I hate a thief...

[DSL_PWR]

Well looks like I will have to call Ford tomorrow and take my truck in to have the door handle and key lock replaced on the drivers side. Someone decided they wanted in my truck tonight at dinner. Luckily there was nothing in my truck as I have been driving my car.

They drove a screwdriver through the key hole and then broke the door handle trying to get in. Not actually sure if they got in since nothing was taken, but then again nothing was in there.

Any ideas on what a replacement handle and labor will cost?

[mick1955]

I replaced mine on the drivers side. Used a rear door handle that I purchased from a dealer, for $78.00. So now I don't have a handle with a cylinder in it. I use the keypad on the door, or the remote. I got lucky due to the fact than I found one that matched the color of my truck. Changing the handle will still not stop them. A friend of mine had his truck broken into. They used a pry bar and went between the sheet metal and the door handle, tearing the crap out of the door.

A few other things to think about are, an alarm system, and jimmi jammer

Jimmi Jammer Passive Truck, Car and SUV Security

breakin1 pictures from trucks photos on webshots

[DSL_PWR]

Well that is what I plan on doing myself. Just called to get a price so we will see.

Just wish there was something else that could be done.

[Doolie7point3]

Look into one of those alarms that come with a pager.

[DSL_PWR]

Well I plan on doing that too, thanks...

[DSL_PWR]

Also looking into finding some black chrome or black powder coated metal handles...

[08whitesuperduty]

Are they using the fact that there is a key lock on the driver's side door? I heard it was the key pad that makes them aim for the drivers' door handle. Someone just stuck a screw driver under the door handle and made a hole about a centimeter tall under the door handle its self, bending the sheet metal. It looked like they just hit that rod that runs from the door handle to the door lock with the screw driver to unlock it. I also heard it might just be to short out the keypad. I'm just trying to fix it so no one can do it again. Its an epidemic across town. Some of the ones I've seen are not pried open as bad as mine. If you wern't paying attention, you wouldn't even notice someone had done it. Any ideas on how to make this door handle less vulnerable?

[DSL_PWR]

Well I guess you could just shave the door handles which is something that I did think about doing. And then move the key pad up on to the pillar of the door.. Been thinking about it. Trying to find a lock release mechanism to install in the door that has a battery back up system...

[loft306]

Heh i just go with this Ravelco Anti Theft Device and jimmyjammers and a rear door handle on the drivers door and a simple one wire noisemaker alarm just to make noise if it senses any current draw like the dome light.

To get in i always have the keypad(hardwired) if the battery in the key fob dies... though i have thought about putting a door lock switch hidden somewhere on the outside or in a lockbox(like a realtor lockbox but a little more waterproof) on the frame with thoes wires running in steel conduit, though that might be overkill.