General Security

[stocky]

I know 2 guys could pick up Bella and put her in their pocket if they wanted but does anyone have any neat security ideas. I usually fit either a battery cut off switch or a switch to isolate the coil on my classics but I wondered if anyone had any other neat ideas on this?

 

[Toshi 975]

. I usually fit either a battery cut off switch or a switch to isolate the coil on my classics but I wondered if anyone had any other neat ideas on this?

I once made a few carb linkages with quick release ball ends so you could easily take the link off and pop it in your pocket and the car could only run on tickover. Probably still got a couple left in my carb spares

 

[Hobo1960]

Hi, I will probably fit a solenoid operated valve to my 500 to cut the petrol supply. If someone drives the car away, the engine will cut out once the float chamber's empty. It obviously won't stop someone loading your car into the back of a van or a horse box. This company has a variety of valves on offer.

http://tinleytech.co.uk/product-cat...-off/petrol-shut-off-valve/?widget_search=yes

The other option is to fit a tracker, but I think you have to pay a subscription for most trackers.

 

[stocky]

I'm of the opinion if someone really wants the car they'll put it on a transporter and be away. I'm going to fit a cut out of some sort just to make it harder for the opportunist. I defo need it to be inside the car and easy to use or I won't do it.

 

[SDHXIII]

The fashion these days is for electric vehicles, so you could give the impression your little FIAT is electric and wire it up to the mains!! That would put most people off. ? ?

 

[phoenix1]

I use a steering wheel disk lock, I know nothing will stop anyone with a hiab if its parked within reach . Mine is parked outside my bedroom window but what do you do . Maybe a noisy alarm or a tracker.

 

[the hobbler]

The throttle-link idea is an interesting one. I have a Dellorto FZD on my engine so fitted a throttle-link with ball-joints----these are available from "Burlen Fuels" who are in fact, the SU specialist. They can supply link-rods in a variety of lengths, with both left and right-hand threads (one of each, each end). The idea is that you have a ball-joint with a left-hand (female) thread at one end, and a ball-joint with a right-hand (female) thread at the other end of the link-rod. This means that by turning the link-rod, you can extend, or reduce, the length of the link-rod. I found also that by fitting the (male) ball on the UNDERSIDE of the pivot-yoke you get a better 'lead' Removing, and then refitting the link is a few second job. A ball-jointed link also looks very neat.

 

[El cargador]

I saw on a TV program many years ago a key operated valve that goes in the brake line (ideal for the fiat 500 as the lines run through the tunnel) 2 options were available when using it
1. Turn key to shut of the flow of fluid so if stolen the first time somebody uses the brake pedal the brakes lock on .
2. Turn key then press brake pedal so the wheels lock on permanently whilst locked.
Pretty good idea I thought but never saw the idea again.

 

[Bigvtwin996]

something from my collection of "bits"




This was obviously available from suppliers some time ago..
Basically it screws/bolts onto the tunnel around the gear lever and when you park you put into reverse and slide/lock the "gear lock" and that's it.

I have been talking to a guy about reproducing these...

In addition I do believe it is possible to fit a std steering lock to most 500s...
there was even an accessory for Prototypi cars (I'll try to find one to take a pic of)

 

[fiat500]

This one is for small trailer wheels; it might fit. They do another for larger car wheels above 13"; it might also fit.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/streetwize-full-face-wheel-clamp-8-10-yellow/2443r

 

[Toshi 975]

The throttle-link idea is an interesting one.

Looked in my carb accessory box and I have quite a few ball joints left in two sizes, part finished links and a length of stainless steel rod that I cut to length for different applications as I made links for different carbs fitted to 500 & 126 engines. I can make more if anyone is interested

 

[AndrewHarvey]

I have a tracker and quick release steering boss.
It is the best I can think of...

 

[Bigvtwin996]

I take teh view that if they are going to nick your car then they are either opportunist or professional....
Opportunist will look and if they can tow or drive it then they will try, if it isn't easy they will move along to the next...
If professionals want it.. it's gone... low loader, even tell people it's being repossessed or Bailiff seizure... Trackers are disabled by a simple jammer.


So who and why would nick your car.... if you have lots of nice shiny bits then it could be broken for parts, Ringing 500s is possible, so any buyer should check chassis numbers, panels are not that expensive so what would anyone pay for SH wings or doors... so what could they get for a broken 500? £2k-3k?
Early cars are more expensive but as there are so few a limited market...


It is far easier to make money from Escort Mexicos or others.... so at the moment I think 500s are a low risk... also the RHD market is limited, so when a RHD steering stuff comes up for sale we would know! So LHD cars are probably more of a risk as they could be shipped to europe before you knew it had gone and Ringed...

 

[stocky]

I tend to agree with you which is why I'm fitting a switch just for the casual thief. I know I wouldn't want to be going in the engine bay or putting clamps on when I park.

 

[Vitesse]

On an F or one of those earlier prototypes with the ignition switch in the dash! I reckon I could start it and drive it off in a couple of minutes. But that’s knowing the wiring on the car. It really is very easy to do.

 

[chris3234]

Battery isolater switch hidden under the dash?

 

[Pazzo500]

Tracker in the heater tube between the seats seems like an easy and inconspicuous spot for the 98% of us who aren't bombing around during the winter months. Being in the U.S., I rely on car thieves not figuring out the choke/starter combination, in addition to the unsynchronized shifting required to steal the car. The previous Italian owner had a pull-lever battery disconnect under the dash which I may reconnect for added security.

 

[stocky]

I had a battery isolator on an mga I had but it was operated by a normal key which could be removed in both positions. This was great as you can keep it on your key ring. The red switches are in when cars going and in your pocket when parked and quiet bulky.
I've looked on eBay but I can't find that type now.

 

[phoenix1]

Yes on all my classics I have a hidden isolator switch with a removable key both as a theft deterent it also saves the battery going flat.Because I have four you cant drive them all . My MK 2 mini dosn't even have a steering lock.

 

[fiat500]

What do motorcyclists do. Even easier than a 500 to pick up or even to push away.