The Ford Barn

Brobrian · 06-29-2014, 01:27 PM

We were all reading about the poor old man in Oregon whose A was stolen and wrecked. I, like many of you, drive my A's everywhere. Friends have often asked if I feel safe leaving them in the parking lot when I go out to eat or shopping. My usual response is, "I don't think there are many thieves who know how to fence a car like this, nor how to start or drive it. You'd need a flatbed to steal this car. So I keep a weather eye out for tow trucks tailing me around town." If possible I park where I can see the car, and, of course, I always shut of the gas and remove the key. At home, the cars are inside the garage.

So, how do you feel about leaving your car in a parking lot? Do you secure it somehow?

mshmodela · 06-29-2014, 01:47 PM

Sadly, nothing is totally theft proof. I have a battery cut off switch near my starter but it would not prevent a flat bed from just yanking the whole car.

foxfire42 · 06-29-2014, 02:06 PM

Hire a guard armed with an AK47.

Pete · 06-29-2014, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfire42

Hire a guard armed with an AK47.

Excellent plan except I would have him armed with a Thompson because the magazine holds 100 rounds and it's made in the USA..

Mitch//pa · 06-29-2014, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Excellent plan except I would have him armed with a Thompson because the magazine holds 100 rounds and it's made in the USA..

thats what i do

foxfire42 · 06-29-2014, 04:47 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Excellent plan except I would have him armed with a Thompson because the magazine holds 100 rounds and it's made in the USA..

Oooops, USA made is a better idea except the AK's are more readily available on the corner......however, it's a cash only transaction.

Patrick L. · 06-29-2014, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfire42

Hire a guard armed with an AK47.

An AK ? Wouldn't a Thompson look better ? [ smiley face]

BlueSunoco · 06-29-2014, 02:13 PM

I'd think the fuel shut off will 'get' them 90% of the time. After stealing the car and having it die half a block down the road, the thief will panic and bolt leaving the car behind. Few young people know of the shut off under the tank, or know if it is 'on' or 'off' even if they did find it.

springerpete · 06-29-2014, 02:18 PM

I try to park the A where I can see it. Shut off the gas, shut off the hidden battery switch remove the key. Seems to work as I still have the car.

George Miller · 06-29-2014, 03:00 PM

If we tell how we do it then the whole world will know. Then it will not be theft prof

29Cabriolet · 06-30-2014, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

I'd think the fuel shut off will 'get' them 90% of the time. After stealing the car and having it die half a block down the road, the thief will panic and bolt leaving the car behind. Few young people know of the shut off under the tank, or know if it is 'on' or 'off' even if they did find it.

Seems to me that if they are able to even start the car, they would know about the gas shut off. And I wonder how many potential thieves would target Model A's if they didn't know enough about them to complete the job? That would be only the amateurs who panic and leave the car behind.

goodoldvic · 06-30-2014, 02:17 PM

I drive my car a lot and go everywhere with it. If someone is gonna glom it they will. I use my battery disconnect take my key and try to park in a conspicuous spot other than that I enjoy it. My cars also a driver and I think someone would rather steal a rod or something of that ilk. But that's just my two cents

Brendan · 07-05-2014, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

I'd think the fuel shut off will 'get' them 90% of the time. After stealing the car and having it die half a block down the road, the thief will panic and bolt leaving the car behind. Few young people know of the shut off under the tank, or know if it is 'on' or 'off' even if they did find it.

I cant remember if its on or off!

29ModelA · 06-29-2014, 04:01 PM

I insure it heavily. When gone I'll buy another.

ctlikon0712 · 06-29-2014, 04:05 PM

I am more worried about them stealing my gas and radiator caps. I don't have the fancy type or the ones with locks. Just the good ole original ones.

Drive Shaft Dave · 06-29-2014, 04:28 PM

Somtimes if I was really woried about theft I would take the rotor with me.

Rex_A_Lott · 06-29-2014, 04:34 PM

I always park near nicer and more desireable cars.

KenCoupe · 06-30-2014, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

Somtimes if I was really woried about theft I would take the rotor with me.

I did that with a 1966 VW. It was stolen, but I was lucky and got it back (with broke rear axle). After I got it back, the rotor came out every time I parked. Good idea for the Model A also.

Marshall57 · 06-30-2014, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

Somtimes if I was really woried about theft I would take the rotor with me.

Not a lot of thieves with extra ignition parts and they come off so easily.

Patrick L. · 06-29-2014, 04:34 PM

I figure that not many today could figure out how to start it, then wouldn't know how to drive it.
Most of the time I just shut off the fuel and get out and go. Once in awhile I'll I'll trip the main cut-out switch. But, heck, I'd forget to turn it back on.

06-29-2014, 01:27 PM	#1
Brobrian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 315	How do you prevent theft of your car? We were all reading about the poor old man in Oregon whose A was stolen and wrecked. I, like many of you, drive my A's everywhere. Friends have often asked if I feel safe leaving them in the parking lot when I go out to eat or shopping. My usual response is, "I don't think there are many thieves who know how to fence a car like this, nor how to start or drive it. You'd need a flatbed to steal this car. So I keep a weather eye out for tow trucks tailing me around town." If possible I park where I can see the car, and, of course, I always shut of the gas and remove the key. At home, the cars are inside the garage. So, how do you feel about leaving your car in a parking lot? Do you secure it somehow? __________________ Forty horses is plenty.

06-29-2014, 01:47 PM	#2
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? Sadly, nothing is totally theft proof. I have a battery cut off switch near my starter but it would not prevent a flat bed from just yanking the whole car. __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio Last edited by mshmodela; 06-29-2014 at 01:53 PM.

06-29-2014, 02:06 PM	#3
foxfire42 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: AZ and WA Posts: 764	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? Hire a guard armed with an AK47.

06-29-2014, 02:13 PM	#8
BlueSunoco Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Windy City Posts: 937	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I'd think the fuel shut off will 'get' them 90% of the time. After stealing the car and having it die half a block down the road, the thief will panic and bolt leaving the car behind. Few young people know of the shut off under the tank, or know if it is 'on' or 'off' even if they did find it.

06-29-2014, 02:18 PM	#9
springerpete Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central Maine Posts: 644	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I try to park the A where I can see it. Shut off the gas, shut off the hidden battery switch remove the key. Seems to work as I still have the car.

06-29-2014, 03:00 PM	#10
George Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 2,975	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? If we tell how we do it then the whole world will know. Then it will not be theft prof

06-30-2014, 02:17 PM	#12
goodoldvic Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New Jersey shore Posts: 257	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I drive my car a lot and go everywhere with it. If someone is gonna glom it they will. I use my battery disconnect take my key and try to park in a conspicuous spot other than that I enjoy it. My cars also a driver and I think someone would rather steal a rod or something of that ilk. But that's just my two cents

06-29-2014, 04:01 PM	#14
29ModelA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Owosso, MI Posts: 673	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I insure it heavily. When gone I'll buy another. __________________ 1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find. Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more!

06-29-2014, 04:05 PM	#15
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I am more worried about them stealing my gas and radiator caps. I don't have the fancy type or the ones with locks. Just the good ole original ones. __________________ Wanted: Simmons Super Power Head Craig Likon 1931 150B

06-29-2014, 04:28 PM	#16
Drive Shaft Dave Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New hope Minnesota Posts: 742	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? Somtimes if I was really woried about theft I would take the rotor with me.

06-29-2014, 04:34 PM	#17
Rex_A_Lott Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Upstate South Carolina Posts: 794	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I always park near nicer and more desireable cars.

06-29-2014, 04:34 PM	#20
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: How do you prevent theft of your car? I figure that not many today could figure out how to start it, then wouldn't know how to drive it. Most of the time I just shut off the fuel and get out and go. Once in awhile I'll I'll trip the main cut-out switch. But, heck, I'd forget to turn it back on.