Security

[Parksy]

Hi all

I've got a 92 gq patrol and the last few months have seen me put a lot of time and money into getting this thing into a nice running vehicle that I feel more and more concerned leaving out in the driveway without some sort of alarm fitted. But I haven't heard anything positive about after market alarm kits so I'm wondering what everyone here has done to help secure their pride and joys?
What are some of the week points in terms of security on the patrols?

Cheers

Andy

[happygu]

Parksy,

Alarms are the easiest as one press of the button generally unlocks the doors and connects the ignition line ready for your ignition key automatically.

I had a situation where my old car wouldn't start because the contact inside the alarm unit went faulty so i had to find the wires from the alarm system ignition circuit and bypass that part of the alarm system till i could replace it. Not sure if that is a common problem though.

You could very cheaply add an extra switch into your ignition line as a second line of defense, say under the dash, so you could reach under to press a hidden button to disconnect and reconnect the ignition circuit.

Mic

[Dominator]

I have always had immobilisers in my cars. I used to put alarms in but got sick of the alarm going off all the time. Now I just have a remote immobiliser. It unlocks/locks the doors and disables the ignition so the car can't be stolen. Doesn't stop people breaking into my car though.

[mudnut]

Parksy, my brother-in-law's 74 GTS Monaro came with an after market alarm. 2days after buying it, he said 'I have a problem with the electrics.' he said that some switches and buttons either switched other things on, or were cactus. I had a look under the dash and saw that the wiring loom had melted into one large brittle piece. I don't know that the alarm wiring caused it, but the electronics in the unit had been toasted, and there was no fuse in its supply wiring. He was lucky the car didn't burn. Since the wiring was intergrated through out the loom, it makes sense that it was the culprit. If you get an alarm system, go for a brand that has a good name, and get it fitted by a GOOD auto elec. Or if you are handy with electrics, take your time and do the job right.

[Parksy]

Thanks all, I like the idea of an inconspicuous switch. Mudnut, that just scared me more into getting some sort of aftermarket alarm. Do you know if it was wired up poorly? Wiring not rated for the load?

I would love to just push a button and have my car unlocked and ready to go, if anyone has used an aftermarket kit without any issues what so ever, please let me know what brand and if you have a link for it.

[NissanGQ4.2]

I would not buy an standard alarm system, they are useless and only deter would be car thieves. Even with an alarm system a real car thief would either know how to disable it or would drive of down the road with the alarm going.

Basic alarm systems are only good for alerting you if your nearby, 95% of people would not even bat an eyelid to a car alarm going off.

If you do decide on alarm system, Invest your money in an system that has gps tracking and that will also send your mobile number an sms when the alarm goes off.

[threedogs]

Go talk to a specialist about your needs, he maybe able to customise one to suit your requirements

[mudnut]

The wiring to the unit was melted as well. I think that having no fuse in the line was the problem. I ended up putting a whole new dash loom in for him. The alarm wires looked like they had been done neatly. Even having hidden switches will not deter the professional thief, or someone with a tilt truck, but it may deter the smash 'n' grab.

[simy]

Easy, a really good steering wheel lock and a kill switch HIDDDEN WELL. I always park in a place where it could not be moved onto a tow truck as well. I wouldn't fit and aftermarket alarm, more hastle than they are worth. A few GQ's have been stolen in my area, i have gone to my car in the morning a few times and found it unlocked with poo change missing etc, im sure people have tried but it's almost impossible to steal. Park it well and use these two things and i think you will be right.

[Yendor]

I agree with the anti alarm guys.

Save your coin and set up a simple hidden kill switch.

Set it up with a latching relay so you don't need to flick a switch every time you leave the vehicle but you will need to push it every time to start it.

You can even get a flashing LED you can mount in the dash so it appears you have an alarm fitted.

[Lieney]

Mate I have fitted an alarm / immobiliser into a car a while back and had no dramas except for the cheap a$$ switches supplied for the bonnet and boot, so I disconnected them.
I had to re-do the alarm in another car after an auto electrical place in Sydney used scotch clips etc and wrapped wires around and taped them.
You could easily fit a push button style switch under your dash in series with the ignition key start position.
Alternatively, get a half decent alarm ($150-200) and get a reputable mob who solder and shrink tube it, or do it yourself.
You can also buy little red flashing LED things that flash when the ignition is off. (just realised Rodney said this already) That's about as simple as the push-button switch.
Push-button switch & flashing LED would be the cheapest and easiest to do.
You can also buy electrical key switches, which I used once before in the same way as the push-button. Only you need that key, plus your car key.

[Mojo01]

I have a central locking/car alarm + a good ole kill switch... but to be 100% honest if they want it they will get it, just dont temp the bastards, BURR OFF ALL BOLTS + LOCKTIGHT THEM .. for anything thats bolted on ( whips, rod holders spottys ) and dont leave big dollar stuff in your car..