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| KyVaderVette | Additional Security Measures | ||
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Guru Newb
 
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Just wondering if anyone out there relies on anything besides the OEM security system installed on their Vette....I was thinking about installing one of those simple battery terminal "locks" that cut electricity to the vehicle until the "key/knob" is re-inserted. This would mostly be for those times when I don't drive it for a week or so to prevent battery drain, but also could provide extra security when parked in some strange parking lot/driveway overnight...I'm just wondering if VATS is as good of a system as it's supposed to be for counteracting attempts to steal the vehicle. Oh, and are battery terminals for my '95 (which I will finally pick up in just over a week) top-post or side-terminal? Thanks for any imput/opinions!
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 0:42
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| bogus | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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I put it this way: if someone wants it, they will take it.
VATS is very effective... and what is more effective is the brutal reality that no one steals C4 Corvette's anymore. If I was to do anything, I would have a battery tender for those long storage periods, so that the factory alarm stays active. |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 2:14
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| SJW | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Quote:
Gotta agree with Bogus. I've spent a lot of time on various Corvette forums and mailing lists since '95, and I just don't hear of C4s being stolen in recent years. VATS is pretty effective, and the C4 just isn't a desirable car for thieves these days. You're far more likely to have something stolen FROM the car, or to have the car vandalized, than to have the entire car disappear while parked. All C4 Corvettes have side-terminal batteries. As Bogus noted, a high-quality battery tender (I like the Shumacher brand) is a good investment for a car that spends more than a couple of weeks sitting unused. I modified mine with a cigarette lighter plug for easy, no-hassle (and safer) connection/disconnection. Live well, SJW |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 2:45
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| Matatk | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Webmaster
 
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What they said above! If you want to put an alarm on it to protect what's inside, that's not uncommon...but theft of the car itself is unlikely. If they want it bad enough, they'll tow it.
Matthew |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 3:42
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| bogus | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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oh, and you have a convertable... guess what, breaking in just got a shit load easier.
A brick will set off an alarm... a pen knife won't. I would consider investing in a hard top for those questionable locations, or, leave nothing of value in sight. |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 5:44
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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VATS is very effective at locking owners out of their vehicles.
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 7:03
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1985 Z51, ZF6 |
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| BillH | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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The battery terminal switch with key will delete your radio station settings and delete any stored codes. You can save the radio stuff with a 9v. battery that plugs into the cig lighter but I don't think that will save the codes.
I've had 3 no start problems with VATS in 5 years but you only have to wait 10-15 minutes and the VAST times will reset, always started afterwards. I have an aftermarket alarm but put it in only because it came with the remote door locks (which '92's didn't have). |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 13:18
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Every man dies but not every man lives. |
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| Matatk | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Webmaster
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As far as the convertible issue, they are easy to cut open...happened to an ex of mine years back. But there are some nice alarms with a zone motion sensor in it that can protect the cockpit area.
Matthew |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 14:46
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| SJW | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Guru
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Yep, I sometimes don't lock my ragtop car when it's parked, just for this very reason. VATS will keep the car from being started by someone who smashes the column, and I hate the thought of somebody knifing my top, only to have the alarm go off when they then open the door. Live well, SJW |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 22:15
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| SJW | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Guru
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This raises a very good point... A battery disconnect switch will disable the alarm system. A bad idea, IMHO. Far better to go with a battery tender. Live well, SJW |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 22:18
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| SJW | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Sure you don't mean "PKE"? Live well, SJW |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 22:19
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| KyVaderVette | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Guru Newb
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Thanks for all the comments/suggestions...I think I'll just go w/a battery tender for storage purposes, and eventually I'll get some sort of "zone" alarm that will protect the interior, esp. when the top is down.
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 22:48
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| KyVaderVette | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Guru Newb
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Was it an easy mod to rig it up like you did using the cig. lighter? It's be great if you'd share how you did that! (or send me a PM if it's long/complicated) |
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Posted on: 2011/5/3 22:51
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| SJW | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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Very easy, if you're any good at soldering. If not, you can hand the task off to somebody who is. I bought a lighter plug, and soldered it to the output wires from the float charger. Make sure you get the positive wire (+12V) connected to the center contact on the plug, and the ground wire connected to the outer spring contacts. Here's what the finished product looks like: [IMG]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c300/SJW2/Battery%20Tender/DSCN7001.jpg[/IMG] Live well, SJW |
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Posted on: 2011/5/4 1:40
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| biggrizzly | Re: Additional Security Measures | ||
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2011 Memorial Day Car Show Winner!
 
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Battery Tender has a cigarette lighter accessory cord or like I did, they have a couple different types of extension cords, including a permanent battery post cord and another with alligator clips. I feed the extension out through the side gills for charging and when I'm done stick it back in there.
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Posted on: 2011/5/4 2:20
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Don Haller Corvette Club of America 94Coupe, 383Stroka, PeteK Trans, 3000stall, 3.54rear, Konis and bigger sways. |
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