Ignition and door locks!!!

[Jblair]

So,
I accidentally pulled the wrong key out of my pocket last nigh, unlocked the door, then started the car. This isn't a surprise but I had seriously forgotten the ease of opening and driving off with my car. Have any of swapped these parts or done anything to improve the security of your car? I live in a crappy neighborhood and I'd like to make the exterior a little more secure so when I add a stereo system I don't have it missing the next day. I'm also thinking about adding a toggle switch to the ignition wires just as a hidden feature that only I would know about. What are some things you have done?

[bravekozak]

There are threads with videos of how easy Festivas can be broken into without a key. Good luck.

[jjk1224]

There are threads with videos of how easy Festivas can be broken into without a key. Good luck.

I locked my keys in my car once and had a flat head screw driver in my pocket. I simply inserted it into my hatch lock and turned and *pop easy as 1, 2, 3.
The way I figure it, if someone really wants to get into your car, there isn't a door lock I earth that will stop them.

[FestYboy]

^ true. glass is easily broken.

ignition cut out is easy to install. but even better: just smack the area under the left rear speaker and that will kill your fuel pump (roll over switch). easy to set and reset and no mods needed.

ok, ignore that part, you have an '88 (mechanical pump), you'll have to use the ignition cut out idea (cut the feed to the coil)

[Paul39]

So,
I accidentally pulled the wrong key out of my pocket last nigh, unlocked the door, then started the car. This isn't a surprise but I had seriously forgotten the ease of opening and driving off with my car. Have any of swapped these parts or done anything to improve the security of your car? I live in a crappy neighborhood and I'd like to make the exterior a little more secure so when I add a stereo system I don't have it missing the next day. I'm also thinking about adding a toggle switch to the ignition wires just as a hidden feature that only I would know about. What are some things you have done?

I have 3 Festivas. Some keys will work in some cars but not the other way. I think if they get very worn anything will open them. A pocket knife will open the driver's door but nothing else on my 200 K Festy. I can't get into my 128 K Festy with the 200 K key but it works in the ignition.

If you got a set of new or slightly used locks, that might work. A locksmith might be able to put in new cylinders or get new locks.

If you get one of the pull out or detachable front radios that you stash under the seat when not in use, that might keep it from being stolen.

You could leave a stock AM - FM radio in the proper place and mount your good one on top of the hump as far forward as possible, get a piece of black velvet to throw over it when you park.

Even with good locks, a broken window gets you in. A rear window defroster switch for your ignition cut out would be right there but unlikely to be figured out. Put it into one of the holes on the left side of the steering column.

Paul

[bravekozak]

Is there such a thing as a lock hole filler? I am prepared to take my chances that I only have to use power locks to open the doors and disconnect the lock rods. I would be betting the battery will always have enough power, otherwise it will be coat hanger time. That would only slow them down a little. Like it was mentioned before, glass is easily broken.

[drddan]

Is there such a thing as a lock hole filler?

Yes. Its called fiberglass! Pull locks, and fill hole! lol

[Pu241]

Personal size neutron bomb with remote detonator feature.
Terminates all living matter within 1,000 ft of car.
Fissile fuel is some what hard to come by though.

[rmoltis]

Your best bet if adding higher end features to your car.
Is to keep it as plain looking as possible.
Make sure every mod you do doesn't draw attention to your car.

Tint your windows.

Get speakers that fit behind all the stock grills.

And remove your deck faceplate every time.

Get a rear parcel shelf to keep prying eyes out.

And add dynamat so people outside your car don't hear the loud music playing inside your car.

Keep your interior clean and as empty as possible.
So people don't spot things of value to them.

Usually the biggest factor for people to break into your car
Is seeing you being loud or attention drawing.

Like playing your music up loud with all the windows down driving around town.

Or adding performance stickers all over your windows and doors.
Stating the money that is invested in performance parts.

Even a loud exhaust can do it.

Design a performance exhaust that is quiet and not obnoxiously loud.

Even showing off your car to people you don't know.
If they can't tell what's there don't tell them.
Only let your close trusted friends know what's going on inside.

Most people would just avoid breaking into a festiva or aspire.
Simply because they don't see much worth in the vehicles to begin with.
People see status in vehicles and if they don't think personally your car is nice.
Chances are they wouldn't give it a second look.

Just try and think your mods through and keep everything as sleek and simple as possible.

[Jblair]

I'm about to tint the windows. I'm going to install a ignition kill switch and I'm also thinking about shaving the doors. I want to mod the car but detour a quick steal first. Anybody that knows about "Blade Key" cars knows you can open the door super easy. Breaking glass is easy but can get attention. Thieves want quick and easy and little attention. Anything I can do to detour will help. I'm about to put speakers in, hiding them of course. I liked the dyno mat Idea. I'm going to look into that. I like music!!!!!

[tooldude]

If your neighborhood is all that bad, then until you move, get some of those really strong magnets like you see in a craft store and stick your license plates on with them. Pull them off when you need.

[WTFestiva]

if your worried about the car running off you can get a wheel locker (aka: boot), and one of those steering wheel lockers. If your worried about stuff in the car, maybe see if you can get an easy lockbox for the back and have it bolted down, for the speakers, if you got subs, I would maybe try to chain the box down. when it comes to security there's only so much you can really do, cause if someone is determined enough, they can get into any car, but these things should help.

[Banana Bonanza]

No professional thief is going to be poking around some ratty old Festiva. Be some kid or some druggie with a fried brain if anything ever gets stolen. More likely than thief would be general vandal that just wants to break things. Your new radio will still be there, but there will be a brick thrown through your $300 windshield.