Steering lock for Wooden steering wheel ?

[rswift]

As the title says really. I have a Series 2 Etype, 15" Mota Lita Wooden steering wheel. I have an immobiliser fitted, a tracker (DIY version)...it's not a concourse example, but I'd like to hang on to it, and in Summer (!) I use it a lot more.

Anyone got recommendations for a "crook lock" type of thing, i.e. a visual deterrent, that would also slow someone down if they wish to nick it.

I'm under no illusions that a professional thief would get around this anyway, but a bendy big wheel isn't the ideal candidate.

I think the Dislock (covers the whole wheel) is a good idea.....but it's a massive bit of kit to be rattling around win the car when not in use.

Thanks

[Riley Blue]

I use a Disclok on a wooden steering wheel but have one of their circular cloth covers that I put on first to avoid making any marks.

[mph]

rswift said:

As the title says really. I have a Series 2 Etype, 15" Mota Lita Wooden steering wheel. I have an immobiliser fitted, a tracker (DIY version)...it's not a concourse example, but I'd like to hang on to it, and in Summer (!) I use it a lot more.

Anyone got recommendations for a "crook lock" type of thing, i.e. a visual deterrent, that would also slow someone down if they wish to nick it.

I'm under no illusions that a professional thief would get around this anyway, but a bendy big wheel isn't the ideal candidate.

I think the Dislock (covers the whole wheel) is a good idea.....but it's a massive bit of kit to be rattling around win the car when not in use.

Thanks

You could always fit a quick detachable steering wheel and lock it in the boot, or carry it with you.

Surely with an immobiliser and a tracker you've got most bases covered already ?

[Riley Blue]

Except that neither are a visible deterrent which a big bright yellow metal thing over the steering wheel most certainly is.

[Faust66]

Riley Blue said:

Except that neither are a visible deterrent which a big bright yellow metal thing over the steering wheel most certainly is.

What he said^^

As my car has unique in the UK (I think) single piece front windows, the last thing I want is for some causal thief to think "easy target", put a window though, damage the steering column etc. only to be thwarted by a hidden immobiliser (or removed rotor arm if you want to go old school).

I use a disklok with a wheel protector to stop damage to the leather rim, I never park anywhere 'dodgy' and I've wired a very well hidden kill switch into the coil to disable the ignition… of course if they really want it, then the scum bags will have it (see my thread about a stolen Amazon in Sheffield).

They'd better pray that I didn't catch them in the process though…

[mph]

Riley Blue said:

Except that neither are a visible deterrent which a big bright yellow metal thing over the steering wheel most certainly is.

Good point, although I don't think they'd deter a professional thief and the OP was more concerned about losing his car than having a broken window.

It would be interesting to know how many classics are stolen by opportunists and how many by professionals.

[rswift]

Thanks, yes the visual deterrent is what I want, I realise that a professional team would have it away in minutes.....and tbh, 1970's BL door locks I think would be quicker to get into than breaking a window. The detachable wheel I considered, as my steering wheel isn't in the best condition, but it's a 2+2....so nowhere to hide it, which defeats the object as I don't want to be carrying it round whilst shopping, our out for a meal. I was thinking the long yellow Stoplock thing, which is Thatcham approved, easier to carry around in the car...but designed for modern cars.

[mph]

rswift said:

Thanks, yes the visual deterrent is what I want, I realise that a professional team would have it away in minutes.....and tbh, 1970's BL door locks I think would be quicker to get into than breaking a window. The detachable wheel I considered, as my steering wheel isn't in the best condition, but it's a 2+2....so nowhere to hide it, which defeats the object as I don't want to be carrying it round whilst shopping, our out for a meal. I was thinking the long yellow Stoplock thing, which is Thatcham approved, easier to carry around in the car...but designed for modern cars.

Again it would be interesting to know how many classic cars are stolen by opportunists or joyriders.

My guess is not many at all. How many stolen classics are recovered ?

I wonder if the statistics are available anywhere ?

[alfaspecial]

My car has no door locks (well, no doors) so some sort of visual deterrent must help. I use something like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-METAL-CAR-ANTI...

Cheap, not effective to a pro but at least some slight piece of mind.
Back it up with an alarm plus tracker if poss.

I think classic cars are obviously 'easier' to steal than moderns but there is a smaller market for stolen cars. BUT there has been a growing trend in classics being stolen for parts - particularly MINIs
http://news.met.police.uk/news/jail-for-men-who-st...

[Riley Blue]

mph said:

Again it would be interesting to know how many classic cars are stolen by opportunists or joyriders.

My guess is not many at all. How many stolen classics are recovered ?

I wonder if the statistics are available anywhere ?

I don't know about statistics but a Volvo Amazon was stolen in Sheffield a couple of days ago. After its details were circulated on social media (including here) it was recovered, minus a few parts and is back with its owner.

[lowdrag]

I put hidden fuel pump switch in my E-type thirty years agteo but no one has tried to steal it yet! More effective I think. They can't drive it and nothing to carry.

[Yertis]

My take on the situation is this. Very serious thief will have 'cased' the car and if necessary use a flatbed and crane type thing, or whatever. Tracker is your friend there but nothing is going to stop it being taken in the first place. From there down are various shades of opportunism down to joy-rider, and I think as many forms of visual deterrent the better, as well as the hidden fuel switch thing Lowdrag mentions. I've tried after market immobilisers and they ultimately turn out to be a bloody nuisance when they go wrong. I use the big yellow stoplock things in both my classics and they're easy enough to fit in teh car while it's being driven, in the TR fits nicely between the seat and the transmission tunnel, as if it were designed to do so.