Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Effectiveness of a security bracket

Hi, I don't know much about stealing car audio or having it stolen...so I was looking for a little help.

My idea is to fabricate a "grille" of sorts but more like a wide open bracket that would fit over my amp, like "holding" it down. I'd screw it directly into the car, with some silly screws that no dirty bastard would have a screw driver for, like Winnie the Pooh.

Would this be effective in preventing them from removing the amp from the car...or do most of them come really prepared?

If they want it, they will get it. If you make it too hard for them, they will get it and then trash the car out of spite.
I did some home-grown securing of my equip. in my last car and found my entire back seat a block away on railroad tracks.
Just a warning.

I thought about it and even if I used like a welding adhesive...you could probably just rip it out with a crowbar still.

Guess I'll just have to have my car explode when the connection under the amp is severed.

I don't know about keeping them from getting mad.. but it sure is funny as hell to do what I did to my old 88 Dodge Omni (don't ask why I needed this for an OMNI, but, still)

I bought a 12vdc-220ac and ran it to my alarm module. when activated, a relay cut the +12vdc to the entire car (except the radio, but I protected it with a shunt circuit) and then engaged the inverter, and led the ac the the chassis. Behind the handles to the doors, and on the locks for the trunk/door, was the other end (a wire lead that I ran)

Effectively, when someone grabbed my door handle, or my trunk lock, they got 220 sent through their hand.. Enough to make their entire arm numb.

Needless to say, nobody tried to grab my doors. (On the other hand, I did have my windows busted, and stuff stolen, anyway.. I shouldve made a retainer bracket around my amp(like you suggested, and powered THAT..lol)

Like they said... they want it, they will get it... besides, my idea just pissed 'em off, more... and they came back, when their arm was awake, again..

LOLOL

Ray

I have to agree with what everyone else is saying, if they want it...they're gonna get it. There's really not much you can do to prevent a thief from stealing your stereo.

This may sound strange but IMO having a good alarm to help prevent someone from stealing your car is much more beneficial. So I'd just stick with a nice alarm and simply screw down the amps, speakers, processors etc. Heck, you could even use some double sided tape to secure the stuff if you wanted to. I'd much rather have somone simply pull an amp out with a few screws and leave my car in good shape than have someone tear the amp out of the car, damaging the car and then doing more damage out of spite. As a bad analogy, what if it's raining or snowing some night and someone breaks into your car...would you rather drive your car home without a stereo...or would you rather walk home with nothing but your car keys?

Or you can just buy an alarm that sends electrical impulses through the vehicle... Then they grab the handle to steal the stuff and BZZZZZZZZ>... Ouch...

Mmm...I like the exploding Contour deal better. Don't worry it's an ATX.

The best way to keep stuff from getting stolen is not to have anything in the first place! j/k

Here are a few suggestions:

Get an alarm with a pager remote so you can have a chance to give thieves a reason to reconsider first hand. Consider a unique siren tone/pattern and a loud siren mounted inside the car and trunk. Those things can irritate! The idea is to draw attention to the car and potential thief.

Don't advertise in your neighborhood or where you park. That includes playing the system loud and putting audio stickers everywhere. If you already have a totally custom car(paint, wheels, exhaust) you may not be able to help it. Usually guys with wheels, stickers and custom exhausts have big audio systems and thieves know it. Keep in mind that some people will steal things and vandalize cars because the driver is showboatin and they want to put them in their place(read: haters)

Be careful where you park. Make sure the area is well lit and in plain view. Keep the contents of your car out of sight! Don't put your faceplate under the seat! How obvious!

Up your insurance, and make sure certain items in your car are covered. Most insurance companies do not consider a box/amp/sub to be part of the car. It would most likely have to be covered under renters/homeowners, or you may have to add a few bucks to cover it on your car insurance. Receipts help in this case.

Like everyone has said, if they want it they will get it. It's too bad that it has to be that way.

Originally posted by 2G Sport:

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Consider a unique siren tone/pattern and a loud siren mounted inside the car and trunk. Those things can irritate! The idea is to draw attention to the car and potential thief.

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Speaking of unique siren pattern:

Bulldog 2001 Talking Car Alarm Features:

- Talking alarm with seven different messages (System Armed, System Disarmed, I Was Tampered With, Please Adjust Sensor Now, Thank You, You Are Too Close to the Vehicle, Please Move Away, Please Help Me!)

I was tampered with!! lol...let's not go there!

Ditto..if they want it..well make it really hard to get it! I installed the amp under the passanger seat and the sucker is bolted down (all holes accounted for) to the body of the car. If they want to get it, well it'll take a while (and they'll probably have to take the passenger seat up while they are at it). I have to hand it to Ford, the door panels are a b*tch to get off. Thiefs better have saws with them if they are in a hurry. Good luck!