Alarm for 32 roadster

Any of you guys have an alarm on your roadster? if so what brand did you pick, how did you get the shop to set-it up and what does it do?

I need to put one on my roadster and would want one with proximity sensor (the type that will tell people to back away if they get close). two trips to Fry's Electronics were completely unproductive. hot rods are not up their alley.

Do I want to take the rod to a regular car alarm shop (and hope they understand how the wiring is done on my hiboy) or take it to a hotrod shop (and hope they know how to set up alarm systems)

Mmmmm... I'm all ears.

Not an expert on alarms, but do know two things. First of all, be very careful who does your install. We have had several cases here locally where the shop kept copies of the customers keys, then went back later and stole the car, or the alarm system and stereo out of it. Know who you are dealing with.

Secondly, alarms alone don't phase pro thieves. They are so good and bold that they will work right through the noise and disable it in a few seconds. What seems to be effective is a disabling devise like a hidden switch to kill the ignition. Anything you can do to slow them down and make it harder for them to get the car going.

Long story short. My one Son had a custom cal look VW bug. It was completely tricked and high dollar, with about a $ 5000.00 stereo system ( this is in 1990 dollars) He had the best alarm system available, and he did that for a living, so it was bulletproof.

He is a musician, and got home one night after playing about 2 am, parked the car. At 5:30 AM my ex-wife is leaving for work and she sees his car door open. We rush out, in the 3 and 1/2 hours thieves got into the car (somehow disabled the alarm) and took their sweet old time dismantling the entire interior of the car, including the stereo, amps, speakers, and even the alarm itself. They even had the Recarro bucket seats unbolted and ready to take out, but she must have scared them off. They got everything else, and didn't simply rip the stuff out, they methodically unscrewed each component. They were in no hurry and were working in our driveway.

Oh, and the car had NO DOOR HANDLES, they were shaved, and the doors were operated by remote control, so they removed a window to get in. Point is, no matter what alarm you have, really good pros will get the car if they want it. Best defense it to keep it under lock and key and watch where you leave it.

Don

I had a talking alarm in my car.Once people found out it would talk,they would mess with it to get it to do so. I parked it close to my buddys room one night and kept him up most of the night when people would walk by or a noisy car would go by----go with the hidden swich!:eek:

Hi Boy Gal...I'm fairly new to the street rod scene too. And I like you, wanted a security alarm. However, just like Itoldyouso mentioned, pro thieves are good!

I actually have a battery disconnect in my trunk and another secret switch under the dash. (Not secret anymore) All power will work except the ignition. And by the way, that's why we have insurance.

Pat

Actually I am not so worried about someone stealing the whole car, but rather someone stealing the stereo in it or worse yet, my hard to find headlights. A local rodder told me; "be careful your headlights, people might try to steal them" :eek: hence the proximity alarm in case someone is thinking about it. I know a pro can get whatever he wants but a non-pro who simply is eyeballing my headlights might feel a bit less enthousiastic once he realizes the whole neighborhood will hear him try to steal them... Just a thought... I would want that feature to be optional (turn it on if you want or off if you prefer)....

I have noted all yoru suggestions but await more, especially from people who actually currently have an alarm and can tell me what type, brand to get and where to have it installed (alarm shop or hotrod shop?)

.....I don't know if this helps or not but my '32 should be ready within a month or two so I've been checking into car alarms. I'm interest in a Lojack. When I sold cars I partisapated {sp?} in a demo & was VERY impressed. I was in the car with that was looking for the 'stolen car' & we found it VERY quickly! Also I'm interested in something called No Hot Wire {1-866-nohotwire} They also have a web site & I've seen them in magazines a couple of times. It's a plug with several prongs in it & you plug the male recepticle into the female one to get your car started. Now neither of these things are going to keep someone from stealing your headlights though. Is there a way that you can install them so that to get them off would ruin them??? Weld the bolts on??? Oh can we see a picture of your headlights. I'm curious as to how they look! You don't need to give us your address though! Bill

I think those are Guide 682 C lights, and all the ones with turn signals on top are starting to get desirable. I would adjust them perfectly, and then put a very small tack weld on the nut and threads or nut and mount (if it is steel) That way you could always grind away the spot weld if you ever need to remove them, but a thief wouldn't have the luxury of that much time.

I drove my '27 daily for years, and the only things that were constantly stolen were the dice off of my tire valve stems, and one time my fire extinquisher. Usually it was kids on bikes who stole the dice. Little Urchins.:( :( :(

Don

I have Clifford. Always had good luck. They came out and installed it while it was in the body shop. If you are building your car, install it during the build to hide the wires.

http://www.clifford.com

I watched a tow truck clear a parking lot. The guy was good, he lowered the forks while he was backing up, picked up the car by the tires and was gone in 10 seconds, probably tied it down after he got around the corner.

heres a system here that I am thinking about, It is a car alarm that texts directly to your cell phone. So you can spring whoever is trying to steal your car. Even if they steal your car you can follow where your car is being taken to by GPS. **) The system is infinitely programable for different options so this could be one of the ultimate systems. 1 option is remote disable from your cell phone. Another is loudness of the alarm or mute or to speak directly through the alarm via your cellphone. :D
The GPS transciever is quite small, the size of a babys fingernail, so it could be hidden anywhere on your car. Still it's a question of how much you are willing to spend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by southerner

heres a system here that I am thinking about, It is a car alarm that texts directly to your cell phone. So you can spring whoever is trying to steal your car. Even if they steal your car you can follow where your car is being taken to by GPS. **) The system is infinitely programable for different options so this could be one of the ultimate systems. 1 option is remote disable from your cell phone. Another is loudness of the alarm or mute or to speak directly through the alarm via your cellphone. :D
The GPS transciever is quite small, the size of a babys fingernail, so it could be hidden anywhere on your car. Still it's a question of how much you are willing to spend.

---

Oh yeah I JUST saw a demo at FRy's electronics last thirsday about this, it sounds real interesting... What was the price tag? The demo did not mention and I was in a hurry to get out of there (to make sure my deuce - which was prked outside of the store - was not stolen while I was in there looking for an anti theft devide - HA HA HA!)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 42K3

I have Clifford. Always had good luck. They came out and installed it while it was in the body shop. If you are building your car, install it during the build to hide the wires.

http://www.clifford.com

I watched a tow truck clear a parking lot. The guy was good, he lowered the forks while he was backing up, picked up the car by the tires and was gone in 10 seconds, probably tied it down after he got around the corner.

---

Clifford was my initial aim, but adding to it the proximity alarm which frys did not carry... Which clifford model do you have (since we do not have locks or even windows - is there a need to get the higher end model ? (except maybe if it is the kind thatpages you if something goes wrong...)

Note: Money is not too much of an issue. I'll pay what I have to pay to get what I really need.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by billlsbird

Oh can we see a picture of your headlights. I'm curious as to how they look! You don't need to give us your address though! Bill

---

Yes here is the little website for my hot rod:

www.bettatalk.com/meet_my_hotrod.htm

You can see photos there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HiboyGal

Oh yeah I JUST saw a demo at FRy's electronics last thirsday about this, it sounds real interesting... What was the price tag? The demo did not mention and I was in a hurry to get out of there (to make sure my deuce - which was prked outside of the store - was not stolen while I was in there looking for an anti theft devide - HA HA HA!)

---

They are pricey. But worth it for the peace of mind. The school next door to us has one on it's third lawnmowing tractor after the first 2 got stolen within 5 weeks of each other, from a locked gate and a locked shed !!!!! :CRY:

:D Sort of reminds me of another storey about someone who got his house burgled, so he got a couple of guard dogs...... Thieves came back and pinched his dogs :eek:

Not sure of the model number, but its loud.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by billlsbird

Oh can we see a picture of your headlights. I'm curious as to how they look! Bill

---

You might have to buy her dinner first.:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HiboyGal

Yes here is the little website for my hot rod:

www.bettatalk.com/meet_my_hotrod.htm

You can see photos there.

---

.... Hi Hiboy Gal, You scored youself a nice '32 there, for sure. I really like the contrast between the paint, chrome & powder coating {or if it's not powder coating then the contrast between the red & black paint & chrome}. Yeah, the only things that I haven't purchaced for the '32 I'm having built are the headlights, tail lights & wheels. Now I'm going to have to put your style headlights on my list of maybe's. That's if I can find them. I do know that whatever lights I do get I want the blinkers built in. Does Bob's Big Boy have car shows regularly??? I remember they had one on Van Nyes Blvd & one in Toluka Lake {sp?}.... Thanks for sharing your pictures ;) Bill

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by billlsbird

.... Hi Hiboy Gal, You scored youself a nice '32 there, for sure. I really like the contrast between the paint, chrome & powder coating {or if it's not powder coating then the contrast between the red & black paint & chrome}. Yeah, the only things that I haven't purchaced for the '32 I'm having built are the headlights, tail lights & wheels. Now I'm going to have to put your style headlights on my list of maybe's. That's if I can find them. I do know that whatever lights I do get I want the blinkers built in. Does Bob's Big Boy have car shows regularly??? I remember they had one on Van Nyes Blvd & one in Toluka Lake {sp?}.... Thanks for sharing your pictures ;) Bill

---

Thanks billsbird :). Yes Bob's BB in Toluca lake has car gatherings every friday and it is VERY hopping. You have to show up as early as 2PM to find a stop and it is super crowded until probably midnight. :3dSMILE:

OK guys, you gave a lot of good suggestions, shared some insightful horror stories but I still don't know:

1- who will install the alarm - shop? or hot rod shop?

2- which alarm model to buy?

3- how did the shop hook up the clifford alarm: Will it sound off if you open the hood or doors or trunk? if you hit the car?

In short, you kids are not off the hook yet ;) If you anyone can, please try to answer the above 3 questions for me :)

Thank you much :)

This ain't any fun, but no way in hell I'd ever leave that car unattended. Unless maybe at work if your work place is secured.

There ain't any car alarm that's gonna protect it from the pro that sets his sights on it, and the not-so pro will screw it up pretty bad trying. And let's not even talk about little vandals and drunks and the like.

JMO .................

Regards, Kitz

I am not sure exactly what your reasons for needing an alarm are but...

I keep the Roadster in the shop when I am at home and have an enclosed trailer I can park it in when traveling. When I leave my roadster outdoors on occasion. I do three things to protect it.

1. I installed a key activated kill switch. I remove the key to the kill switch when leaving the car un attended.

2. I don't keep anything of value inside the car and remove the faceplate on my CD player to keep anyone from taking it.

3. Use a Car Cover to protect it from weather and keep folks away. I don't usually lock my car cover, but they make a cable and lock system so you can.

Just some other ideas you might want to consider...

Dave Brisco

Bill those headlights are Guide 382 C they are vintage, but are easily found on eBay... Price varies depending on the condition. Do a search on eBay for either "Guide Headlights" or "Vintage Headlights" and you should find several sets...

Dave Brisco

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by billlsbird

.... Now I'm going to have to put your style headlights on my list of maybe's. That's if I can find them. Bill

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HiboyGal

OK guys, you gave a lot of good suggestions, shared some insightful horror stories but I still don't know:

1- who will install the alarm - shop? or hot rod shop?

2- which alarm model to buy?

3- how did the shop hook up the clifford alarm: Will it sound off if you open the hood or doors or trunk? if you hit the car?

In short, you kids are not off the hook yet ;) If you anyone can, please try to answer the above 3 questions for me :)

Thank you much :)

---

Hey Hotrod Gal, I don't really know that much about Clifford. But if you go to their web site and put in your zip code it will give you the name, address & phone number of their local locations. I did this for my area {Ventura County} and only one local location came up near me{Oxnard} then it went to Thousand Oaks & then down to the Valley were you live. So there must not be that many locations where they sell/install Clifford's. I'd call a couple of the Valley stores and see what they say about installion in a '32 Ford. Just be careful that there not BS'ing you about there install knowledge. Like someone said, this is probably best addressed when the Car is being built but then it's to late for that, huh? I'd be careful r/e who you let install it. Maybe give them a PO Box & NOT your home address. Or better yet, you could call some of the local Big Time Hot Rod Fabrication Shops. One that comes to mind is So-Cal Speed Shop. They build Hot Rods from the ground up. There in Pomona, Phone # 909-469-6171.... Also Hot Rod's & Custom Stuff, There in Escondido, CA. # 800-HOT-ROD5. & Roy Brizio Street Rods in San Francisco, # 650-952-7637... Of course if you had it done in Escondido or Frisco you'd have to take a vacation while they were installing it, huh??? ;)..... China Town, Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, Alcatraz, Hate Asbury {sp?}..... and what happens there stays there! No wait, that's what they say about Las Vegas, not SF ;)..... Anyway, yes I'm sure that Cliffords will go off if the doors &/or trunk are opened. But I'd call the above shops and ask them questions. I'll also keep you posted as to what I find out as I'm at the point in my build that I need to address these issues.... But as I stated in an earlier post I would seriously consider a GPS system {Global Positioning System}. But call your local police department and see if they have the tracking system to track GPS's..... hope this helps ya.... Bill

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dangeroustoy

Bill those headlights are Guide 382 C they are vintage, but are easily found on eBay... Price varies depending on the condition. Do a search on eBay for either "Guide Headlights" or "Vintage Headlights" and you should find several sets...

Dave Brisco

---

Thank you Dave, ;) Bill

afternoon HiboyGal...

on my deuce I have a Clifford 10-5x with a proximity zone. The 2 way Responder Transceiver is also up for my other vehicle (can be set for up to 4) and my garage door. No false alarms, simple to use and a visual communication.... in other words I even can understand setting it.
We hid the siren and put in a few extras for additional protection.
They now offer GPS tracking thru the web... go to their site and read up on them.

enjoy,

If you have an electric fuel pump on your car, wire a hidden switch to shut it off. I have one on my Jeep truck, and we have a car theft problem in my neighborhood, so as I am driving into the parking lot each night I shut off the pump a minute before I get to my parking place. But the time I park the engine is starting to sputter. I figure even if they smash out my ignition switch they will not be able to get it started and figure it is out of gas and just leave it.

Hope there are no car thieves from my neighborhood on this forum.:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


Don

<<Bill those headlights are Guide 382 C they are vintage, but are easily found on eBay... Price varies depending on the condition. Do a search on eBay for either "Guide Headlights" or "Vintage Headlights" and you should find several sets...

Dave Brisco>>

I was told the headlights are Guide 632... not sure how accurate that is? but thought I'd mention it anyways.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lil Red Deuce

afternoon HiboyGal...

on my deuce I have a Clifford 10-5x with a proximity zone. The 2 way Responder Transceiver is also up for my other vehicle (can be set for up to 4) and my garage door. No false alarms, simple to use and a visual communication.... in other words I even can understand setting it.
We hid the siren and put in a few extras for additional protection.
They now offer GPS tracking thru the web... go to their site and read up on them.

enjoy,

---

Ah, that's helpul info!! I will get on it pronto. if you have a chance, can you elaborate a bit on how the alarm works (what it does, what triggers it etc..), would appreciate it, thank you!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

If you have an electric fuel pump on your car, wire a hidden switch to shut it off. I have one on my Jeep truck, and we have a car theft problem in my neighborhood, so as I am driving into the parking lot each night I shut off the pump a minute before I get to my parking place. But the time I park the engine is starting to sputter. I figure even if they smash out my ignition switch they will not be able to get it started and figure it is out of gas and just leave it.

Hope there are no car thieves from my neighborhood on this forum.:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Don

---

:LOL: funny!!

the thing is, thieves could simply "pick up the roadster" put it under their armpit and run with it :LOL:

HiboyGal...

My alarm has door, trunk, vibration and shock sensors plus ignition kill and a proximity sensor... if you get near the interior it gives a warning then if repeated, sets off the alarm (which also sets off my unit that I carry with either a warning code or alarm code and visual of area on my vehicle). Clifford now has a longer range unit. With these units (Clifford - Matrix model) you can add GPS tracking and a wealth of other related GSP options.

List prices are on the web site... I waited while my installation was done, no one drives my ride.

http://www.clifford.com

enjoy

Opps, sorry bout that I must have hit the wrong key... I should have typed 682 C... There was also a 682 J that does not have the turn signals on top of the headlight...

Sorry for the confusion...

Dave Brisco

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HiboyGal

I was told the headlights are Guide 632... not sure how accurate that is? but thought I'd mention it anyways.

---

Personally, I would not trust my car to anyone except a hotrod shop. Those individuals who know that hotrods are different and special to their owners and will show the respect for the car that they deserve. Most hot rod shops have the necessary electrical skills to be able to install an alarm and the workmanship will be at a higher level also. Hollywood Hotrods should certainly be able to do the work. I would also recommend Wheelers in Huntington Beach.