If the vehicle isn't equipped with a driver's side air bag, I can't see any problem with it. If you have a driver's side your tampering with a safety device, unless your local area has regulations against it, if you do it yourself... it's your car, do what you want with it, just recognize the liability your taking on if someone else ever drives the car or you sell it like that.
If steering wheels are supposed to be DOT approved (or equivalent) in a given country, then probably not legal. If they're not required to be approved in a given country, I don't see a problem as long as it's "reasonably safe" should a cop decided to inspect things. There might also be state laws or local codes about it being "reasonably safe", but you'll have to check those yourself.
IP: Logged
10:10 PM
Mar 22nd, 2007
RACE Member
Posts: 4845 From: Des Moines IA Registered: Dec 2002
A friend of mine drove his car for a while with a couple of vice grips. After that I would think that a removable steering wheel should be fine.
Grant made a steering wheel that was removable with a key. It also had a cap that locked in place over the steering column rendering it undrivable. It obviously was DOT approved since it was intended for passenger cars. The only conscern that you might have is the horn. I believe that all 50 states require that the horn works.
IP: Logged
12:35 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
But then I would expect nothing less from a Masshole.
Like some one already said, all you need it a pair of vise grips, and if someone really wants your car they will take it.
*snip*
While that is true, having 'theft deterrents', be them physical or little blinky lights, does deter the casual thief that happens to run across your car. They will just shop elsewhere.
IP: Logged
05:44 AM
BamaFieroMan Member
Posts: 324 From: Alabaster, AL. USA! Registered: Jun 2006
Your question would prompt me to tell you to check with your local DMV about that. It also prompts me to ask why you're thinking about it. Is it indeed an attempt to keep people from stealing the car? Or is it something else? Just being curious.
As for the "Mass-hole" comment, that's just stupid.
IP: Logged
06:16 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Originally posted by BamaFieroMan: As for the "Mass-hole" comment, that's just stupid.
Masshole is a term we use to describe stupid people from Massachusetts who think they know everything and the world should be the way they think.
They move up here to Maine and try and change us to the way it was in Mass..
We used to have one of the lowest tax rates in the country until people from Taxachusettes started moving up here and decided that we needed to be more like they were in Taxachusettes.
Obviously the way this kid thinks, his car is worth more than anyone else’s because it is his.
Most likely would be passed by any car thief anyway.
Besides with an avatar like he has he is a clown.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
06:32 AM
SCCAFiero Member
Posts: 1144 From: Boca Raton, Fl USA Registered: Apr 2006
Legality aside, as I do not know if it is legal or not.
There is nothing stupid, unsafe or unsecure about having a removable steering wheel I can think of.
Depending how the mount is installed it can be even harder to steal / mess with the ignition(EDIT and steering wheel lock). Have you even installed / used / seen a removable steering wheel to make such bold (and wrong) statements?
My wheel is removable just so I can get in and out easier (due to the cage) and there is nothing about it I nor most racing clubs see as unsafe. It locks and unlocks in a second and allows me a much quicker / safer exit in the event of a crash or fire. It will not accidentally unlock due to its design. If I am knocked out during a crash it allows EMS easier access to me. Once removed it is a flat object that can be tossed out of the way (after a wreck) or locked in the trunk for "normal" security.
It would be easy to wire a horn to a remote button if necessary, and even to make it work on the wheel is possible with a minor modification.
I am curious why anyone thinks it is unsafe or stuipid. Specifically.
[This message has been edited by SCCAFiero (edited 03-22-2007).]
IP: Logged
07:35 AM
Xanth Member
Posts: 6886 From: Massachusetts Registered: May 2006
Masshole is a term we use to describe stupid people from Massachusetts who think they know everything and the world should be the way they think.
They move up here to Maine and try and change us to the way it was in Mass..
We used to have one of the lowest tax rates in the country until people from Taxachusettes started moving up here and decided that we needed to be more like they were in Taxachusettes.
Obviously the way this kid thinks, his car is worth more than anyone else’s because it is his.
Most likely would be passed by any car thief anyway.
Besides with an avatar like he has he is a clown.
I have had 2 cars broken into and 2 cars stolen where I live already. Why does wanting some sort of theft deterrent mean I think my car is worth more than everyone elses? I know for a fact the last people to break into my car were not equipped to steal it if the wheel was missing, they didn't even have the tools to remove anything valuable from the car. Just bored kids who decided they wanted to go for a joyride.
Didn't you yourself make a post about a car you were restoring that got stolen off the street? Were you happy to let them have it?
Edit: You did post it, and you apparently lived in Mass at the time? So what is the problem with me living in Mass?
------------------ www.FieroDomain.com Over 120 Fiero Links, Articles, Images, Diagnostics
"If any car is both the parade and the rain, it is the Fiero"
[This message has been edited by Xanth (edited 03-22-2007).]
IP: Logged
07:49 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Legality aside, as I do not know if it is legal or not.
There is nothing stupid, unsafe or unsecure about having a removable steering wheel I can think of.
Depending how the mount is installed it can be even harder to steal / mess with the ignition(EDIT and steering wheel lock). Have you even installed / used / seen a removable steering wheel to make such bold (and wrong) statements?
My wheel is removable just so I can get in and out easier (due to the cage) and there is nothing about it I nor most racing clubs see as unsafe. It locks and unlocks in a second and allows me a much quicker / safer exit in the event of a crash or fire. It will not accidentally unlock due to its design. If I am knocked out during a crash it allows EMS easier access to me. Once removed it is a flat object that can be tossed out of the way (after a wreck) or locked in the trunk for "normal" security.
It would be easy to wire a horn to a remote button if necessary, and even to make it work on the wheel is possible with a minor modification.
I am curious why anyone thinks it is unsafe or stuipid. Specifically.
First your wheel is not in a street legal car and installed in a manner that is for racing.
This guy wants it on a street car.
As far as his idea of using it to deter theft, is what I meant as stupid, it will not make the car any less steel able.
This guy is not going to install the wheel you have in your race car, he is going to pull the wheel and have the shaft sticking out, not safe.
If he wants to make it less attractive to car thieves he can follow my ideas posted in my first post.
No car is theft proof, none.
If a thief wants it that bad he will just steel a tow truck and tow it away. Hence the Lojack recommendation, tracking system.
If I remember right Xanth is from Worcester, my old stomping ground, and one of the higher auto theft cities in MA.
Stupid- to think doing so will keep his car from being stolen.
Unsafe- unless he puts a removable racing wheel, he won’t.
Never said it was unsecured.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
84Fiero123: You think I'm just going to take off the wheel and leave it? I specifically asked about a Quick Release Steering Wheel, which implies I would be purchasing the wheel intended to be used in this manner.
quote
Originally posted by AJ7:
get a motion activated alarm, one of those that gives a warning when you get close.. then goes off if you touch it. something like that..
I was thinking about that, but alarms go pretty much ignored here. I just want to make it so if they set off the alarm, it will take longer than they had anticipated to steal the car. Perhaps forcing them to abandon it, or give me time to hear the alarm and react. ------------------ www.FieroDomain.com Over 120 Fiero Links, Articles, Images, Diagnostics
"If any car is both the parade and the rain, it is the Fiero"
[This message has been edited by Xanth (edited 03-22-2007).]
IP: Logged
08:00 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Originally posted by AJ7: get a motion activated alarm, one of those that gives a warning when you get close.. then goes off if you touch it. something like that.. oh, and 84fiero123.. why even bother posting if your going to be an ass? My opinion of you just changed. so, are you an ass to everyone from mass?
I gave good advise on how to keep it from getting stolen, thats not good advise?
I’ve had a car stolen, yes.
I was also part of an auto theft ring in Worcester. In my youth.
So if you really just want to keep it from getting broken into or stolen, read my first post and follow it.
Multiple disabling devises.
Gas line lock,
Ignition system interlock,
Paging alarm, no one cares about someone else’s car.
Lojack tracking system.
Park it in a locked personal garage, with an alarm.
Motion activated alarms can be a bad idea, multiple false alarms can get you ticketed.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
84Fiero1230: You think I'm just going to take off the wheel and leave it? I specifically asked about a Quick Release Steering Wheel, which implies I would be purchasing the wheel intended to be used in this manner.
I was thinking about that, but alarms go pretty much ignored here. I just want to make it so if they set off the alarm, it will take longer than they had anticipated to steal the car. Perhaps forcing them to abandon it, or give me time to hear the alarm and react.
If you have some money to spend on it, I have plenty of ways to make it so someone could not steal your car. not even towing it away(it would have to be dragged)...
1st, you need an alarm that will page you if someone even gets close to your car, then if they touch it, 2 different warnings (to your pager). That way, you know someone is messing with your car. 2nd, you need a system that disables the ignition system unless you have some type of key with a chip in it (could do it with a keypad too but that could be a PITA and its easy to get around that). Theres lots of ways to do it.. some probably a little expensive (not on the market). let me know if you have the $$$ to spend on it and I'll see what I can do.
I gave good advise on how to keep it from getting stolen, thats not good advise?
I’ve had a car stolen, yes.
I was also part of an auto theft ring in Worcester. In my youth.
So if you really just want to keep it from getting broken into or stolen, read my first post and follow it.
Multiple disabling devises.
Gas line lock,
Ignition system interlock,
Paging alarm, no one cares about someone else’s car.
Lojack tracking system.
Park it in a locked personal garage, with an alarm.
Motion activated alarms can be a bad idea, multiple false alarms can get you ticketed.
those are actually good Ideas, but the motion activated alarm I'm talking about, is when someone gets within like 3ft of your car and it gives you a warning like "step away from the vehichle" then if you touch it it will go off. I never said you gave bad advice, just said you were being an ass. lol
IP: Logged
08:10 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
If you have some money to spend on it, I have plenty of ways to make it so someone could not steal your car. not even towing it away(it would have to be dragged)...
1st, you need an alarm that will page you if someone even gets close to your car, then if they touch it, 2 different warnings (to your pager). That way, you know someone is messing with your car. 2nd, you need a system that disables the ignition system unless you have some type of key with a chip in it (could do it with a keypad too but that could be a PITA and its easy to get around that). Theres lots of ways to do it.. some probably a little expensive (not on the market). let me know if you have the $$$ to spend on it and I'll see what I can do.
I take it they don't have flat bed tow trucks where you live?
If they want it, it will disappear.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
08:16 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Originally posted by 84fiero123: I was also part of an auto theft ring in Worcester. In my youth.
This is the part you should all pay attention to.
As a retired car thief I know. No car is theft proof.
Yes the more you do the harder it gets but that will not stop it from getting stolen by a pro.
The step away from the car alarms we thought we a joke when they came out, and would take them just to prove it to the people who owned them. Even if we didn’t want them.
A pager alarm is best, with Lojack.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
08:24 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
of course no vehicle is theft proof. no ones disputes that. you see 5 cars - and want to steal one, are you gonna pass the 4 with steering wheels and take the one without? of course not. yes, if your the ONLY choice - you lose. but the point of theft deterants is to make your vehicle the LEAST likely to be taken.
like the 5 guys running from the bear. dont need to outrun the bear - just the other 4 guys
IP: Logged
08:35 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
of course no vehicle is theft proof. no ones disputes that. you see 5 cars - and want to steal one, are you gonna pass the 4 with steering wheels and take the one without? of course not. yes, if your the ONLY choice - you lose. but the point of theft deterants is to make your vehicle the LEAST likely to be taken.
like the 5 guys running from the bear. dont need to outrun the bear - just the other 4 guys
We used to take orders for certain cars, if the car without the wheel is the one we needed it will be gone, if we had to steel a flat bed tow truck to get it.
It may, and I say may deter the joy riders, not having a wheel, but not the pro.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
08:38 AM
PFF
System Bot
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
First of all, what kind of car are you trying to keep from getting stolen?
If I know what it is I can give you some ideas that will be a lot cheaper than a removable wheel.
Gas line lock is the best, they will get it but won’t get far before they run out of gas, and then they will usually abandon it rather than try and get it running again.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
08:43 AM
cjgable Member
Posts: 1198 From: Fort Worth, Tx, USA Registered: Dec 2001
Originally posted by 84fiero123: We used to take orders for certain cars, if the car without the wheel is the one we needed it will be gone, if we had to steel a flat bed tow truck to get it.
It may, and I say may deter the joy riders, not having a wheel, but not the pro.
no crap. nothing but a explosive self destruct or hidden poisenois guard animals will stop someone determined to take a particular vehicle. are you suggesting everyone just throw their hands up & say "fine - take my car"? of course not. you get an order for a '87 Fiero (ya right...but anyways...) you know of 7 - all the same - except - 6 have steering wheels. which one will you not go for?
and what kinda of theft ring is gonna have a Fiero on their list?! not exactly prime stuff here. so, that leaves joyriders anyways. we all know what you are saying. and, no matter how many times you say it - it still wont matter. we all know any car can be stolen.
IP: Logged
08:53 AM
avengador1 Member
Posts: 35468 From: Orlando, Florida Registered: Oct 2001
If someone really wants to steal your car they will find a way to do so, unless you have it locked in a vault, and even then I'm sure they could find a way to steal it. The removable wheel Xanth is looking at will deter most thieves. It requires them to have the steering wheel along with the special adapter it has to connect it to the steering column of the car. They wouldn't bother to mess with removing the other part of the removable steering wheel that is bolted on the column to steal the car as this would take too much time for them to do. Most cars that are stolen probably took less than two minutes to steal. Most thieves want something that will be quick and easy to steal so they will pass on something like this most of the time. As for calling Xanth a Masshole that was a uncalled for. I'm sure he personally had nothing to do with your state taxes going up as he doesn't live in your state nor can he vote to change your state laws. Only the residents of your state can do that. It's just your back luck that these newer residents were previously from taxachussetts or whatever other state they came from. They are now residents of your state with all the privileges and responsibilities that are attached to being so. Learn to blame the residents of your state for your ails and not someone from a different state. Do you think the residents of Massachusetts or any other state enjoy paying more taxes? Don't be a Mainehole.
The alarms that call a digital pager, do they "call" the pager? Or do you have to get one to work with a specific system? Can you make it to call your cell phone instead of getting a pager?
------------------ Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck '87 GT Auto '88 Ferrario '84 Indy
no crap. nothing but a explosive self destruct or hidden poisenois guard animals will stop someone determined to take a particular vehicle. are you suggesting everyone just throw their hands up & say "fine - take my car"? of course not. you get an order for a '87 Fiero (ya right...but anyways...) you know of 7 - all the same - except - 6 have steering wheels. which one will you not go for?
and what kinda of theft ring is gonna have a Fiero on their list?! not exactly prime stuff here. so, that leaves joyriders anyways. we all know what you are saying. and, no matter how many times you say it - it still wont matter. we all know any car can be stolen.
There are ways to make it so you cannot steal the car. but it would most likely lead to a lawsuit from some kid wanting to go for a joy ride and then someone(his parents) suing you because of what it did... trust me, anything is possible. lol
The alarms that call a digital pager, do they "call" the pager? Or do you have to get one to work with a specific system? Can you make it to call your cell phone instead of getting a pager?
they can have it call a pager or cell phone or anything. but you would have to pay for a service. if your going to be close to the car all the time then all you have to have is the one that pages the remote for the alarm. which is what I have mentioned already..
IP: Logged
09:02 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Gee considering I was involved back in 73,74,75, you are right we never got an order for one,(Fiero)
As far as me calling him a Masshole goes, Flame me if you want.
I gave good advise, read what I have posted.
As far as under 2 min. goes.
It never took us more than 30 seconds.
And seeing our fieros are now classics and all just maybe they are being ordered.
If you want to flame me for calling someone a Masshole go for it. All he had to do was do a search to find a thread that I previously posted all the same advise before.
I have a life, besides here.
PS
Do a search on cars stolen in this forum, you will get the thread I posted all the ideas I have already posted again.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
Gee considering I was involved back in 73,74,75, you are right we never got an order for one,(Fiero)
lol - who couldnt steal cars back then..... igntion switch harnesses were completely accessable Ford had a whole 10 different keys. yup - thats right - 10. if you had a ford key, you could start 1 out of 10 fords. I still have my set of 7 keys I collected.
IP: Logged
09:15 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
lol - who couldnt steal cars back then..... igntion switch harnesses were completely accessable Ford had a whole 10 different keys. yup - thats right - 10. if you had a ford key, you could start 1 out of 10 fords. I still have my set of 7 keys I collected.
You have no idea what you are talking about.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
IP: Logged
09:24 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Originally posted by 84fiero123: I was also part of an auto theft ring in Worcester. In my youth.
So did you do time or did you just quit. Taking someone elses things is one of the lowest acts anyone can do. Flaming someone because he wants to protect his car is another one.
I think the wheel would work but sooner or later you will grow tired of it and start leaving it in the car. Like the face plate on your cd player.
IP: Logged
09:30 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
So did you do time or did you just quit. Taking someone elses things is one of the lowest acts anyone can do. Flaming someone because he wants to protect his car is another one.
I think the wheel would work but sooner or later you will grow tired of it and start leaving it in the car. Like the face plate on your cd player.
Ya I did time,(WCHC) paid restitution, the whole 9 yards.
Think what you want of me, I tried to give advise and because I called someone a name I get flame and my ratings go down the tubes. Which by the way I could care less about.
So no one here has any skeletons in there closet right?
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't. Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
I dont think its the content of your post so much as the context. You could have gave the same advice without the other remarks
Sure I have done things in my past, give advice about it as well. Dont call the person I'm trying to help a Clown, that will pretty much will discredit any advice I give if I do.
IP: Logged
09:41 AM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
I don't agree with 84fiero123s attitude (But I know what masshole means, and have to agree, it fits quite a few people from there, but not everyone.) but I do agree that if someone wants the car bad enough, it will dissappear.
Usually on a flat bed truck, with the car sitting on a full car hydraulic dolly.
I worked at a car audio/security shop in Savannah GA for a while.
We installed the biggest and best DEI/Clifford system in a Cadillac for a Pimp wannabe.
His car dissappeared the next day. He tried to blame us for it. It turns out a flatbed truck pulled up, loaded the car, siren blaring and all and took it away. All of the witnesses saw the "Repo" sign on the side of the truck.
The car was actually stolen outright. They found it 3 days later stripped. The alarm module was still installed in the car, identical to the way we had installed it. It was not even disturbed.
If they want the car, they will get it, regardless of what you do.
I run a 2 way pager system in my car, and it is rarely more than 2500 feet from me in any situation, which is the max range of my pager..
If the pager starts making noise, I start running. Ever see a 6'4 1/2" 300 lb fat man barrelling down on you? The look on the other guy's face is identical to this..
Originally posted by 84fiero123: Carry the wheel into the office with you?
Doing so will just alert the thieves that if they want the car to bring a wheel with them.
Again sorry for my brashness but this is just plain dumb.
Why not? Officeworkers carry breifcases and I have plenty of room at my desk for an R&D job.
But who the hell carries a steering wheel with them (the theives that is). There are plenty of other marks with steering wheels attached, so why go through the trouble of carrying on around with your other burglury tools?
What about motorcycle drivers? Do you think they carry their helmets into their offices?
Anyone know any Romulans? 
