look_ma

So today someone tried to break into my truck (03 F-150). I was at work and my key chain alarm went off. I stopped dropped the stuff in my hand that I was helping with the customer, and went directly to the front door and then sprint towards my truck. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see whom it was that tried to break in. No one around the area saw anything either. I went back inside and called the cops, and made sure not to touch my truck. The police responded really fast for a non-emergency (5 minuets), and the officer was cool. Basically the jammed a screwdriver in the door, was able to pop the lock and as soon as they opened the door the alarm went off. Apparently they freaked out and ran, thank goodness. Nothing inside was stolen, that I know of yet. The big things were all there: radar detector, cell phone 1, cell phone 2, head unit, faceplate, digital camera, and checkbook. I have been really busy the past week and the stuff in my truck was piling up, which is why I have that stuff in there. I always keep all my stuff out of site, and everything was too.

First thing:
How can I make it be more obvious during the daylight that I have an alarm? At night you can see my LED, but during the day you cannot tell. My brother said to get bigger LED, or one place by the door. Unfortunately I do not have any small stickers for the windows either.

Second thing:
How can I keep my doors from being screw drivered? Some one told me they made a kit to prevent this for f-150’s because it is a common problem, but I google searched for one and no dice. Hopefully insurance will cover this, I will find out tomorrow. If they do not, I am thinking about shaving the handles. I know this kind of expensive; I am willing to except that. Only thing is can you shave the handles and where the handles were still look smoother like the rest of the panel? And how bad does shaving the handle affect the value of the car if any if done correctly? This is a way out in left option, and probably won’t happen, but I was curious.

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bachviet

Summer is the season for theft because lots of pple out of schools with nothing to do.

It's good to hear that you didn't lose anything.

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InfiniteNothing

Turn the alarm off, catch him red handed and make sure he doesn't do it again. Remind me of what kind of alarm you have?

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look_ma

I tried getting pics of it, but I got a CLIFFORD MATRIX RSX 3.5 REMOTE START ALARM. looks like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...703378631&rd=1 . I like it alot, I think DF has something simular. I think it retails for something like $500 installed. Installation is what gets you price wise. Atleast for me because I had door actualtors installed, and some extra sensors and stuff installed. The remote start is really nice, but I am with DF, with gas prices the way they are, not worth that little bit of time that it is colder. Once again I will post pics as soon as I get them hosted. (already signed up for lemonizer, my hosting went down for now)

look_ma

Here is the pic:

In the pic you cannot tell but the lock is actually pushed back in there and is no longer usable.
(ty lemonizer)

Question: I am thinking just fiber glassing the locks up, bondo them flat, sand down, spray black again, this work will only be done on the handle for both sides.
Problems, my main battery and back up battery go out I am locked out and have to call a locksmith to pry open and jimmy it.
Pros: No one can break into my vehicle with this method again. Yes if they want in they will have to break the glass, but they are less likely to do that.

My friend had this done to his F150 and it looks clean, and factory looking, my main concern is resale value and will this be a turn off for someone who will look into buying the truck in the future.

brainsmile

I'd do it ... as for resale... I think you'll turn off some people but if you're including the alarm and you are good about changing the battery before you get locked out, I think you'll be fine.

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DarkFury

That link doesn't work anymore.. BTW.

I use my remote start in the winter only... cause I have a 4 year old to travel with and I need the truck warm when it is time to go. In the summer, I just use it to open the vehicle... I don't waste the gas on starting it (unless it is REALLY hot that day and I had the A/C already set to cool it off)

BTW... I came across this. Maybe it would've helped: http://www.aztrucks.com/Category.asp?product=278

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Cubsfan

Big dog if your front seat. Very big dog. Mean helps as well.

DarkFury

Naw.... They tend to poop and drool on the leather...


Trunk Monkey's are much better... when they are awake and functional.

Bires

That's not a bad idea! I have never actually unlocked my car with a key (2004 Nissan SpecV) I wonder if I could get some sort of plug/sticker combo to cover up the key hole without doing any permanent change...


Don't TrunkMonkeys only work when there is a high bridge nearby?

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