Anti-Slim-Jim door mod

[Ratpick]

Just thought I'd share this bit of redneck ingenuity. I was replacing my lock cylinders and figured if I can now lock my doors, why not keep them locked? Even if someone wants to pop the lock with a slim jim. Now, I know I know, I've had glass broke out of cars before too (and they didn't even steal anything good) but I figure anything to slow 'em down or make it more difficult is worth it. Also, please excuse my welds, it is a little tricky to see what you're doing in there. Just make sure you get it high enough the lock will go up enough to actually lock. First side I did will tap the block off plate but still works.

[Ratpick]

View from above

[Ratpick]

Oh and please don't breathe in fumes from welding that galvanized steel and then blame me. Deep breath, exhale slowly until it dissipates. Pretty sure that's osha approved method.

[leftybass209]

That's a great idea! You are right to do it regardless of how easy it may be to circumvent it. The truth is, if a professional thief wants your truck, they'll find a way to take it, but there aren't many of them around. Any trouble and time you add to the common thief is more opportunity for them to get caught. If they have the slightest trouble they'll usually move on. Seeing as I live in a former #1 top car theft city and always top 5, I love to see these tricks.

[Ratpick]

So this turned out to be not so great. The junkyard door latch I put in fell apart, glad it did it in my driveway and not out somewhere. This bracket was in the way of removing latch. So I had to grind off some weld and wiggle it off. The pin on the latch got welded back in easily enough, but what about this silly slim Jim barrier? Well, revised it to another design. Not quite as hardcore but should be just as effective. It's a piece of roof flashing carefully trimmed and tacked to the door lock retainer. Should still give the criminal enough stumble fumble time that I can come outside and get all American History X. Or just break the glass. Then good luck starting it. Anyways...

[Ratpick]

Could almost make a production piece

[Ratpick]

From above. Sure it's still possible to pop lock, but if you know how easy these trucks are, and suddenly ones giving trouble, you'd probably just move to next one in the parking lot right?

[70']

Sooooo.......what is the plan when you lock your keys in the truck?

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by 70'

Sooooo.......what is the plan when you lock your keys in the truck?

These trucks are designed where you have to lock the doors from the outside with the key, you can't push the door locks down and shut the door in stock form. Power door locks or some pieced together door lock operation is the only way this would happen.

[R.L.]

Thanks for sharing this, it's a great idea.

[68 TT]

There are some lock retainers similar to that on some GM cars that I have seen before but I can't remember what they were. Most likely from a 78-87 G-body.

I considered that mod too. Thanks for sharing.

[Longhorn 70]

Wing windows?