Can anyone recommend a security system for a Series One E-Type Coupe? I have a secure garage and usually disconnect the battery when it's in there, but I'm more interested in having some level of theft protection when I take the car out for a drive and maybe leave it parked for a short time. I appreciate humor just as much as the next Jag owner, but I'd appreciate some serious recommendations, from tracking devices to other techniques that may provide some protection.
Thanks,
jazverina

 

I put a small toggle switch in the power line to the fuel pump as an anti-theft device. It's in the boot tucked up high so not easy to see but easy to reach. I toggle it off whenever I leave the car in storage or park somewhere that makes me uneasy. Low tech but very effective and doesn't mess with the wiring. If someone tries to steal it they won't get far.

 

Many years ago, I remember viewing a Mark 2 at a rally where the owner had installed a valve in the brake line that had an solenoid activated by key, that trapped pressure in the brake line, thus preventing the car from being moved. Like E-types, these cars had virtually no security at all other than the ignition switch that one could bypass by merely droping down the central instrument panel and hot wiring it.
The owner told me it was a device normally installed on commercial vehicles. Of course nowadays it's all electronic.

 

Disabling the car stops drive-away theft, but not back of a flat bed stuff. I have a tracking system installed by Global Telemetrics. Not too expensive, few hundred quid or so? But it came with lifetime monitoring so no annual fees. I know they're on the ball because when my car was in for a service and they disconnected the battery, I got an immediate phone call. Nice little app on the smartphone too.

 

This won't help if the perps have a flat bed, but you can also take off the coil wire.. easy to do and replace, even carry in your pocket. Do your door locks work? It's kind of like your house, a break in may happen, but whatever you can do to slow them down. There are also those "Clubs", that hook on the steering wheel and on the clutch pedal. Many car parts places have them, Amazon, too.

 

Thanks, and sorry for my tardy response! Can you send me a pix of where you located it, or if not, a description and maybe also a description of the toggle? Is it something like this?
https://www.elecdirect.com/toggle-sw...-page-product1
Many thanks,
jazverina

 

Hi Malcolm,
I usually disconnect the battery when it's in private storage so I'd probably be getting calls all the time! But thanks - I've looked into some of these app-based tracking systems but in the States they're mostly monthly fees and not inexpensive in aggregate. I still have some homework to do.
Kind regards,
jazverina

 

Thanks, Valerie (my wife's name!) I do have a steering wheel cross-lock as well as a brake pedal to steering wheel "cane" lock on some other old cars, so yes, good advice! I'm just curious what other classic car owners do these days.
Kind regards,
jazverina

 

I have a 914-6 with a kill switch and a removable (quick release) steering wheel. If I have to I can just take the steering wheel with me.
On the jags right now; I have nothing, but I think a well hidden kill switch can do the job.
bill.

 

Install a kill switch. I used the S2 rocker switch meant for a rear window defroster.

 

XLRateMe,
Using the the extra switch for the rear window defroster sounds like a good idea. At the very least it would look very clean and not require drilling any holes to mount a switch somewhere. I like that.
Bill.

 

@dibbyandco has the best idea. Since it's not rocket science to bypass any form of disabling mechanism, we need a way to get the car back.
A recovery plan makes the most sense - IMO.

 

Line locks require power to maintain pressure unless you install backwards to intended installation.