Cobra Security

[macloft]

Having just returned from the States with exactly 72kg of luggage including Corvette intake and exhaust manifolds plus numerous Superformance bits I now get down to wiring the car and I then started thinking what measures have people taken to stop people stealing their Cobras.
So Brains Trust what should I do? install some fancy fuel cut off or maybe an alarm system.
What security features do you use or recommend other than leaving the wife in the car.

PS While in LA I spent some time at Superformance, PS Engineering (wheels)
West Coast Corvette (motor parts), Boyd Coddington (design and wheels), Foose Design (design and wheels) and West Coast Choppers (just for a look). What a buzz, I cannot say enough about these guys and how helpful they all are.
Bruce

[400TT]

Call you preferred insurer(e.g. Shannons) and see what sort of immobiliser they will give you a discount for. It will need to meet a certain Aus standard.

Believe me they won't bother to drive your Cobra away, it will just get taken away by tilt-tray. Who would stop someone loading a Cobra onto a tilt-tray?

[Baz]

I have started my build and have everything except the body/chassis unit. I am building an RMC and apparently they are 3 weeks behind in their orders because RMC's contracted fibreglass subbies are also committted to fulfilling production targets for a military helicopter contract.

I have had previous experience with 'QuikTrac' and have found them to be the best vehicle security/device available. Have a peak at their web site: - www.quiktrac.com.au

It will definately be going into my Cobra when it is eventually finished.

BAZ

[Rob. Smith]

www.ezitrak.com.au are in NSW. their system works on the mobile phone network so you can self monitor your vehicle, call the cops and turn your car off.Whilst all the time giving "blue" advise to the person driving your car.
You can choose between monitored "back to base" for a sum each month OR look after it yourself via your mobile. You can even monitor speed ,direction and all that stuff. ( directory coordinates )
I'm spruiking this gear but haven't bought it yet. My car is already wired for the gear and I haven't spoken to them for quite a while. If they're still in business I can imagine the system is even better.
Smithy

[Plums]

According to Shannons, they don't get stolen...... that's part of the reason the insurance is quite reasonable!!!

[patrickt]

In order of effectiveness:


1) Use 15mm cable, available from any lock or hardware store, to loop through your wheels as shown. That will not only prevent people from driving it away, but more importantly, it will keep people from pushing it away to either put it in a carrier or to tow it away (or to try and figure out how to hotwire it in a dark alley and man, is that easy). Park your car with the front end positioned so a tow truck can't get it front of it. Yes, it can be cut, but not easily, and for added peace of mind while travelling, cable it to a telephone pole or your friend's car. Cost: Less than $50 for the the cables and a decent lock.

2) Ignition kill switch hidden somewhere. Used in conjunction with #1 and you have a very effective deterrent system. Cost: Less than $10.

3) Quick Release Steering Hub -- take your steering wheel with you. Cost: About a grand (ERA, that is, but it is a wonderful hub ).

4) Car Cover, at least it will put your car just a little bit out of sight. Cost: $150.

[MaSnaka]

I like the cable. Whilst I was traveling and staying in a hotel one time I noticed a vintage '50's corvette with a long (20') chain wrapped around a post of the building and the rear acxel (sp?). Great plan but...what if in your early morning haste you forget to unlock and remove the chain? Bummer. Or to butcher you aussies language...KRIKEY! I believe anybody wants the car bad enough they will get it no matter what you do. That's what insurance is for. Sad state when some a-hole messes with a man's car and hobby.

John

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by MaSnaka

...what if in your early morning haste you forget to unlock and remove the chain?

American Graffiti, Macon County Line, or both.

[Dwight]

In Alabama we have several different ways. This is one way.

[MaSnaka]

My son wanted to mount a 50 cal on my Cobra. I thought it would look good but it wasn't loud enough...lol.

John

[Rwillia4]

I like the thought of leaving the wife in the car, it makes shopping much more enjoyable

I guess the cable is only for the front wheels

[fsstnotch]

Just buy yourself one of these. I have 2 and NOBODY will come near my things! Just don't let people know that they're big babies! haha

[Rwillia4]

Dang, that is a big dog!!! I bet it gets gas mileage like my car (ie- it sucks everything down running to the next stop)

[fsstnotch]

My female is actually a very picky eater! Sometimes she'll go a couple days and not even finish a bowl of food. Between the 2, they eat about 80lbs of food in 5-6 weeks. They weigh 170lbs and 140lbs. Occasionally my female will jump the 6ft fence and run into the front yard... all the nieghbors who don't know her run into the house. She's a big baby though. Unless you come at her or something.. she'd just drool all over you! I had a few things stolen from my back yard... after I got the dogs... nothing! haha

[Rob. Smith]

what happens if they fart in the car ?

[fsstnotch]

They don't fart much as long as you keep them on a steady diet. They do burp and snore quite loud! Depending on the breed of mastiff, some drool much heavier than others. Mine are Italian, italians tend to drool much less. I'd carry a rag for cleanup!

[stephen low]

Macloft

Here in Vic. you need immobilisation as part of the ADR requirements. I'd guess this will apply to most states.

A new AS/NZ standard came out recently - something:2003 and this is what your engineer will need to confirm as part of the build. There are numerous suppliers and I ended up putting a Mongoose system in with a microwave sensor in the cabin as well to scare off would be cockpit pick pockets.

Generally about $300 for a decent system. The insurers do have preferred systems but generally these just centre around the compliant ones.

Cheers

[MaSnaka]

Forget horse power get Mastif power!! Nice Dogs!!

[martrogers]

When I talked to Shannons a while back I recall them saying that I would need a "3 point system" to accord with their insurance requirements - what does this mean? I assume all modern cars have this as part of their electronics.

[Aussie Mike]

It means the imobiliser has to shut down the fuel pumps, ignition and start circuit. 3 seperate circuits efectively.

It's pretty straight forward on the dark side motor as the ECU controlls the pump and the ignition so shutting it down kills both. Most Aus standards approved imobilisers have 2 seperate circuits so one can shut down the ECU and the other shut down the start circuit.

Cheers