A good friend of mine reported to me the other day that someone tried to steal a rebuilt '80 4X4 longbed. I did the refurbishment and sold it to him last year.
The f*%&^#$ b$#@&%^$ got access to the cab by removing the rear window (frame and all), cutting the steering wheel to remove the "club", and jamming up the ignition. But it appears the f*%^@!$ were foiled by the steering lock, which is part of the ignition switch. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
There was a thread here that explained how to file down and thus disable the steering lock, in an effort to make starting easier. I'm glad I didn't disable it.
We think the thieves were experienced in dismantaling vehicles, due to the way they broke into the cab. And yes, when I had the rear window out for headliner replacement and painting, I did not apply sealant to the window gasket.
These old trucks are coveted folks. They're durable, easy to work on, and relatively cheap still. It's OK to think about a hidden fuel shutoff valve, or other theft deturent.

sorry to hear that...but glad to know they didn't take it.
I have the same truck...Man, I can't stop looking at mine.
The wife says I love my Truck more then her.lol
Mike

Yotas are targeted up and down the west coast Steve.

I hope they can lift some fingerprints; at least it didn't get driven away.

According to the owner, the police didn't even come out to investigate. Pretty much like "Take a number, we have 6 ahead of you tonight". Seems like someone has to die before law enforcement around here gets involved. At times, I wish I lived up there and away from all this crime down here.

Is that the original ignition switch? My '81 didnt have a steering wheel lock.

I lived in Los Angeles for 30+ years and had a total of 5 break ins (lost stereos, leather jackets, backpacks, etc.)all in toyotas and 1 stolen VW scirrocco. Always locked my steering wheel which maybe why my yotas were never taken.

Now the first thing I put in when I get a new ride is the alarm, usually the next day after purchase, next clubs, pedal lock (attaches to brake pedal), then hood lock. They don't have lo-jack where I live now, but if I still lived on the W. coast, I would get it in a heartbeat.

I now live in KY where grand theft does not seem to be much concern by everyone here and they call me paranoid, but I have past experiences to back up my paranoia. If you love your toyota, criminals love them too - protect your loved ones!

Property crimes are a LOW priority. The cops just don't have the manpower to handle all of it (at least around here they don't). Unless the crook is caught in the act and detained, all we can do is take a police/sheriff report to the insurance company.

I'm all for an alarm and other ways of deterring theft but some theives are just too stupid to move to an easier target or incredibly motivated to get their claws on our stuff. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

My truck is old and gutless, but it's mine and I want to keep it that way.

I'm glad they didn't get to drive/tow your friend's truck away.

***At times, I wish I lived up there and away from all this crime down here***

Uh- we have our meth monkeys too; just more gun ownership up here. That's my running joke about North Pole--churches and meth labs.

The cops get honked off at folks up here who will go to someone's house to get their stuff back, but the state won't fund anymore folks for property crimes; they're more interested in their DUI numbers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Josh had posted on here awhile back about rigging a fuel kill switch. The take with insurance is that a vehicle being vandalized is one thing, but it moves, it's grand theft. His truck would start, but die about 30 ft away. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

If they want it bad enough, they'll get it. Period.

I had a 73 Chevy stepside stolen in 1998... My drag truck. It was well-known locally, as it ran 9's regularly at RIR on open nights in the brackets. 396 out of a 69 Chevelle SS "mildly" warmed up (he he he), Torker I intake, 1200 CFM carb, try-Y headers, Muncie 4 speed, spool in the rear.

They couldn't steal it on the first attempt (punched door lock, busted ignition), so they came back a week later with either a flatbed wrecker or a trailer with a winch. Just re-punched the door, let off the brake and put it in neutral, and drug it up on the back.

It was recovered (sort-of) 3 weeks later... found in the woods sitting on blocks. They took the rims, tires, rear axle, engine, transmission, new bench seat, radio (nothing more than an old cassette deck), speakers, tach, speedo, triple gauge pod, battery, some wiring, and the wood floor from the bed. I ended up selling it to the junkyard for $50 because I was leaving for Korea in a week.

Junkyard paid it, too... Not very often they would get a 73-87 Chevy truck in there with a straight body.

Agreed!