is worth it if you have a nice car and don't want it out in the open for anyone to mess with. At least they used to do it. I am not sure now as many of them have changed over the last few years. I don't know about PIR, but do they have a garage you could park it in and then get a ride back to the motel?

Ron

mdross1 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 05:56 AM

Know the concern.Except for a hungry guard dog or you sitting there with a loaded handgun,only choice you have is to talk with motel management and get a feel for what to be concerned about.

Or Birdman · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 06:00 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, good ideas and something worth considering when booking a motel.
I do have a full car cover for it, I guess that would help some what.

CowtownCobra · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 06:16 AM

I've done this many times. Never a problem. A car cover to hide what it is, and a cable through a wheel and around a suspension or frame part to keep someone from popping it out of gear and pushing it away.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 06:35 AM

Dave's right. I think just throwing the cover over it is probably 98% effective, but if you want to go "all-out" you can take the five-step approach. All but the QR and ignition kill switch are something you can throw together this afternoon. BTW, the green knob on the battery disconnect switch either loosens, or comes completely out, to break the circuit.

1) Put a cover over it;
2) Have a quick-release on your steering hub and remove your wheel;
3) Have a hidden "kill switch" for the ignition;
4) Have a quick disconnect on the battery;
5) Cable lock your wheels to a pole.

Silverback51 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 06:57 AM

Stay at a nice place with valet parking. Tip the guy $40 to $60 and they will show you where to park it and then watch it like a mama grizzly watching her cubs.

I also cover it, but the truth is, if someone wants it bad enough, they will get it.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Stay at a nice place with valet parking. Tip the guy $40 to $60 and they will show you where to park it and then watch it like a mama grizzly watching her cubs.

Rip a C-Note in half and give the guy half of it when you park. Tell him if the car is exactly the same in the morning you'll give him the other half.

Or Birdman · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Rip a C-Note in half and give the guy half of it when you park. Tell him if the car is exactly the same in the morning you'll give him the other half.

Now I like that.

azfordman · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 09:00 AM

The way I figure it, if a criminal is intent on doing something, they are going to find a way to do it, but you can do things to make it more difficult. Obviously the most important thing with a car like these is full coverage insurance, but as far a prevention, I have "several" battery/ignition kill switches, as well as a cable with a built in lock that I initially ran through the wheel to the frame (crawling on the ground got old real quick), but am now looping through the door hinges and the steering wheel. I like the new set up (sorry, no picture) because it is a visual deterrent, the drivers door will not open, and I always turn the wheel all the way so the car will turn if towed. I force myself to do all of this whether I am parked at home or at the store, just to make it force of habit. Beyond that, I do worry, but I do know I am covered if something should happen.

Of course the first day I picked the car up and was in a hotel I had to improvise.

patrickt · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 09:26 AM

After having cut my hardened steel clutch fork this summer So, Should I Replace This Part or Not? I can assure you that if the crook has a Dremel with one of their reinforced wheels with him it will cut through our case-hardened cables and locks almost as fast as we can unlock them with a key.

Still, most crooks don't know that and I think what we're mostly guarding against is a "crime of opportunity" or the kid who just can't resist taking it for a quick ride.

Jerry Clayton · #12 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 09:37 AM

don't worry about the kid and the joy ride---you will find him dead within a couple miles--

the thing you need to do is put a locater device in it so it can be located before it makes the container at the sea port---a device that signals you it has been moved a FEW feet is best and real time satilite tracking--

cdnus · #13 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 09:54 AM

azfordman

I noticed you tested the strength of that post before you chained up to it.

Craig

bulletbrown · #14 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 10:54 AM

The best thing I seen was an owner of early MG , restored , had a P.O.D. delv. to the hotel and parked his car over night in it .

Or Birdman · #15 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

the thing you need to do is put a locater device in it so it can be located before it makes the container at the sea port---a device that signals you it has been moved a FEW feet is best and real time satilite tracking--

Where can I get this?

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Or Birdman

Where can I get this?

I know my kids' cell phones have the GPS function enabled and, in an emergency, we could track them down that way... and to within 50 feet or so, not just to the closest cell tower. If it was me, I'd just take one of their phones, turn it on, turn the ringer off, and stick it in the trunk. If it got stolen the cops could trace it that way.

I'm sure the other gizmo has some sort of monthly charge to gouge you.

azfordman · #17 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I know my kids' cell phones have the GPS function enabled and, in an emergency, we could track them down that way... and to within 50 feet or so, not just to the closest cell tower. If it was me, I'd just take one of their phones, turn it on, turn the ringer off, and stick it in the trunk. If it got stolen the cops could trace it that way.

I'm sure the other gizmo has some sort of monthly charge to gouge you.

My thought exactly! I know with my cell phone service I can get an additional line with the parent/kid GPS location feature. Figured I could put it on a permanent charger hidden in the trunk for a lot less than the other vehicle theft tracking services.

Slither · #18 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 04:17 PM

Are you talking Phoenix International Raceway or Portland International Raceway?

G. C. Koelling · #19 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 04:43 PM

Put LOJACK in it. I have LOJACK in my wifes Merc and my Harley. Two days ago, I forgot to put the LOJACK fob in my pocket when I rolled my Harley five feet in my garage. Within 1 minute, LOJACK was calling me on the phone letting me know my bike was being moved. I also recieved an email at the same time. Great peace of mind and not expensive to install.

Or Birdman · #20 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slither

Are you talking Phoenix International Raceway or Portland International Raceway?

Portland International raceway.