13 replies to this topic

[andrewinlondon]

Hi,

I thought I'd share a simple security measure I learnt from my dad.

Living in London I wanted a visible and effective theft deterrent on my mini.

A simple and cheap option is to use a chain and padlock set. You simply attach and lock one end of the chain to the base of your front seat, and the other end then loops through your steering wheel and is padlocked on itself.

You can buy a plastic coated security chain from your local hardware store (like the bikers use).

I recommend a substantial circular padlock (advertised as pick-proof and largely indestructible) as the prime lock. The padlock for under the seat just needs to be good quality.

The chain stores under the front seat when driving, and is easy to pull out when you want to lock the car.

The idea is that most would be thieves come prepared to defeat a lot of the marketed steering wheel clamps etc, plus they're a pain to store etc. The chain would require a sizable pair of bolt-cutters to overcome, which I'm hoping most would-be thieves don't carry around as standard gear.

I realise it won't stop a determined thief, but then who would want to steal a mini, right? It's main purpose is to deter the joy-riders, kids and druggies who look for quick opportunities. ie, this sends a visible message to find the next car along that won't be such a pain to steal.

Hope this helps.... :cheese:

Cheers,

[Madmax]

good idea that, cheers

[Miniman]

nice idea

[Brawlyrox]

Thats a really good idea thanks for that!

[psycho mini driver]

i have a motorbike chain, my uncle got it from a bike show for £3, they RRP for like £40. its one you cant even saw through, and i have used this a few times if i have been santapod or other large places.

[The Roadie]

And theyre called boltcutters.............
Can get a nightstick from Halfords for about £30 and you can't drive a mini with one of them on, because it hits the pillars and the seat unlike in other cars where you can still drive them!
Will deter %90 of thieves, but if you get some proffessionals they'll still get it. Or nick the battery.

[Jackman]

What im doing eventually is getting a toggle switch, finding the ignition wire and making the cable run back to somwhere in the car so when i leave i flick the switch and there will be no power to the ignition.

[smudgersmb]

I have a Halfords Steering wheel lock/bar thing together with a bike chain that goes thru my alloys then around the bottom arm so that if car is moved the chain snags on the bottom arms. Rather knacker the bottom arm than lose the car!

Next up is a removable steering wheel.

Oh, and a new custom loom so I can fit a Cat 1 Alarm Immobiliser!

[rob mini]

i just got a twin stage immoblise fitted professionally, you know its gunna work right and it does bring ur insurance down. im looking into a removable steering wheel though, whos gunna nick a car without a steerin wheel?

rob

[The Roadie]

Good idea. I'm thinking about that. Its worth having the "Mr Bean" stigma of taking the wheel off ure mini to save the car.

[Madmax]

im thinking of a snap off boss steering wheel

sell the boss at work, so i'll get it on discount

[Dom]

how much is a snap off steering wheel?
where can you get them from?

[YoungUn]

i suppose you can get them from most accessory stores or somewhere like 'demontweaks'

but where are you going to store your steering wheel when you are walking round a supermarket - or town or somewhere similar, wont it be a bit big to be carrying around?

[binge]

What im doing eventually is getting a toggle switch, finding the ignition wire and making the cable run back to somwhere in the car so when i leave i flick the switch and there will be no power to the ignition.

If you do that. Put the switch as far back as you can. make the cut in the ignition wire WELL away from the ignition barrel because if they see the brake in the wire. they will just hotwire it from before the break. :cheese: