The Stick Saves Itself!

Carjackers can't drive a stick. and get dogbites on the buttocks.

Lubbock - gotta love it.

We call it "The Manual Revolution." For being in a city where auto theft is not necessarily low, no one berkeleys with my five speed cars.

I'm with you there. I make it even harder, because I have two 6 speeds, and I've switched the knobs for 5 speed knobs. For fun. Good luck finding reverse suckbags!

It just goes to show that your lack of skills will come back to bite you in the ass.

This is a truly heartwarming story. Thanks for sharing! I especially enjoyed the bit about dog bites on the buttocks.

just goes to prove that karma will come back to bite you on the ass.

I find funny.. if these idiots can't drive a stick.. I would have loved to see them try to steal a saab 900

So the dog's name was Karma?

That's kinda funny!

With enough of these stories, can we get manuals to be considered an "anti-theft" device for insurance purposes?

I wish I could hear news like this more often. Every piece of this story warms my heart.

On a side note, I actually know a dog named Karma. She couldn't reach someone's ass if she tried though (beagle). My dog on the other hand, has proven to be a great deterrent to thieves and bible-wielding-door-knockers alike. God I love the big 'ol galoot.

(yes, I am shamelessly showing off my dog)

I've always said that the two best theft prevention devices are 3 on the tree and a choke.

I've heard the story repeated that two NY car thieves got busted while trying to find the ignition switch on a Saab 900.

In my F-100 I leave my fuel tank selector in the off position. There is enough fuel to start and drive maybe a block before the carb goes dry. The selector is under the seat and is unmarked.

About 22 years ago, I lived in an apartment complex that (unbeknownst to me) had very crummy security and was on the edge of a 'hood. I had my J2000 parked next to my father's Mercury Zephyr and the thieves ALMOST got away with the J2000. I'm guessing my 4a.m. drive to work scared them at the last minute. Oddly, the J had a manual transmission and the Mercury an automatic. Cops said they targetted the J2000 because GM products are (or were back then) much easier to steal. I'm guessing that in the dark, they also thought the hatchback J was a Firebird.

Matt B wrote: (yes, I am shamelessly showing off my dog)

There's a thread for that.

My 100 lb Shepherd keeps everyone away.

Matt B wrote: (yes, I am shamelessly showing off my dog)

and your ferrari wheel table

integraguy wrote: About 22 years ago, I lived in an apartment complex that (unbeknownst to me) had very crummy security and was on the edge of a 'hood. I had my J2000 parked next to my father's Mercury Zephyr and the thieves ALMOST got away with the J2000. I'm guessing my 4a.m. drive to work scared them at the last minute. Oddly, the J had a manual transmission and the Mercury an automatic. Cops said they targetted the J2000 because GM products are (or were back then) much easier to steal. I'm guessing that in the dark, they also thought the hatchback J was a Firebird.

It's true. Pretty much any 80's GM product will start and run by popping the hood, stripping the insulation on three wires, twisting two of the together using the third to trigger the starter. Literally a 20 second job. Then you have to unlock the steering wheel and you're good to go.

DoctorBlade wrote: I've heard the story repeated that two NY car thieves got busted while trying to find the ignition switch on a Saab 900.

As someone who's had to do the same thing, that is hilarious. Took me a minute on the first Porsche I drove, too. "Why's it on the other side?!"

Yet another reason to own an old car, with no new technology in it.

worst part is.. if you spend a lot of time driving all saabs.. and try to get into a "regular" car.

I STILL leave my BMW in reverse when I shut her down

pilotbraden wrote: In my F-100 I leave my fuel tank selector in the off position. There is enough fuel to start and drive maybe a block before the carb goes dry. The selector is under the seat and is unmarked.

I know how to steal your truck now! MWUAHAHAHAHAH!.

I really wouldn't do that. Stealing cars is tantamount to murder in my case.

Dak - 1 Scumbags- 0

16vCorey wrote:

integraguy wrote: About 22 years ago, I lived in an apartment complex that (unbeknownst to me) had very crummy security and was on the edge of a 'hood. I had my J2000 parked next to my father's Mercury Zephyr and the thieves ALMOST got away with the J2000. I'm guessing my 4a.m. drive to work scared them at the last minute. Oddly, the J had a manual transmission and the Mercury an automatic. Cops said they targetted the J2000 because GM products are (or were back then) much easier to steal. I'm guessing that in the dark, they also thought the hatchback J was a Firebird.

It's true. Pretty much any 80's GM product will start and run by popping the hood, stripping the insulation on three wires, twisting two of the together using the third to trigger the starter. Literally a 20 second job. Then you have to unlock the steering wheel and you're good to go.

Hate to say it, but there isn't a 12 year old kid in North America that can't drive away in a (non-security key)GM tilt column car in less than 30 seconds with nothing more than a screwdriver. No wires involved. I've repaired dozens, and I usually leave the key in anything with that column, because its cheaper. And, the odds of a thief driving my stuff harder than I do is pretty slim anyway.