Hi all!
I was wondering if you guys have thought of a way to keep your parts from getting stolen off your thing. (I live in a very bad neighborhood.... hollywood) I have to park her in the street and pray that everything is still there in the morning.
I wanted to know how to keep the doors from being stolen? What can be done to stop this? Some kind of lock? (I will weld, but i will not cut)
How about the seats and seat cushions? Has someone thought of this?
How about keeping them out of my engine and trunk!? those locks give out with one twist of a screwdriver (trust me on this)
I have bought 3 soft tops in 1 year... The last one I chain locked it in 4 different areas.. No luck. I will never buy a top again. its me and the elements all the way.
My thing is close to original, but It wont stay that way. once something rusts or gets stolen, I replace it with Taiwan parts... Im a student... maybe I'll learn better later. Thanks for the help, J
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After 1 year away I'm back... too bad I don't have my old email address anymore...
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
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BobMiller
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
JR
Most people outside SoCal don't know what the streets of Hollywood are like. I won't park my car there in the daytime, much less at night. Short of renting a shipping container and parking it inside that, you are at the mercy of the locals.
Some suggestions that might help. (Notice I said "Might")
1. Get a car cover with a cable lock at the bottom. It will at least remove the car from clear view of the local perps. You can also tie the locking cable to an alarm.
system. You could also tie a Pit Bull to the car cover as well... Don't forget that you have to put the license number on the outside of the cover or it will be towed, the car, not the cover!
2. The factory hood latch cable has provision for a padlock to lock the hood. This and a glove box door might help in that area.
3. Spring for a hardtop and bolt it in place with lots of extra tie downs. Cheaper than replacing tops and you can sell it when you move.
4. Drill and tap small holes through the side curtain mounting pockets and secure the side curtails with set screws.
5. One of my door hinges has a long aircraft bolt with a caselated nut and cotter pin for a hinge pin. This would at least slow down the door stealer. (Why steal a door, they are cheap and there is no market for them!)
6. Rent a garage, this is probably the cheapest considering the cost and loss of sleep you are experiencing.
7. Buy a GM Metro, park your THING at my place in Riverside, and commute to the car!!!
A THING is Hollywood is a significant temptation. You are lucky that the entire car hasn't disappeared.
Good Luck
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
Most people outside SoCal don't know what the streets of Hollywood are like. I won't park my car there in the daytime, much less at night. Short of renting a shipping container and parking it inside that, you are at the mercy of the locals.
Some suggestions that might help. (Notice I said "Might")
1. Get a car cover with a cable lock at the bottom. It will at least remove the car from clear view of the local perps. You can also tie the locking cable to an alarm.
system. You could also tie a Pit Bull to the car cover as well... Don't forget that you have to put the license number on the outside of the cover or it will be towed, the car, not the cover!
2. The factory hood latch cable has provision for a padlock to lock the hood. This and a glove box door might help in that area.
3. Spring for a hardtop and bolt it in place with lots of extra tie downs. Cheaper than replacing tops and you can sell it when you move.
4. Drill and tap small holes through the side curtain mounting pockets and secure the side curtails with set screws.
5. One of my door hinges has a long aircraft bolt with a caselated nut and cotter pin for a hinge pin. This would at least slow down the door stealer. (Why steal a door, they are cheap and there is no market for them!)
6. Rent a garage, this is probably the cheapest considering the cost and loss of sleep you are experiencing.
7. Buy a GM Metro, park your THING at my place in Riverside, and commute to the car!!!
A THING is Hollywood is a significant temptation. You are lucky that the entire car hasn't disappeared.
Good Luck
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
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JReconco
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
LOL, buy a Metro... I would if I could fit in one.
1. I will get the car cover, problem is everyone here has a switch blade and they might go cutting away to see whats behind the curtain
2. I will surely get this done asap
3. I have no $$$ for a hardtop, even if i did I dont have side curtains (they got slashed) so its easier than hell to get into my car. I have no top now anyway. And I think I am better off without one.
5. I had an idea a while back about using a cable or chain to connect the doors to the body. It worked on the thing i had, then it got wrecked and i sold it for what i paid for it.
6. Garages here are about 75 a month, and about a mile away. Good idea, but it wont help when I am at college or whatever job I happen to get (any hiring managers looking for a hard working employee who will work for peanuts? F/T preferred... (computer programming major, but will flip burgers!)
7. I actually am trying to convice mom into moving to riverside/sb. Property is still affordable there...
As for my thing disappering, I have a kill switch in the cabin, in the engine bay and on the battery, plus a club, a auto lock (worth every penny) a shifter lock (useless) and a sticker that says loJack on the windshield.... AHHHH, isnt Los Angeles Wonderful
If anyone can give me more tips I can appreciate it. Im all about Home Depot fixes so dont be shy.
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I need a job. Seriously.
[This message has been edited by JReconco (edited 03-05-2003).]
1. I will get the car cover, problem is everyone here has a switch blade and they might go cutting away to see whats behind the curtain
2. I will surely get this done asap
3. I have no $$$ for a hardtop, even if i did I dont have side curtains (they got slashed) so its easier than hell to get into my car. I have no top now anyway. And I think I am better off without one.
5. I had an idea a while back about using a cable or chain to connect the doors to the body. It worked on the thing i had, then it got wrecked and i sold it for what i paid for it.
6. Garages here are about 75 a month, and about a mile away. Good idea, but it wont help when I am at college or whatever job I happen to get (any hiring managers looking for a hard working employee who will work for peanuts? F/T preferred... (computer programming major, but will flip burgers!)
7. I actually am trying to convice mom into moving to riverside/sb. Property is still affordable there...
As for my thing disappering, I have a kill switch in the cabin, in the engine bay and on the battery, plus a club, a auto lock (worth every penny) a shifter lock (useless) and a sticker that says loJack on the windshield.... AHHHH, isnt Los Angeles Wonderful
If anyone can give me more tips I can appreciate it. Im all about Home Depot fixes so dont be shy.
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I need a job. Seriously.
[This message has been edited by JReconco (edited 03-05-2003).]
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BobMiller
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
JR
Sounds like you're on the right track.
Now, about Home Depot, isn't the Hollywood Home Depot open 24 hours, or at least extra late, for the studios? And wasn't it featured on local TV as a favored late night meeting place for singles?
Sound to me like you just like to go to "that" Home Depot. (LOL)
Yes, Riverside currently offers more home for the buck than anywhere else in SoCal that's not in the middle of the desert.
I have 1/2 acre, 5 bedrooms and a 3 car garage, all for the price of a parking space in Los Angeles....and there are 5 Universities, including a UC, within a 30 minute drive.
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
Sounds like you're on the right track.
Now, about Home Depot, isn't the Hollywood Home Depot open 24 hours, or at least extra late, for the studios? And wasn't it featured on local TV as a favored late night meeting place for singles?
Sound to me like you just like to go to "that" Home Depot. (LOL)
Yes, Riverside currently offers more home for the buck than anywhere else in SoCal that's not in the middle of the desert.
I have 1/2 acre, 5 bedrooms and a 3 car garage, all for the price of a parking space in Los Angeles....and there are 5 Universities, including a UC, within a 30 minute drive.
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
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JReconco
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
Wow, 5bdr 3 car garage. Not looking for a son are you? 6ft1 230lbs almost a graduate, knows how to cook, wont do windows... let me know. Mom sold separately.
We can barely afford rent here, let alone buying a house. All we need is a 2 bdr, with enough space for my lawn decorations (my own supply of VWs) but thats too much to ask now. I need a job so we can start saving up. I am serious when I ask if anyone knows of anything Full time. Part time wont cut it anymore (got laid off anyway..)
Enough with the sob stories, I already applied at Home depot and they're not hiring, like everywhere else I go to drop a resume or app.
HD is a good place to meet chicks though.
Who wouldn't love a girl who can put up drywall and tile a bathroom in the wink of an eye?
J
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I need a job. Seriously.
We can barely afford rent here, let alone buying a house. All we need is a 2 bdr, with enough space for my lawn decorations (my own supply of VWs) but thats too much to ask now. I need a job so we can start saving up. I am serious when I ask if anyone knows of anything Full time. Part time wont cut it anymore (got laid off anyway..)
Enough with the sob stories, I already applied at Home depot and they're not hiring, like everywhere else I go to drop a resume or app.
HD is a good place to meet chicks though.
Who wouldn't love a girl who can put up drywall and tile a bathroom in the wink of an eye?
J
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I need a job. Seriously.
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Houndoggy
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Fri Jan 24, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
J, you are welcomed to park your Thing in my garage free of charge, but i live in Houston Texas, so the commute might get alittle pricey;-)
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JReconco
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
Hi Bob! Pics are on their way 
Thanks fo the offer houndoggy. If my next job happens to pass through there I'll be sure to look you up!
Dub, The club is only there to detour the people who dont know better, and to further emphasize my Auto LOC. Good idea about permanently locking my doors. I did this accidentily to the driver door of my Ghia. took 2 months of going in and out of my passenger door to get me to fix it.
I have slept in the back of my thing before, but in Hollywood these people wont let you sleep, they are always asking if they could crash in the passenger seat.
China I would usually unplug a few things also, its always a good idea no matter where you are. It's a sad world ...
J
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I need a job. Seriously.
Thanks fo the offer houndoggy. If my next job happens to pass through there I'll be sure to look you up!
Dub, The club is only there to detour the people who dont know better, and to further emphasize my Auto LOC. Good idea about permanently locking my doors. I did this accidentily to the driver door of my Ghia. took 2 months of going in and out of my passenger door to get me to fix it.
I have slept in the back of my thing before, but in Hollywood these people wont let you sleep, they are always asking if they could crash in the passenger seat.
China I would usually unplug a few things also, its always a good idea no matter where you are. It's a sad world ...
J
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I need a job. Seriously.
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dubthang
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
correct me if i'm wrong, but on a thing, the club is pointless. remove door, drop windshield, and drive away.
-if you are going topless, then permently lock your doors. i'm sure you can modify the lock mechanism so the door won't open. then just jump the side to get in and out.
-install a full air bag kit and lower the thing to the ground everynight. then empty the tanks. in order to move the car, they would at least need full tanks, and nobody will wait for that.
-get a second battery, wire it to the thing and make the whole ride electrified.
-move your bedroom into the backseat.
these aren't all probable, but you need to out think the thieves. they've been doing this for a long time.
-seth
-if you are going topless, then permently lock your doors. i'm sure you can modify the lock mechanism so the door won't open. then just jump the side to get in and out.
-install a full air bag kit and lower the thing to the ground everynight. then empty the tanks. in order to move the car, they would at least need full tanks, and nobody will wait for that.
-get a second battery, wire it to the thing and make the whole ride electrified.
-move your bedroom into the backseat.
these aren't all probable, but you need to out think the thieves. they've been doing this for a long time.
-seth
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BobMiller
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 12:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
JR
I can appreciate the employment problem. Write me off line and I can give you some leads I think.
Now, you car sounds nice, you sound like a decent guy, now...send a picture of your Mom.
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
I can appreciate the employment problem. Write me off line and I can give you some leads I think.
Now, you car sounds nice, you sound like a decent guy, now...send a picture of your Mom.
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
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chinacat
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2002 1:01 am
Keep from getting a Thing stolen
While not just Thing-centric, I always re-arange my spark plug cables on the distributor, whenever parking in a questionable neighborhood. Just be sure that you know how to put them back in place again. I'm also in the habit of taking key engine parts with me (the distributor-to-coil cable is small, light, and easy to take out/replace). I sometimes disconnect one of the battery cables at the terminal, just for good measure. While nothing is foolproof, this will make it very difficult for someone to start your car & drive it away.
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hawaiianvw67
- Posts: 507
- Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2002 12:01 am
Aloha,
I think I saw this product in Popular Mechanics or something, and I don't even know if its still in production...but...
It was essentially a club for the steering wheel, except it had an electric sensor attached to the locking mechanism. Within the club there was some sort of chamber full of ionized liquid (I think it was water) that would be sprayed onto the would-be thief if the club was disturbed. Then, the computer on the lock would send an electric charge into the ionized vapor just sprayed into the face of the thief. Voila! It shocks the hell out of the thief long enough for the Cops to show up...if they're called.
I remember some company in Colorado producing it...don't know if it was legal or if it actually worked, but sweet concept!
Or...you could just do like the guy from "Gone in 60-Seconds" did and put a Burmese python in your car...or a rattler. Just make sure to carry some anti-venom.
In the long-run, the economical thing to do is to move to another part of the city. I know...easier said than done.
aloha,
Joel
I think I saw this product in Popular Mechanics or something, and I don't even know if its still in production...but...
It was essentially a club for the steering wheel, except it had an electric sensor attached to the locking mechanism. Within the club there was some sort of chamber full of ionized liquid (I think it was water) that would be sprayed onto the would-be thief if the club was disturbed. Then, the computer on the lock would send an electric charge into the ionized vapor just sprayed into the face of the thief. Voila! It shocks the hell out of the thief long enough for the Cops to show up...if they're called.
I remember some company in Colorado producing it...don't know if it was legal or if it actually worked, but sweet concept!
Or...you could just do like the guy from "Gone in 60-Seconds" did and put a Burmese python in your car...or a rattler. Just make sure to carry some anti-venom.
In the long-run, the economical thing to do is to move to another part of the city. I know...easier said than done.
aloha,
Joel
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timgud
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2002 12:01 am
keep a thing from getting stolen
Sounds interesting, but it would just be my luck that I would forget about that and it would zap me ......
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Guest
I'm surprised no one's mentioned this, but here's my #1 tip for you:
MOVE OUT OF HOLLYWOOD. Heck, move out of California while you are at it.
I moved to Seattle years ago. I can live in a very nice suburb or even in the city for 1/2 what a Hollywood shoebox apartment costs, and I can park my Thing on the street with zero fear of anything being touched. Ever.
Plus, people are actually nice here. Unlike there.
Pack your sh..stuff up in the Thing, fire it up and head in any direction away from California. You'll be happier, healthier, and wealthier in no time.
Plus, there's lots of Thingers up here for you to hang with. And, if you're like hangin out wit da other college age freaks, our University district is da bomb, yo.
MOVE OUT OF HOLLYWOOD. Heck, move out of California while you are at it.
I moved to Seattle years ago. I can live in a very nice suburb or even in the city for 1/2 what a Hollywood shoebox apartment costs, and I can park my Thing on the street with zero fear of anything being touched. Ever.
Plus, people are actually nice here. Unlike there.
Pack your sh..stuff up in the Thing, fire it up and head in any direction away from California. You'll be happier, healthier, and wealthier in no time.
Plus, there's lots of Thingers up here for you to hang with. And, if you're like hangin out wit da other college age freaks, our University district is da bomb, yo.
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Guest
This is an old string, but offers some practical tips, so here's another way to deter theives from theiving our Things:
When I did the bulk of the restoration work on my Thing, I moved the steel fuel line from inside the tunnel, to inside the car. It now runs alongside the tunnel hump, on the driver's side of the car. A few weekends ago, I installed a fuel shut-off valve in the steel tube. While I did it primarily as a way of killing fuel supply to the engine in the event of a fire, regular maintenance, etc., I quickly realized that it makes a great theft-deterrant. It's somewhat hidden between the driver's seat and the tunnel hump, so unless you know what you're looking for, it's real easy to miss.
When I did the bulk of the restoration work on my Thing, I moved the steel fuel line from inside the tunnel, to inside the car. It now runs alongside the tunnel hump, on the driver's side of the car. A few weekends ago, I installed a fuel shut-off valve in the steel tube. While I did it primarily as a way of killing fuel supply to the engine in the event of a fire, regular maintenance, etc., I quickly realized that it makes a great theft-deterrant. It's somewhat hidden between the driver's seat and the tunnel hump, so unless you know what you're looking for, it's real easy to miss.