do you all get scared once you install DDIN or headunits or any sort of mods in that sense that can be seen?

just did my ddin conversion, and as i put the car back together i realized i forgot to hook up the ac controls. took it back apart and it took me less than 2 mins to take apart the whole center console and get to my navi

 

scared as in with your new gear visible, someone will want to jack your *****???

yes, but it helps to not leave things in the open to encourage thieves or attract attention... it also helps if you have tinted windows and front sunshade up so it darkens the inside and they can't see what may be available to smash and grab...

 

^ yes exactly what i meant

with a hardmounted ddin (faceplate doesnt come off) im just scared it would attract attention

i guess what im asking is what do u do to deter theives?

 

The deterrents already mentioned work well, but if thieves want in, they're getting in. You can always go the route of making it a huge PITA to get the thing out with extra straps, different heads on screws, and various other "accessories" in the dash that only you know about (and steer clear of). This doesn't deter them, but if the alarm is going off, it may put them in a difficult situation. The flipside is it pisses her off and she destroys the car as payback.

Another option is to come up with a faux cover that hides it, but a seasoned thief will wonder why it looks different than other vehicles she has seen.

If you have an alarm, speak with the installer about adding LED's to the interior - if the thief thinks there are easier targets in the area, she will be less likely to hit yours in search of less difficult prey.

Big Mack

 

^ u hit on exactly what i was going to say.

i was contemplating stripping the bolts once i got the HU in, but would i rather the theif take the unit or mess up my interior / car because they cant take it.

what u mean by faux cover?

and led's as in the blinking ones?

 

I think you meant you would rather they take it than mess up the car.

Faux, as in fake. Like a plastic cover that fits over it. I've cut the faces off of factory decks when a recessed double DIN was used and made them look rather pointless to steal (or at least not as valuable as a $1400 nav unit).

Yes, blinky LED's like a good aftermarket unit will use. Hopefully you already have a good aftermarket system, since the factory unit is not really all that great, and range is spotty.

Big Mack

 

my favorite is using torx or tri-wing screws instead of regular phillips screws.

 

torx screws are great... even allen bolts...

 

thanks guys!

arent you scared they will mess up your interior / car because they cant get to the ddin?

 

You're panicking. If thieves want in, they will get in. The whole point of theft deterrents is to send them to the next car in search of someone less prepared. If you constantly worry about thieves breaking into the car:

1) go to better areas and park in well lit spots if at night

B) keep good insurance and get a good security system if you don't have one

3) stop leaving things in plain sight and inviting someone to break in

There really isn't much you can do besides those.

Big Mack

 

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

have massive HID spot lights lighting your car with 24/7 surveillance cameras recording it.

u should get a faux plate to cover up the DD so it looks OEM.

 

Leave a C4 that's ready to blow, they won't touch it. Well, as for me, after installing this, I do get scared. Just put your phone, ipod, etc away. And then I throw a T-shirt over my wheel and double din.

 

^ i feel like it makes it WAY MORE noticable?

and whats on your wheel that u need to hide?

 

I worry about this stuff all the time. I tinted the windows super dark and added a Viper alarm with pager. An alarm and dark tint help a lot. Also, parking in well lit areas, having good insurance, and not leaving the car in bad areas of town will help.