20 replies to this topic

[jimnali]

Some years ago I fitted an isolator switch for the electric fuel pump in my Moggie 1000.

It worked a treat. One day I took if for an MOT. When I returned to collect the car the mechanic said that there was a problem with my car. It cut out as he was driving it onto the ramp and wouldn't restart, He had spent all afternoon on it and couldn't fix the problem! I didn't dare telll him the truth so said the car could be tempramental so I would give it one last try. I flicked the switch and the engine burst into life! Passed the MOT too!

Edited by jimnali, 24 September 2012 - 05:40 PM.

[Cooperman]

The advantage with a fuel pump hidden switch is that the engine will start on the fuel in the carb, then after a short distance it will just stop. This then leaves a potential thief in a vulnerable position at the side of the road trying to start it again and being conspicuous. A mate in the Old Bill told me that.

[lrostoke]

I onced hotwired a motorbike at the side of a busy road, nobody stopped me :)

It was my bike

[Cooperman]

I once locked my keys in my Cortina Mk.3 and went into a clothes shop to get a wire coathanger. The guy asked me what I wanted it for and I told him. He just gave me the coathanger and I went out and 'unlocked' the car with it. No-one took any notice at all. Mind you I was working so had a suit and tie on, maybe that made a difference - or maybe not.

[dklawson]

I was working so had a suit and tie on, maybe that made a difference - or maybe not.

You were clearly the owner or a high-class thief demanding respect.
I suspect that the shop owner assumed no one would have the chutzpah to ask for a tool to help them steal a car

[Cooperman]

Apparently, during WW2, when it seemed that the Krauts might invade, it was a legal requirement to remove the rotor arm from the distributor when parking. That might have been just for military vehicles - even I can't remember back that far - but it seems like a good idea.
Any form of additional security can only be good when considering classic cars, or any cars for that matter.
Maybe we should all try to think up ways to incvrease the security of Minis in general.