New Upcoming Viper Owner - Intro and Paranoid Security Questions

[Kmrumedy]

Hi,

I have been lurking for 4 months on this site learning about the Viper. I didn't want to start by asking uninformed newbie questions. Purchased all the books and info I could find and use the search function on this site for specific topical information. You guys are amazing and it helped me choose my car.

I have a 97 Blue/White GTS coming to me at the end of April.

I have spent 5 years saving up for this car and I know I sound like a nervous dad expecting a new born...so be it but...

I have been reading about some security issues that many have had of people breaking into their garages and I have taken appropriate precautions.

On one of the posts on this site, someone asked why they don't offer products like "the Denver Boot" to consumers. I thought that would be a good idea when keeping the car in my garage for extended periods.

I found this site and was wondering if anyone here uses any of their products? I was interested in the "Universal boot regulator".

http://www.tirelock.com/product.php?cid=1

Comments? How have others secured their cars?

Not sure if it would scratch up the wheels. I assume not....however...

I know nothing is 100% fool proof but I thought this would deter the amateurs.

Thanks in advance for your advice

- new nervous viper dad

 

[Warfang]

Heck, I wouldn't be afraid of theft... worry about vandalism. If your car is stolen, your insurance will cover it, but if it's vandalized, it'll usually hover right around your deductable that makes it not worth reporting it.

Besides, I'd even go out on a limb here and say Vipers are probably one of the least stolen cars... too noticable. Much easier to steal a beemer or honda, and much easier to part them out.

 

[Asp Man]

I don't see carrying that thing around in the hatch, so garage use only is assumed.
I think if you're that concerned, perhaps it's time to move to a better 'hood.

Seriously though, it looks like it's pretty secure, but if you're only going to use it at home there are other options.
A bolt through the track on the overhead door.
A good alarm system for the garage, think digital video.
Set the alarm on the car each time you park it for the night.
Disable the car if it's going to be parked for long stretches, like vacation or winter. Pull the battery, pull the wheels off.

I guess it's a quick, cheap and effective way to protect your car, so it's ultimately up to you .

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Heck, I wouldn't be afraid of theft... worry about vandalism. If your car is stolen, your insurance will cover it, but if it's vandalized, it'll usually hover right around your deductable that makes it not worth reporting it.

Besides, I'd even go out on a limb here and say Vipers are probably one of the least stolen cars... too noticable. Much easier to steal a beemer or honda, and much easier to part them out.

+1. Never had my car stolen, but I have had it spit on and keyed. Damn psycho x-gf's lol

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Relax and dont take it to any gigs and you will be fine.
Insure it and have a great time, eh?

 

[Mopar488]

All the above is good. Add a barking dog, motions lights, security system, spy camera, and last but not least arm yourself only if you are familar with that type of protection. You never quite know what kind of situation you might stumble into. Most attempts that I have encountered in a residental situation have been during the daytime when the maggots think no one is at home. Just use good common sense and depending upon where you live, be aware of someone trailing you home and try to use a different routine so no one can pick up on a pattern. Good luck and enjoy your new toy!

 

[Kmrumedy]

Thanks guys.

I live downtown in a major city and do not have my own garage. I have to rent a garage at a public warehouse facility that offers garage services. It is my own unit, others do not have access to it. Supposed to be very secure. The garage is 7 miles from my home. The car will be used on weekends. I'm bolting the garage door and other entry points. Will turn alarm on at all times that it is left in the garage.

Just trying to get "peace of mind" and added sense of security when I leave the car that is in a garage that is not attached to my home.

Maybe its just new owner paranoia?

 

[Warfang]

Thanks guys.

I live downtown in a major city and do not have my own garage. I have to rent a garage at a public warehouse facility that offers garage services. It is my own unit, others do not have access to it. Supposed to be very secure. The garage is 7 miles from my home. The car will be used on weekends. I'm bolting the garage door and other entry points. Will turn alarm on at all times that it is left in the garage.

Just trying to get "peace of mind" and added sense of security when I leave the car that is in a garage that is not attached to my home.

Maybe its just new owner paranoia?

Least of your problems... if you said you were going to park it on the street overnight, I'd say you are crazy, but if it's locked in its own room, why worry? There are easier ways to steal cars.

 

[Jay Herbert]

Pretty neat to be "expecting" eh?

That would sure make for a bumpy ride....

A simple thing would be to use a battery disconnect switch to the starter. No power to starter, no start.

Have only heard of one or two Vipers stolen as long as I've been hanging around here. Both were left in sort of stupid places.

If it's locked up in it's own garage, it's probably pretty safe. If you are concerned about it being stolen while there, a steel bar locked between the garage door rails would make life rough for any thief. One of my friends used a half inch braided steel cable, he went to a lot of effort, it was anchored to two posts that were concreted in!

The alarms on our cars work, they even stop owners from driving them off once in a while

 

[Bonkers]

Paranoia is actually what keeps viper from being stolen - why;
everyone looks at the person driving a viper. No theif in his
right mind would try to steal a car that will come with 50+ eye
witnesses. That's pretty much true with any exotic/rare car. The
last real theft of a supercar I heard of was that Enzo in NY a
few years back - they stole it on a deserted road and drove it a
mile to an awaiting enclosed trailer.

Vandalizm is by far the greater concern but not exactly something
to develop an ulcer over. If you park smart and don't do anything
yuppy-scumish (like taking up two parking spaces in a crowded lot,
or put velvet ropes around the car before heading into the movie
theater) chances are you'll be fine.

 

[JUCD VPR]

Heck, I wouldn't be afraid of theft... worry about vandalism. If your car is stolen, your insurance will cover it, but if it's vandalized, it'll usually hover right around your deductable that makes it not worth reporting it.

Besides, I'd even go out on a limb here and say Vipers are probably one of the least stolen cars... too noticable. Much easier to steal a beemer or honda, and much easier to part them out.

+1. Never had my car stolen, but I have had it spit on and keyed. Damn psycho x-gf's lol

+2 Not eevr worried about anyone stealing it. it has an alarm and insurance. Sure i'd be PISSED but i find myself worried anytime it's out of my site, due to immature jealous people. So far, so good!

 

[BoeingMan]

I had one of these devices put on my car,(no not a viper), at a hamburger joint parking lot in NY about 20+ yrs ago. ...(Yes I know, I shouldn't have parked there if I wasn't a customer to begin with; I've since learned) ... I just happened to have my aviation tool box in my trunk at the time,(some cool tools inside). It took no more than 4 minutes to to defeat this thing by cutting off one of the arms. I left this device right by where my car was.

I then moved my car, went across the street to the competing hamburger joint, called the tow company that locked up my car, told them I was ready to pay my fine and to come release my vehicle. When they arrived, they drove around the lot a few times before they spotted their little money maker. The guy on the passenger side got out, picked it up, fiddled with it, brought it over to the driver then chucked it in the back of their tow truck.

Although I was too far to see the expressions on their faces in detail, the moment was priceless nonetheless.

 

[AviP]

On one of the posts on this site, someone asked why they don't offer products like "the Denver Boot" to consumers. I thought that would be a good idea when keeping the car in my garage for extended periods.

I used to use a Kryptonite motorcycle U-lock on my front wheels. It was mainly a deterrant for amateurs. Here's a photo:

You must be registered for see images

 

[Zan186]

lol those device's to lock a vehicle do not stop Dentists. We have diamond drills! bye bye lock!

 

[thebigsnake]

Why would you want to look like the biggest geek in the world when you park in front of the terrace restaurant, and start applying your anti theft devices while everybody is staring at you? That's why I stopped using the steering wheel bar a long time ago.

 

[Kmrumedy]

Why would you want to look like the biggest geek in the world when you park in front of the terrace restaurant, and start applying your anti theft devices while everybody is staring at you? That's why I stopped using the steering wheel bar a long time ago.

Not to use on the street. Just when I have it parked in the rented garage that is far from my home. I'll never be able to curb the vandalism. Just want to stop having it stolen out right when I am not around by an amateur.

 

[GTSPOWERED]

If someone wants it bad enough there going to get it just put replacement value insurance on it and enjoy.