Theft question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KAILUAZ · 08-17-2005, 06:01 PM

Ok, so my PO changed from a manual trans to auto and installed a new steering column.
Question is, should the steering wheel and trans shifter lock when the ignition is turned off??
As it is right now you can jump in the truck and put it in neutral and steer it off to criminal land.
Any thoughts/help?? 1970 GMC w/TH400.

BobbyK · 08-17-2005, 06:05 PM

Stock auto column does NOT lock.

**pjmoreland** · 08-17-2005, 06:11 PM

I put a club on my steering wheel when I leave it in places like airport parking lots.

matthufham · 08-17-2005, 06:26 PM

clubs can be taken off by a pro in about 2 seconds. my auto column doesn't lock, and my floorshifter has no neutral safety switch so i can shift without a key or braking.

KAILUAZ · 08-17-2005, 06:48 PM

Guess I'll have to setup a steering cable lock like the HMMWV's I drove in the Army. Thanks for the quick responses!

junkyardjohn · 08-18-2005, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthufham

clubs can be taken off by a pro in about 2 seconds. my auto column doesn't lock, and my floorshifter has no neutral safety switch so i can shift without a key or braking.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANYONE REMOVE A CLUB IN TWO SECONDS. BETWEEN THE CLUB & A KILL SWITCH, IT'LL SLOW THE THEIVING B@STARDS DOWN LONG ENOUGH THAT I CAN DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. AS FAR AS NOT BEING ABLE TO TOW A LOWERED TRUCK?? WELL THAT SOUNDS LIKE A CHALLENGE TO ME.

NO ONE PAYS ANY ATTENTION TO A WREAKER. I'VE TOWED CARS WITH THE ALARM BLARING, & EVEN HAD A COP STOP TRAFFIC FOR ME.

JOHN

**N2TRUX** · 08-18-2005, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANYONE REMOVE A CLUB IN TWO SECONDS.....

Ok, picture this. I break in to your truck and pull out a midsize pair of bolt cutters. I make one cut on the steering wheel rim push it down and slide the club off and throw it on the ground. How long did that take?????

fade94 · 08-18-2005, 09:55 AM

I had a friend that put a small switch behind the dash, under the ignition switch. It was wired so that unless it was engaged, the fuel pump, starter and ignition system would not work. He had it set up so that a magnet on his key ring stuck to the dash engaging the switch and allowing the car (67 Camaro) to start. I thought it was pretty slick.

JoetheMobster · 08-18-2005, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANYONE REMOVE A CLUB IN TWO SECONDS. BETWEEN THE CLUB & A KILL SWITCH, IT'LL SLOW THE THEIVING B@STARDS DOWN LONG ENOUGH THAT I CAN DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. AS FAR AS NOT BEING ABLE TO TOW A LOWERED TRUCK?? WELL THAT SOUNDS LIKE A CHALLENGE TO ME.

NO ONE PAYS ANY ATTENTION TO A WREAKER. I'VE TOWED CARS WITH THE ALARM BLARING, & EVEN HAD A COP STOP TRAFFIC FOR ME.

JOHN

LMFAO!! Picturing you driving down the road with the alarm blaring. Sadly, you are very correct on no one paying any attention to alarms any more. I for one won't give them the time of day, well not any more.

jlmtrout · 08-19-2005, 05:11 AM

Just my 2 cents worth, but ugly trucks don't get stolen. I like the Grant system and plan to install one in the very near future (after I install my tilt column, when the weather cools down some). Good luck and keep on truckin'...............Jerry

Mongo · 08-19-2005, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlmtrout

Just my 2 cents worth, but ugly trucks don't get stolen. I like the Grant system and plan to install one in the very near future (after I install my tilt column, when the weather cools down some). Good luck and keep on truckin'...............Jerry

They do if you have a $29.99 Shchucks Stereo in them. when I had the luv (it was a POS) it got taken and when it was found the radio was missing.... go figure. Guess it was worth more than the truck

Oh and funny thing is when the cops found it, it had more gas than when it was taken

JoetheMobster · 08-18-2005, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthufham

clubs can be taken off by a pro in about 2 seconds...

It can be taken off by anyone with a hacksaw (or bolt cutters as mentioned by n2trux) in 2 seconds! Cut the steering wheel, throw the club out the window where the vehicle sat, and call it a day!

junkyardjohn · 08-19-2005, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoetheMobster

It can be taken off by anyone with a hacksaw (or bolt cutters as mentioned by n2trux) in 2 seconds! Cut the steering wheel, throw the club out the window where the vehicle sat, and call it a day!

TWO SECONDS IS NOT VERY LONG. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU OR ANYONE ELSE CAN GET ONE OFF IN TWO SECONDS. NEXT YOU'LL BE TELLING ME THAT YOU CAN BENCHPRESS 600 LBS.

JOHN
(BESIDES.. MOST CAR THEIVES DON'T CARRY AROUND A HACK SAW OR BOLT CUTTERS)

KAILUAZ · 08-19-2005, 02:36 AM

Anyone ever use one of those brake locks they sold in the JC Whitney catalog?

Longhorn Man · 08-17-2005, 06:46 PM

yep...pretty dern easy to steal.

**pjmoreland** · 08-17-2005, 07:27 PM

If you're dealing with a professional thief, there really isn't anything you can do to stop him, right? Of course he will probably be looking for something that is worth a little more than my beat up old truck. Now some punk kid who knows how to hotwire an old vehicle and wants to take it for a joyride might consider it. Just my opinion.

clean71 · 08-17-2005, 08:22 PM

As mentioned in a similar thread, may want to go with the removeable steering wheel.

KAILUAZ · 08-17-2005, 08:38 PM

Too bad the search doesnt work, any idea where that thread is?

Longhorn Man · 08-17-2005, 08:54 PM

You don't even need to know how to hotwire... it's quicker to plug in an ignition switch that you carry with you.

KAILUAZ · 08-17-2005, 09:00 PM

Yeah, thats a good thought,,,, to bad my ignition is shot and my house key will work. YIKES!!

GMC AMI · 08-18-2005, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

You don't even need to know how to hotwire... it's quicker to plug in an ignition switch that you carry with you.

How many crooks now a days have one of these in their back pockets?

Mongo · 08-19-2005, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Files

How many crooks now a days have one of these in their back pockets?

I just happen the carry around two of them at all times.

shifty · 08-17-2005, 10:28 PM

Removeable steering wheel? Any reputable theif will scope out the vehicle first and bring the parts they need the next visit. That may include a steering wheel.

My advice is to lower it so much that it's laying frame and it can't be towed, then make the pump inoperable.

In addition to that, install an alarm, fuel kill and starter kill. Then add lojack. If anyone can get past all that crap, they deserve the damned truck.

70short/step · 08-18-2005, 12:02 AM

I have the grant steering wheel lock that removes the steering wheel and places a guard over where the steering wheel mounts. It uses a key to lock and unlock. It only takes a second to do this.

Americanrider · 08-18-2005, 02:25 AM

Install a floor starter out a 55 or 56.... That way you know the theif will have to be at least 45 yrs old to figure it out

08-17-2005, 06:01 PM	#1
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Theft question Ok, so my PO changed from a manual trans to auto and installed a new steering column. Question is, should the steering wheel and trans shifter lock when the ignition is turned off?? As it is right now you can jump in the truck and put it in neutral and steer it off to criminal land. Any thoughts/help?? 1970 GMC w/TH400. __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics Last edited by KAILUAZ; 08-17-2005 at 06:02 PM.

08-17-2005, 06:05 PM	#2
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,772	Stock auto column does NOT lock. __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

08-17-2005, 06:11 PM	#3
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,011	I put a club on my steering wheel when I leave it in places like airport parking lots. Attached Images

08-17-2005, 06:48 PM	#5
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Guess I'll have to setup a steering cable lock like the HMMWV's I drove in the Army. Thanks for the quick responses! __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

08-18-2005, 09:55 AM	#8
fade94 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Melissa, TX Posts: 799	I had a friend that put a small switch behind the dash, under the ignition switch. It was wired so that unless it was engaged, the fuel pump, starter and ignition system would not work. He had it set up so that a magnet on his key ring stuck to the dash engaging the switch and allowing the car (67 Camaro) to start. I thought it was pretty slick. __________________ 68 short bed driver (71 clip on it now, swapping to 68 when weather cooperates) 67 short step project (will get SWB from the 68) 67 Camaro, #'s matching (my wife's) 03 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 diesel 5 speed 4.10 rear

08-17-2005, 06:26 PM	#4
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	clubs can be taken off by a pro in about 2 seconds. my auto column doesn't lock, and my floorshifter has no neutral safety switch so i can shift without a key or braking.

08-19-2005, 05:11 AM	#10
jlmtrout Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 194	Just my 2 cents worth, but ugly trucks don't get stolen. I like the Grant system and plan to install one in the very near future (after I install my tilt column, when the weather cools down some). Good luck and keep on truckin'...............Jerry __________________ '68 c-10 long wheelbase fleetside, been in family since new, originally 250 3 speed Now (389) 350 .060 over 3.75 stroke,Edelbrock Performer RPM 70cc heads and Intake 600 cfm Edelbrock,Small Comp Cams retro-roller cam and roller rockers,9:1 cr, headers, HEI,Old Air a/c, 72 power disc brakes w/stainless lines, 3.42 gear,T-56 6-speed, original paint(what's left of it). Dakota Digital Dash

08-19-2005, 02:36 AM	#14
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Anyone ever use one of those brake locks they sold in the JC Whitney catalog? __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

08-17-2005, 06:46 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	yep...pretty dern easy to steal.

08-17-2005, 07:27 PM	#16
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,011	If you're dealing with a professional thief, there really isn't anything you can do to stop him, right? Of course he will probably be looking for something that is worth a little more than my beat up old truck. Now some punk kid who knows how to hotwire an old vehicle and wants to take it for a joyride might consider it. Just my opinion.

08-17-2005, 08:22 PM	#17
clean71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 335	As mentioned in a similar thread, may want to go with the removeable steering wheel. __________________ CPO U.S. Navy(Ret) 1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 Custom 1972 GMC Jimmy 2x4 Custom

08-17-2005, 08:38 PM	#18
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Too bad the search doesnt work, any idea where that thread is? __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

08-17-2005, 08:54 PM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	You don't even need to know how to hotwire... it's quicker to plug in an ignition switch that you carry with you.

08-17-2005, 09:00 PM	#20
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Yeah, thats a good thought,,,, to bad my ignition is shot and my house key will work. YIKES!! __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

08-17-2005, 10:28 PM	#23
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Removeable steering wheel? Any reputable theif will scope out the vehicle first and bring the parts they need the next visit. That may include a steering wheel. My advice is to lower it so much that it's laying frame and it can't be towed, then make the pump inoperable. In addition to that, install an alarm, fuel kill and starter kill. Then add lojack. If anyone can get past all that crap, they deserve the damned truck. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.



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08-18-2005, 12:02 AM	#24
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	I have the grant steering wheel lock that removes the steering wheel and places a guard over where the steering wheel mounts. It uses a key to lock and unlock. It only takes a second to do this. __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step

08-18-2005, 02:25 AM	#25
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Install a floor starter out a 55 or 56.... That way you know the theif will have to be at least 45 yrs old to figure it out

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