Roof off security

[bowhun2r]

Curious for those that have jeeps that park with the roof/doors off... I've had convertibles but always parked with the roof up because I'm likely overly cautious. For instance going to dinner at a restaurant (before the apocalypse) and put the roof up and windows up. Just not wanting to give some idiot the idea to quickly get in and search the car or... be a total d!ck and throw trash in it. I've been to NFL games where someone wanted to show off there nice convertible only to have beer cans thrown in it. Let's face it... there are idiots on this planet.

With the Bronco I was wondering if there will be any type of secure storage available like a lock box I had for my Tundra. Granted... that was much larger and huge center console plus it wasn't a convertible nor could I take the doors off...but I think you understand where I'm coming from.

Driving with the roof off doors on is likely going to attract less attention. Doors off/roof off likely not the case parked in a lot going to dinner for a few hours.

Wondering if I'm just being overly cautious or not.

I had my Tacoma broken into and rummaged through. Not a pleasant experience.

Thanks,
Scott

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[Bronc-O]

That worked pretty well in the 60's. Today, people will steal it right out of your driveway.

 

[beachman101]

dont leave anything in your car that you like/need

 

[SwankyTiger]

like all the jeep people, dont keep anything in the vehicle

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

As a former Jeep owner, you quickly learn to not keep anything in the vehicle. For sure the aftermarket will come up with some lockable storage though.

 

[Southside_Ray]

I thought there was showing to be a locking center console as an option on some models?

 

[GreenMachine]

As a former convertible owner I left the car top down all the time, but also left the doors unlocked and nothing of value within sight. If you're talking about a soft top and feeling safer that way, well anyone can find their way in regardless if they want. Even if it's not a soft top and is a regular vehicle, someone can break their way in through the window if they want to get inside.

I think there is a perimeter alarm you can have active on the vehicle, or perhaps install a dashcam for added security? Hidden/lockable compartment and/or storage in the trunk under the tray may be the best option for those scenarios?

 

[Flourman]

I’ve got a couple switches that I can “arm” that will disable the ignition. Just simple stuff that delays the time it takes to steal.

In my old FSB, that never ran with doors or a top, I had a heavy duty log chain with a heavy duty lock that I’d lock it in first gear, low range. If they were going to steal it, they wouldn’t move fast. I did it that way all over SoCal. Granted, my FSB was not a looker.

 

[Ripcurl]

Just need to leave behind a deterrent like an NRA sticker on the window

But maybe we'll see a factory accessory to help a little at the start

 

[Rick Astley]

Haven't locked the doors on either of my cars in over a decade. No matter where I park it. Windows are only up when driving in the rain otherwise they live safely in the door.

Of course, usually people recognize that they probably can't even figure out how to start a classic car, let alone steal it. They can have all the Harbor Freight tools they want out of the trunk... If they can pick the lock to the trunk, since remote trunk openers hadn't been invented yet.

Swing away steering wheel on the T-bird throws people off, and the '51 has a starter button with 3-on-the-tree.

Will be curious to see what happens with the Bronco, since I don't plan on having the rear clamshell on very often. Doors will be weekdays only.

 

[Straight 6]

Also buy a stick shift, nobody but you will know how to drive it so it'll be virtually theft proof

 

[tyrobronco]

Just need to leave behind a deterrent like an NRA sticker on the window

I would highly recommend NOT doing that. Nothing says, "If you look in here you might find a gun" like an NRA sticker.

 

[Chewcudda]

the last vehicle I had that was similar (geo tracker, yes not the same) and I ended up getting an old military trunk and putting it behind the back seat so if I needed to lock up anything (guns, valuables) it was bolted to the floor and you had to open it to get to the bolts. I can see a similar thing that bolts the the floor or tray. being non-descript probably made it safer.

 

[icavedin]

Also buy a stick shift, nobody but you will know how to drive it so it'll be virtually theft proof

Funny you say that because back when I lived in San Francisco, you’d often see more people than not driving stick. But generally, yep I agree with you.

When I used to park my 4runner in the mission w/ the hardtop off, I would sometimes find it moved forward a few meters because someone threw it in neutral and wanted to play games. Also couldn’t tell you the number of less financially fortunate people I found sleeping in the bed - no harm no foul though.

I guess you can say I’m philanthropic and give back to the community w/ my rigs eh?

 

[Hyperforming]

This was a common topic of discussion over on the FFCars forum back when I had my Factory Five Cobra. One of my favorite suggestions was to leave an old, well worn holster visible.

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