IMO most of the protection of a kill switch is that most thieves won't
think to look for it.
I like the 'indirection' approach : wire something trivial (like the dash
lights) to a different switch, then use the original switch as the kill
switch. To get really fancy, add a three position switch in a
not-too-hidden location that activates a red LED in one position, and a
siren in another. Make the siren latch 'on' for about 30 seconds.
On cars with in-dash vents, putting a micro-switch behind one of the vents,
so it's hidden but kills when the vent is closed, is also a good place.
You could also do something with the first 1/4" travel of the choke knob
...
Yet another approach is to use a somewhat hidden key switch. Behind the
passenger seat, under the occasional seat might be a good place in a TR3.
I also think killing the fuel supply, instead of the ignition is a good
idea. The concept is that the car will start, and run for a few blocks,
which will most likely be a much more open, unprotected place. Then the
car dies mysteriously, and most thieves will simply take to their heels.
Dan Master's idea of a pager sounds wonderful, too.
Last, I haven't heard anyone mention Lo-Jack. Don't know if it's available
outside of the US, but the people I know that have it seem pretty happy.
Of course, Lo-Jack doesn't so much try to prevent having your car stolen,
as try to get it back quickly afterwards.
Randall
On Friday, August 13, 1999 9:15 AM, Aribert_Neumann@magna.on.ca
[SMTP:Aribert_Neumann@magna.on.ca] wrote:
>
>
>
> Without asking anyone to give out the specifics of their hidden switch
location,
> how about some general suggestions. If I were a thief I would first
reach /
> look under the dash and then on the floor around the drivers seat for a
kill
> switch. On the other hand, if the switch activation is not discrete why
have
> it. In another (nonLBC) project car I am considering using a microswitch
behind
> the ashtray. I would slide the ash tray out about 3/16 in. to activate
the kill
> switch - assuming that a slightly open ashtray would not look suspicious.
>
> I use my tonneau regularly to close off the cockpit to keep others away
from my
> car (along with keeping dust, bird droppings and rain out). IMO if
someone
> can't see into the car, there less of a chance for petty thievery
(stealing
> things out of the car).
>
>
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