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amcordo
07-27-2009, 03:50 PM
Hi All!

I park my LR Series III in a city and would like any/all advice you have for securing it.
1. Is there a way to lock the hood?
2. What else should I do to make it harder to steal?

siii8873
07-27-2009, 04:27 PM
I have heard of guys installing a hidden battery cutoff switch. This would prevent starting of the truck.

Firemanshort
07-27-2009, 04:33 PM
I live near Wash DC. I have owned a Series truck since 2000. I have never, ever locked anything on it - mostly becasue the locks were not there or did not work and I usaully have a soft top on.

I never leave anything inside of it.

Nobody has ever messed with it. Stinky, rusty old trucks are not on the local car thiefs top 10 lists.

Obvioulsy, your results may vary.

Eric W S
07-27-2009, 05:52 PM
Leave the truck unlocked without anything of value in it. I live in Chicago. If they want it and it's locked they will smash a window.

superstator
07-27-2009, 06:06 PM
I'm far more worried about vandalism than theft with mine, but so far nobody's messed with it. Like Eric said, I just never leave anything of value in it (or anything that they might mistake for something of value, like an empty box with a tarp over it). The lock hasn't been invented that can keep a determined meth head out, so I just make sure they don't want in in the first place.

rbonnett
07-27-2009, 06:08 PM
I second that. i don't have keys for my doors, and a soft top anyway - so I just don't worry about it. I live in Portland, Maine - not the real city - though I did have a pickup taken here a few years ago. i agonized cuz I couldn;t remember if I locked bith dorrs - the cop told me it didn't matter. If they want your car they'll get it.

I too have nothing of value I leave in the Rover - except for my road tools. So far no one's looked under the driver's seat :)

Jim-ME
07-27-2009, 06:37 PM
I do have working door locks but never use them because I also run a soft top. I do leave my GPS in it when its parked and have never had a problem in the big city of Bangor. I hope to someday have a Tuffy Security box which I can lock stuff in and I will also have an under the seat tool box when I swap out my seatbox. As far as someone stealing it I really think that the 3 levers on the floor plus that it is a standard will intimdate most young punks.
Jim

Dubv1980
07-27-2009, 08:09 PM
Apparently, you can only respond to this thread if you live in Maine or Northern Virginia!
That said, I also concur...I lock the doors on my other vehicles, but on the series the locks are finicky and quite frankly, as was mentioned before, the kind of person thats going to steal a vehicle probably isn't going to find a 35 year old series truck to their liking...and thats if they can figure out how to start it, put it in geat (which shifter do I use!?), etc. I just wouldn't leave anything of value IN the truck and you'll probably be ok.

SeriesShorty
07-27-2009, 08:20 PM
I live in St. Louis...the CITY. Remember the beginning of National Lampoons Vacation where they accidentally get off an exit in St. Louis? Yeah, that part of the city, I'm talking stone cold hood. There is at least a car or two stolen in my area each week. They've tried to steal my Discovery at least 7 times that I know of in the less than two years that I've lived here.

The Series has been parked on the street, unlocked, with the soft top rolled up year 'round and I've have no problems (knock on birmabright). When I first got the truck all the neighborhood kids would climb all in my truck uninvited and tell me that they could steal it cause it was open. So I showed the front passenger area and pointed to all of the sticks in the floor and asked them if they knew how to drive a car with 3 stick shifts, 8 forward gears and 2 reverse...then they went back to being kids just swinging from the hood sticks.

I also installed an electronic fuel pump with a switch. So unless you know where the switch is to get fuel to it you ain't going no where. Of course, they could always back a truck up to and drag it off, but so far everyone knows it's a lost cause to even bother with it.

Like everyone says, just don't leave stuff in it to draw attention. If you're still concerned, install a hidden battery disconnect. I did the disconnect in my Disco, yanked out the keyed ignition cylinder and installed 2 switches for on/accessory and a momentary switch for the starter. So far so good!

Rineheitzgabot
07-28-2009, 08:18 AM
You can never stop someone from stealing your ride; however, you can make it difficult. And, this serves as the best measure for deterring theft of your vehicle.

In the mind of a criminal, being able to execute a car theft, quickly and easily, is important. The more time it takes to actually execute the theft, the more likely they will give up, or not even try. I agree with the people above, that all of the levers on the floor, alone, would make a would-be car thief, avoid any Series.

I have a battery cut-off switch, and whenever I park somewhere that concerns me, I cut off the battery, and I put the transfer case in neutral. So, even if the thief figures out why the starter won't crank and finds the cut-off switch (after several minutes of walking around the thing), and somehow gets it started, now he throws it in first to take off, and it won't go any where.

Again, all of these things will not absolutely stop a thief, however, it will really slow them down, and as I stated above, slowing them down, may encourage them to give up.

Tim Smith
07-28-2009, 09:20 AM
If you are leaving the truck on the side of the street with the transfercase in neutral, be sure to turn the steering into the curb. I think you are more likely to have a kid hop in and disengage the parking brake than you are to have the thing stolen.

Considering that mine smells of impending explosion from years of leaking gas tanks, I'm more worried about someone tossing a cigarette in the wrong puddle than anything else.

NickDawson
07-28-2009, 10:43 AM
Apparently, you can only respond to this thread if you live in Maine or Northern Virginia!

Not so - Central Virginia also counts...

I adopted the same philosophy that all soft top owners have - unlocked, not leaving anything important.

This is coming from a guy who grew up in a house we kept unlocked... on our family farm, we do lock the doors, but the key is on a hook next to the door...

I'm looking at a tuffy center console box to keep some things in, but again, nothing I couldn't live without.

TeriAnn
07-28-2009, 10:58 AM
To answer your initial question, yes bonnet hasps are a factory option that I believe is still available, along with fuel filler cap hasps from the usual Land Rover parts specialists.

I have locks all over my truck. With 3 fuel tanks (42 gallon capacity) I keep my fuel caps locked. I don't get change back from my hundred dollar bill when I fill from dry and prefer for the fuel to be there in the morning.

I have a built in propane tank behind a door in the side of my truck. I lock the door when I'm not on the trail just because I'd otherwise worry about some idiot opening the valve just to see what would happen with a spark.

I have a built in 15 gallon stainless steel water tank and I would like to be assured that nothing adulterates my drinking water. So the cap also has a hasp and lock (keyed differently from the fuel tank locks).

In areas where I worry about vandals I'll lock my bonnet. 18 years ago I had someone pour dirt down my engine's oil filler tube.

I also figure that if someone is serious about taking my truck they will, but a Dormobile is real easy to spot in traffic and has a very limited market for parts or resale. I don't recall seeing any lists mentioning Series Land Rovers as being a high level theft target.

Like everyone else I tend not to lock my doors and weather permitting usually leave a window open in the hopes that someone would use the door latch and not break a window or prise the door. I figure anything inside (except on trips) is worth less than a door repair. On trips I try to keep anything worth anything well out of sight and if I'm feeling paranoid will buy a cheapo disposable camera and leave it in plain sight inside the vehicle with the real camera gear out of sight. I think there is a lot to be said about misdirection when dealing with a spur of the moment would be theft.

My biggest theft concern is someone walking by who might be under the influence of something deciding my truck was a cool African expedition truck that they just have to take for a joy ride just because it would be a cool thing to do.

Most people would not have a clue how to start and drive a factory positive earth Land Rover. If the three levers and a clutch don't intimidate them there is the mater of turning the starter motor. You need to know there is a starter button hidden away down on the bulkhead and that turning the ignition key would not turn the starter motor. For a little extra insurance I have a fuel selector switch with a fuel off position.

Bottom line is that I think it is prudent to protect against spur of the moment targets of oppertunity but most anyone can beak into a locked vehicle with break being the operative word. I assume no vehicle can be proof from someone with a tow rig or who knows Series Land Rovers and wants yours (did you know that a jumper wire between the top and bottom fuse turns on all the electrics and allows you to drive without a key?) Most would be joy riders would not know how to start and drive a Series rig and an extra switch or valve hidden away would discourage the would be joy riders who might know how to start & drive a Series Land Rover. Of course it never hurts to park near a high theft value vehicle.

I mostly use my door locks when I'm driving alone in an area that I think might be dangerous and then to protect myself and not the truck.

thixon
07-28-2009, 11:16 AM
Don't know what I can add here other than that I'm from GA, thus destroying the Maine or Virginia theory.

I've used swithches for fuel pumps and battery cut-off switches in various cars and trucks before. Never had one stolen. I did find an old couple sitting in a '61 covette I resorted for my dad once. Apparently they "fell in love" over a summer when the guy had access to "this same car." They apologized for helping themselves, but still went a bit to far in my opinion.

On one occasion that I know of, an MGA in my area was a target of a thief. The owner (a close friend) had a battery cut off switch that the thief couldnt find. To celebrate his lack of success in starting the car, the jackhole released the brake, put the car in neutral, and let it roll down a hill into a tree. Nice guy.

amcordo
07-28-2009, 03:10 PM
I'm glad I saw some posts in there about vandalism - that's one of my bigger concerns too. Sounds like overall the best methods for keeping the series safe from tampering is:


Keep nothing of value in it.
Keep doors and windows unlocked.
Lock the hood & spare tires if possible.
Install a battery cutoff.
Keep everything in neutral, but make sure I'm not on a hill.
Make sure to keep all oil full so I can follow the trail to it if it's stolen / create a puddle big enough around it to act as an oil-moat.


Thank you all for replying. All of your posts were not only great info, but some hilarious reading.



Considering that mine smells of impending explosion from years of leaking gas tanks, I'm more worried about someone tossing a cigarette in the wrong puddle than anything else.

thixon
07-29-2009, 09:56 AM
Hey TA,

I'm curious, how did you discover that the dirt had been poured down your oil filler pipe?

My guess is that the event prompted your engine swap. If I'm right, then I have a good idea of how you discovered the dirt!

NickDawson
07-29-2009, 11:52 AM
Ive discovered a new theft deterrent - leave the center seat and access panel out and all of your empty oil bottles strewn about the cabin...

Les Parker
07-29-2009, 12:24 PM
I wonder if any one has come up with a "roll-up" oil slick?
Just put it under your veh. when you leave it, roll it up and take it away with you when you're ready to leave.
Maybe that might deter folks from "nicking" your ride home?

Just a thought

:sly:

superstator
07-29-2009, 01:21 PM
Just take a lesson from the 1993 Chameleon XLE (http://snltranscripts.jt.org/92/92fchameleon.phtml):



Inside, the Chameloen XLE has everything you would expect in a luxury sedan of its class. Soft leather seating, a contoured instrument panel, and fine wood. But there's more - much more.

Authentically distressed fenders give way to a partially padded roof of blistered vinyl. While under the hood, a simulated transmission-fluid drip whispers, "Hey, not worth the trouble."

xsbowes
07-29-2009, 02:14 PM
I've found a good theft deterent is a sign like this:

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/19458865/370698787.jpg

The only thing I'm worried about going missing is the pioneer kit on the tailgate.

What's even funnier is people actually steal cars in Hawaii, to go where I don't know. When I lived in Sicily people would steal anything left in your car whether it was valuable or not.

yorker
08-02-2009, 01:18 PM
When I was worried about this I used to take the rotor out of the distributer, it was pretty easy to do. I've had stuff stolen out of my Rovers before and the best bet is to not leave anything you'll really miss in it if the Rover is out of sight.

yorker
08-02-2009, 01:22 PM
I have locks all over my truck. With 3 fuel tanks (42 gallon capacity) I keep my fuel caps locked. I don't get change back from my hundred dollar bill when I fill from dry and prefer for the fuel to be there in the morning.

When the price of fuel was up around here they were actually punching or drilling holes in the tanks to steal the fuel. I know it sounds like a stupid way to steal gas but that is how a lot of it was done. :eek:

zayante
08-02-2009, 09:57 PM
We lost a few plastic fuel tanks at work when gas hit $4/gal. Pretty low risk to punch a hole. Drilling a steel or aluminum tank is much more risky.

I had a friend who put a fuel pump switch on his Mk II Austin Healey Sprite. Three off-duty soldiers from Ft. Ord hot wired it and figured out the pull starter, but got only a couple of blocks away before it quit. They were pretty drunk, and decided to push it down the street while one of them steered. A passing cop stopped them.

Chris

frans
08-03-2009, 10:59 AM
I put a switch in to be able to open or close the coil wire circuit. Like it has been said already, I think it is a good idea to do something to discourage being able to quickly get in and drive away.


Here is a funny / sad story about stuff being stolen from a vehicle that I will share:

My friend's family dog died. They were heartbroken and decided to bury the dog at this place where they used to walk. A beautiful meadow.
Well, they loaded the dog into this cardboard box they had handy, put the box on the back seat and they took off to the final resting place.
They made a quick stop at WalMart to buy some bottled water.

When they got back to the car, the window was broken and the box was gone!

The cardboard box was a T.V. box from when they bought a t.v. recently.
:eek:

greenmeanie
08-03-2009, 12:15 PM
THe kids and yweakers in my area see me out in my garage almost every night keeping my fleet running. I just don't think they have the mechanical skill and commitment needed to get anyone one of them to go past the end of the street so they don't even try.

When fuel prices were up someone siphoned the tank on my 88 for 3 gallons of fuel and the 1/2 gallon of sludge that was in it. On looking I found a bunch of bright marks where they had tried driving a screwdriver through the bottom plate obviously befoer they had tried the petrol cap. Dumb but it could have been funny in one of those Darwin moments.

I had to laugh because sitting right next to them my 101 had 30 gallons of high octane and a drain plug that takes a 3/8 drive that was sitting in the cab.

wooday
08-03-2009, 01:16 PM
I don't lock my doors ever either. I'm a firm believer in the 'keep nothing of value in the truck when you're not in it' approach. That said, when I leave the truck for long periods of time (at the trailhead when camping or at the airport for example) I'll disable my fuel pump. I installed an electric fuel pump from a Defender with an inertia switch mounted to the bulkhead in the engine compartment. Its simple to pop the hood and flip the switch - something that a would-be thief would probably have difficulty figuring out. Besides, its good to have the inertia switch in case of an accident.

ScottT
08-03-2009, 03:40 PM
Having driven one type of rover or another since 1990 leaving it open and nothing of value is the way we go. Putting door tops in only with the threat of rain. I left the series 3 topless all over Detroit without issues. The 109 has a lock box used by the previous owner to hold a gun, a CCP holder. It is a great thing.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3785672411_829d8405d6_b.jpg

As for stealing the truck, I have coil cut off switch on the firewall, easy and makes it a no go. Pulling the rotor as mentioned is good. You could also look into the battery disconnects that have a threaded brass knob.

The only time someone messed with my truck was when I had a RR. It was a bunch on rich kids that were eventually caught and did boot camp.
Again the truck was open, they got a Leatherman, Olympus Stylus camera, and a national park pass.

The moral in my mind, rich kid in the burbs are more a pita then anyone else.

Andrew IIA
08-04-2009, 09:15 AM
I often have valuable stuff in in my IIA. My two black retievers discourage most people from messing with it (even though they're totally harmless). I keep all the doors locked so that no on will steal the dogs.

Andrew
'63 SIIA 88" SW