[haul_n_horses2]

Thinking about securing my truck a bit better and replacing all the door handles with the OEM white with security feature from DPPI. I still think you need Jimmi Jammers but by eliminating the lock tumbler and just relying on my aftermarket key fob type entry system (without alarm) would it be any more secure. You could reach down the window channel and release the lock. What would you do?

 

[wingrider]

Just for conversation....
I had a 2000 F350 PSD stolen, 25' gooseneck and all. Bought a 2005 with the insurance check and asked the dealer about security. He said "yeah, its got the coded entry keypad." I pointed out the fact that that was not security, that was another way to unlock the truck. I bought a brake lock (like a "club", but goes between the floor and brake).

Anyway( to make a long story longer...)I was down south a few weeks ago and noticed that the key hole on the drivers side had been "jimmied" I suspect they started braking in and looked inside and saw the steering wheel cover declaring I had the brake lock installed and moved on to an easier target.. not bad for $80.00.

 

[NCHornet]

HnH I have thought about this to, the only time it would be bad is if you had dead batteries. I have even thought about getting rid of all the door handles period. Just install the actuators that kick the doors open when you mash the button. This is popular in the custom car crowds.

 

[DesertDave]

Also just for conversation. Yesterday I saw a Loomis armored vehicle built on an F550 chassis. The door hardware was changed out, the handle was like ADA lever handle you'll see in new construction, and the entire square area (where the factory assembly resides) was a flat plate flush with the door surface. Probably not the most aesthetic appearance, but secure!

 

[MarvinVR]

Can you imagine the money you would make if you designed a replacement that didnt look bad? Something that would go in the hole and be un jimmyable? Maybe with a vending machine type round key? I bet you couldnt keep em in stock. Hmmmmm.

Have any of you thought about a thick cable or chain with a huge padlock that would go through the holes in your wheel? Painted orange to make it obvious? Maybe something like the wheel lock police use for illegally parked cars?

 

[frobozz]

Aren't the factory square assemblies made of plastic? Wouldn't the easiest first step towards a secure aftermarket assembly be to just make the exact same thing, but from billet steel or aluminum? With maybe a few extra clamps on the inside to keep it from being pryable even by someone willing to bend the door metal? From a distance it would look identical to the factory stuff, which takes care of the "doesn't look bad" issue...

Heck, you have to wonder why Ford hasn't done this, at this point.

Duncan

 

[QtrHorse]

They already make some out of aluminum but they are around $350 for a pair.

 

[jjfertig]

If someone wants in, they will get in. I had a window punched out a couple years ago in my truck. Broad daylight at a park with other people around. I put a Viper in to bring attention to the vehicle. How much good it will do? Who knows? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

 

[AutoJim]

One problem with doing a heavier handle (such as aluminum or steel) is that you also have to increase the spring tension to hold it closed appropriately -- which makes it very hard to open. In certain impact situations with a standard spring tension designed for the plastic factory handle, inertia could cause that heavy metal handle to open the door for you, which would be a Very Bad Thing indeed.

 

[frobozz]

Wouldn't it be good enough to make the surrounding part out of metal and leave the handle itself plastic? I thought it was the surround that was getting pried/cracked out of the way by the screwdriver bandits.

Duncan

 

[Gringo]

When someone uses a slim jim it does not have any connection with the outside key cylinder. It grabs the rod that goes from the knob to the actuator. It would help if someone was using a screw driver in the lock.

 

[ipkyss]

never mind a slim jim. I can get into my truck with a coat hanger ( yes I locked myself out a few times) as fast as I can with the key. I put in a viper with the 2 way remote. I feel better about it, But not great

 

[Gringo]

I put a combination start on my truck so if they stole my keys it would not start until you code it.

 

[dougdoug]

shave the door handles and remove everything from the locking mechanism. then the only person that can open it is you. and then install a whelen 200 watt siren hooked up thru the horn ring circuit...that way every time the horn honks it changes siren tones...its so loud you dont want to go near it. my fiance set it off the other day and i thought i was deaf by the time i had the door opened and the siren turned off!!

 

[KD7CAO]

Round Key is worthless.

Can you imagine the money you would make if you designed a replacement that didnt look bad? Something that would go in the hole and be un jimmyable? Maybe with a vending machine type round key? I bet you couldnt keep em in stock. Hmmmmm.

Have any of you thought about a thick cable or chain with a huge padlock that would go through the holes in your wheel? Painted orange to make it obvious? Maybe something like the wheel lock police use for illegally parked cars?

It is really simple to hack into a Round Key type lock, Toilet Paper tube, bic pen, and a piece of electrical tape are all that one needs. Videos on You Tube show how to do it. Works slick!

 

[02Boathauler]

They punched in under mine as well. Twice

They got me on the passenger side once and on the Driver side the other time. The Jimmie Jammer stopped the driver side entry.

I have disconnected the key mechanism from working. My door key holes do nothing. I did put an external connecting jumper cable set in so if my batteries die I will be able to connect jumper cables without popping the hood.

I now have code alarm with pager, GPS tracking with remote shutdown. Like you see on cops. Also the GPS device is tied in with my alarm and it will send me a TXT msg to my phone if it is going off.

 

[andrewbalser]

That sounds pretty cool. I was thinking of doing something like that myself. The AAA courtesy truck that runs around town here has a 'special' set of jumper cables he gets out of a tool box, hooks up to the dead car, and plugs the other end right into a plug that is hidden somewhat in the grill of the F550. If I had to guess, the plug on the other end is probably somewhat similar or even the same as the battery charging plug for an electric forklift.

 

[02Boathauler]

Sounds about right. It looks like a golf cart plug or something. Like this, but 30 feet long

Wrangler NW - Jumper Cable Quick Connect, 3 ft, 2 gauge

 

[KD7CAO]

Check out Anderson Power Products. They are the inventor of the plug that allows the genderless reverse polarity protected connector. I built my own cable set using high strand count welding wire (2 Gauge) 30 foot long. I wanted to be able to jump a tractor if needed. :thumbsup:

I typically purchase from Anderson Powerpole & SB Series Sets: Bags of housings and contacts in different sizes

I find their prices to be nearly unbeatable. I also use their 15,30,45 Amp series for my radios, lights, and other accessories. Ham Radio Operators have been using them since the late 90s. See this drawing if your wondering how to utilize them for your lower current devices.

Powerpole General Assembly Instructions

Red on the Right Tongue Up, Black on the Left Tongue Up (looking into the connector from the contact side).

Hope this helps!

 

[andrewbalser]

Looked at the pic in the link provided---bingo