Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

[Tom D.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

It seems at least one c2 is stolen each August during "dream cruise time".

[Gene M.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

It seems at least one c2 is stolen each August during "dream cruise time".

That area is one of the highest auto theft areas in the country I was told by a police officer.

[Duke W.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

I recall reading some time ago that something as simple as a car cover with a cable lock will deter thieves. They may not recognize what's under the cover, especially if it's a generic type and not a custom fit, and don't want to take the time to find out. Club... remove the rotor... I think one sure fire way if you're really worried is use the car jack to lift a corner and remove a wheel. Keep it and the lug nuts in the room.

[Mark E.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

Multiple deterrents may be a good strategy: Car cover, alarms, turn steering to full lock, kill switch, club,...

Removing a wheel sounds very effective. And maybe remove a wheel not accessible to lifting by a tow truck. But what a pain. Especially if you want to drive unexpectedly early.

Another trick is to swap dist. cap positions of the coil high tension lead with a spark plug cable. Hard to diagnose and not visibly obvious, especially with shielding.

I don't know, but I sense towing is a greater threat than hot wiring.

[Randy G.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

A couple of years ago I was driving my '54 around. I stopped by Corvette Mike's in Anaheim and then headed for home about 8 miles away. About a mile into my trip I noticed an older BMW behind me, but didn't think anything of it. As I got closer to home I see the BMW is still behind me. As I was pulling into my neighborhood I decided to take the scenic route and he followed every turn I made. I stopped, made a u-turn (C1's have a tight turning radius), took a good look at the guy, and sure enough he made a u-turn. It was a pretty beat up older BMW, by the way. I pulled over, popped the door open, hopped out and headed to his car. He drove around me and took off. I caught up with him at the next light and took a picture of his plates. When I got home I called the cops about it and they said "Next time that happens call us and we'll find you and him. It's likely he wanted to find out where you keep your car, or he was on the phone with his pals trying to hook up with them in order to carjack you."

[Mark E.]

Re: Is vintage Corvette auto theft a significant threat?

Brazen! I'm glad it ended well for you.