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MG MGA - LoJack

Has anyone installed a Lojack in an MGA? We're almost done restoring our '62 MKII, and I'm worried that we don't have any alarms on it. Some have told me that it won't be stolen because it's too difficult to re-sell but this is something we can't replace (it was my first car) and I'm just curious if others with cars like this also feel the need to put in a Lojack.

- Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen - You would need to convert your MGA to a negative ground for the Lojack to work properly, but that is not a hard thing to do. You really have little to fear about someone driving the car off as long as you set the hand brake every time - there isn't a Yank in the country who doesn't own either a MGA or earlier MG that can release that hand brake, it is one of the best theft deterents that there is. The other thing is a fuel pump shut off switch hidden somewhere in plain sight. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Insure it with a good company. Ask your agent about theft prevention. Pray that it doesn't disappear. They don't have to drive it away, if they want it - it's gone.
Tom

The manual choke and pull starter will stop most modern drivers in their tracks, also.
Bill Haglan

Just for my own piece of mind, I installed a battery cut-off switch with a removable handle inside the car and also a fuel pump on-off switch under the dash. Other than that I rely on good insurance. Have a good day!

John
John Progess

Guys,
I understand that if someone really wants to steal the car. . . they will - but you have to understand that my husband and I have never gotten over having our 1967 Corvette stolen in 1980 from a 'guarded parking lot' where he was working at the time. My MG was my first car. . .purchased in 1968 and newly restored. . . therefore, the insurance money is immaterial to me. . . I want THAT CAR!!!!! That is why I thought a tracking device would make me feel better.
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen,

What the guys are trying to say is that *most* MGA owners don't feel the need to have a lowjack in the car. I have never heard of an MGA being stolen in recent years. While some kid may feel the desire to take it joyriding, as was mentioned before they'd have a hell of a time starting the car. Even if they did, you'd get it back as soon as the police found it. There just isn't a market for these cars in chop shops. Personally I think a jowjack would be an unneccesary expenditure, but if it buys you peace of mind then it's worth it.
Mark

Mary Ellen,

While I very much agree with the other responses, yes, of course you can have LoJack installed in your MGA. The unit must be professionally installed by a LoJack retailer. Since it is only about as large as a pack of cigarettes, there are lots of places on an MGA where it could be hidden. As previously mentioned, you will have to have a negative-ground electrical system.

It sounds like the theft of the Corvette has created some serious concerns, so if a LoJack unit will provide some needed peace of mind, then, like Mark said, go for it. See www.lojack.com or call them at 800-456-5225.

But I would also heed the advice of the previous responders and install a battery cut-off switch on the vertical panel behind the passenger seat, and/or a fuel pump cut-off switch under the dash.

Most of all, get your baby back on the road and enjoy it!

Frank
Frank Nocera

Frank,
It actually is back on the road. . .and we have been driving it . . . .and loving every minute! All the cut-off switches don't address the fact that it could be flatbedded away. I know I am crazy but I just want to address this issue and make a decision either way and then let it rest. We are planning a trip to the Keys in April, so I just want to have time to do something if, indeed, we DO something on the car.
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen

Hi Folks. A great way to foil car thieves is as follows:
Simply swap spark plug cables on the no 1 and no 4 spark plugs. If you do this, the car will in fact start, but will die as soon as you try to drive away. It is impossible to start and drive the car when it is disabled this way! This works with any 4 cylinder car with spark ignition. Alternately, remove the distributor rotor, and take it with you, when you leave your MG. The car wont start without it. Another alternative is to wire an additional hidden switch in series with the ignition switch. Such a switch could be hidden under the dash, or even an unused fog light switch on the dash could be pressed into service. At any rate, when this extra switch is turned off, the ignition circuit is dead. Jumping the ignition switch (as smart thieves would try) would not enable the car to be started. When the hidden switch is turned on, the car will (magically) start. Of course someone who really wants to steal your MG would just get a tow truck, and worry about getting it to run when the car was safely stashed. 8-(
cheers, Glenn
Glenn

We put so much time, money and love into these cars that the piece of mind is well worth it. Buy it, install it, drive it, leave it and relax.
Well worth a good nights sleep.
Kris
Kris Sorensen

Mary Ellen. I would use one of the suggested methods myself. However, in your case, I agree with Kris. Install the system for your own piece of mind and enjoy your trips in the car.

Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed between 28/01/2006 and 30/01/2006

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