security on custom vehicle

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=122418
Printed Date: July 15, 2025 at 1:28 AM

Topic: security on custom vehicle

Posted By: shobuggy
Subject: security on custom vehicle
Date Posted: June 24, 2010 at 3:07 PM

I have spent most of the last six years designing & building an off-road buggy. I recently modified it to be street legal and suddenly realized that on the street, it would be very easy to steal. The question I have is to choose between integrating an alarm system or just utilizing some of the great relay diagrams for a starter kill, fuel pump kill, etc. The issue as I see it that I would have to rely on the remote working to get me going. With normal vehicles I would always have my key for a back-up. I have no doors or windows and don't need/want remote start I am using the factory computer on an engine from a 1991 Taurus SHO so it would be easy either option. My goal would be to reasonably make it as hard to steal as possible.

Thanks in advance for any input or advice you can give me

Replies:

Posted By: topinstaller200
Date Posted: June 24, 2010 at 9:41 PM

Well, relayed fuel cutoffs and starter/ignition kills are great as far as slowing down a theif. If someone is outside at 3am trying to hot-wire your buggy they have all the time in the world because you and your neighbors are sound asleep.

I think installing an alarm is a better idea because not only do the thieves have to bypass starter kills and such they also have to deal with a siren or horn blasting and lights flashing. Thieves dont want to be caught, so if they see a blinking LED then they know you have security and may deter them in the first place

Adding a two way pager alarm might give you added security or the ability to react quicker to an alarm trigger

Posted By: shobuggy
Date Posted: June 26, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Sorry for the delay in responding. I spend a fair amount of time in remote areas of northern Baja Mexico. What are the chances of having problems with alarm. With my factory alarm on my pickup, my key will disarm, open doors and start car regardless of having the remote. I wouldn't have that back-up.
I do not have a problem running a motor that is completely computer controlled. Should I have the same confidence in alarm technology that I have with engine control. I believe in general you get what you pay for but not always. Is Viper the best choice.

Your input is appreciated!