64mgb

iTrader: (1)

I figure that while I have my car gutted it would be a good time to install an alarm system. Tell me your exeperience with car alarm systems and what you would recommend. And before I get a bunch of "an alarm won't stop a thief that really wants your car" responses, I understand that. But an alarm WILL stop the common thief, vandals, and neighborhood kids.

Thanks!

Rich

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

I cant help you with a specific system, but Im going to be looking for something that emits an earpiercing sound. Something that may be able to drive a person away by shattering their eardrums. I doubt anything like that exists but Im gonna see what I can come up with.

IanS

iTrader: (4)

Ive had a bad experience with my Black Widow in my protege. Stick with most DEI brands such as Viper, etc.

Orion - Check out pain generators. They are a siren mounted inside so if they are still persistent and trying to grab your radio, they will have 120db siren in their face.

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

Thats exactly what Im looking for, thank you. Ill probably get a couple of those.

djessence

compustar, or viper. Have a siren in the engine bay (or 2) and have 2 of the smaller 120db sirons on the inside. It seriously hurts the ears and you cant even think. The engine bay ones i recommend 2 cuz they are muffled and you want something really loud so ppl actually look

IanS

iTrader: (4)

Make sure the siren in the engine bay is pointed down at the ground, not forward or whatever. With the extra sirens, make sure and use relays as most nicer alarms can handle sending output to 2 sirens but not anything more than that. SHOULD have a relay even if sending to more than 1, but sometimes you can get away with it.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

Reminds me of when I worked at toyota and got a free car alarm siren. Stuck it behind the grill in the front bumper of the protege and rigged it to a toggle switch.

Good times, good times.

pinoyremix

^ +1 for Viper, i have a python..same company..very reliable..

ChaosAura

The thing I would say, no matter what system you get, get something that has an LED flashing light, thats nice and visible. Thats what does the most with a security system, makes them stop and actually think about it.

challer2000

I have a python too. Great product.

I would make sure what ever you buy it has a two-way pager. That way if you are away from your car you will know if the alarm has been triggered.

I haven’t regretted spending the extra $100 for the pager

challer2000

http://www.pythoncarsecurity.com/pro...?ProductID=607

Here is the link to the one that I have. I think it was $275 installed

Vashner

Have them put the valet button or switch in somewhere none typical. Otherwise it won't stop a pro. Also if it's a valet button make sure it's programmed to a custom set of button mashes. Instead of stock 1 push or flip on.

The 2 way systems are what's hot nowdays because the key fab will beep and you can grab the .45 and blow them away while in progress (at night .. Castle Doct).

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

OK...I see a couple of recommendations for Viper and Python alarms, so I did some research, and it appears that these are dealer install only. That's ok and they look like fine products, but I'm really looking for something I can do myself. Any good DIY recommendations?

Thanks,
Rich

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

Some of the brands I've seen are CrimeGuard (Crutchfield), Commando (http://www.commandoalarms.com), and Galaxy (http://www.ecarsecurity.com/). Anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks,
Rich

bugman1973

hey edit your posts take the () out of the links

djessence

Seriously go with viper or compustar or the other that was mentioned. I forgot to say it but it was mentioned, the 2-way alarm. Really you dont even need a valet switch its just nice to have.

If you have a wiring diagram and can get ahold of the info for the install of the system it can be done youself. Ive dont 3 on much more complex vehicles than an rx7. It is really easy.

The hardest part will be getting your hands on the wiring diagram for the system. If you let me know what model and brand EXACTLY, i may be able to get you the install instructions on it. Maybe...just let me know before you buy it.

The led you can always add afterwards, and just mount in the A-frame trim bit ot on the top of the dash. Definitly a deterrent

Glazedham42

iTrader: (4)

I used to have a viper alarm on my 92 Integra. I really liked it, and it worked well. Those Honda/Acuras are thief magnets, but it always gave me the piece of mind to not worry about the car...

Glazedham42

iTrader: (4)

There are several unopened viper alarm systems on E-bay Rich. Take this one for example...

http://cgi.ebay.com/VIPER-FULL-ALARM...QQcmdZViewItem

Or if you aren't comfortable with e-bay, you could probably find them through an online retailer....

Jamie

IanS

iTrader: (4)

Get a hold of me Rich, I have a friend (neighbor) that installs alarms and car audio for a living. He will do it for less than what the shop would charge you OR you can just go by the instructions, which arent too bad really. It just looks scary because of all the wires. Your FB wouldnt use many of them.

djessence

agree with what glazed ham said and ianS, I've installed them on 2 integras and a 4runner and its really not bad. I bet half - 3/4 of the wired on the alarm you will not use and it should only take an hour or 2 to install.

HOWEVER, if its installed yourself the warranty (if it has one depending on where you buy) will be drasitcally shortened so in that aspect it might be better to get a "professional installer" so they can sign you a labor slip or something. So might be worth it to give IanS a call

aussiesmg

iTrader: (1)

This is mine.......no kidding....wanna see the back up unit?

AsianImage

I dont think the brand of alarms matter much anymore...you just need basic entry and glass and possibly towing.

I also agree go with a piezo siren, they are tiny and hurt like crazy when going off, installed INSIDE the car.

Plus 2 on the valet switch and making it more complicated than just a flick of the switch. When I had my old car, my installer did my valet where I need to have the parking lights on, key in the ACC position and then you had to have the button pressed the whole time. It was pretty hard to remember...but was great.

And lastly...install a separate kill switch...completely different than the alarm. A simple fuel cut off or ignition switch. Just one extra road block for the thief.

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

OK...cool...I'm convinced. From my research it looked like install instructions weren't even available to anyone but dealers. But if the instructions are available I'm sure I'll have no problem with it. I have plenty of experience with electronics.

I know the website says there is no warranty if you install it yourself, but I'm not too worried about that. They seem to be a well-respected company so I am assuming they build a quality product.

Thanks,
Rich

IanS

iTrader: (4)

Instructions should come with the unit, and I can get the wire colors and locations of whatever you need for your car (starter kill, door open switch - that ones pretty straight forward, etc).

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Ian - Do you mean the wire colors coming from the alarm unit? That's the kind of thing that should be included in the installation instructions. If so, that's all I should need. I know how to read a wiring diagram and trace wires...been doing it all my life.

Rich