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MG TD TF 1500 - Immobiliser

I would like to fit a simple immobiliser switch of device to provide a little security when leaving my TD unattended.Is anyone prepared to offer suggestions on the open forum of this page!?Thanks,John
jf robinson

Lots of choices... The 'battery cutoff' switches sold by Moss/Etc. will certainly work... however, a good little toggle switch spliced into the power lead and tucked under the dash works...
Of course the other day a friend tried to start my car and I noticed that he kept trying to turn the key another 'notch'???
Would tend to think someone trying to steal a T car would just come with a trailer/tow vehicle!
gblawson - TD#27667

SIMPLE and effective is putting a little toggle switch into the wire leading to the distributer from the coil. Just mount it under the dash somewhere. Still easy to start the car by jumpering across from the coil to the distributer, but it takes more time than most thieves like to take.
tom

A much simpler immobilizer is a wire to CB on the coil to an under dash switch to ground. This shorts the points to ground so no spark. The wire to the coil is easily camoflaged so it is not as obvious as a switch in the coil to distributor wire. Hot wiring has no effect on this connection.

A switch in the fuel pump hot lead is an additional guard.

But the tow truck???
Don Harmer

you could just pocket the rotor. regards, tom
tm peterson

John - The TD came from the factory with a very effective immoblizer - it is called a flyoff hand brake. Think about, how many people not familiar with older MGs know how to release the hand brake? Simple, cheap and effective. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

I can vouch for that one. The day I bought my MGA, I nearly cut the hand brake cable, thinking it was jammed. I finally released the brake by accident. Sure felt stupid once I realied what just happened.

I'm not worried about someone driving my TC away. If they are joyriders then they will never figure out how to get it running. If they are pros, they will get it whether or not it starts.

Best thing to do is keep the car from rolling. A cable lock from a wheel to chassis will do that.
Steve Simmons

A fuel pump cutoff switch is a good safety device and also a decent immobilizer.
Evan Ford - TD 27621

"A fuel pump cutoff switch is a good safety device and also a decent immobilizer." - As long as you don't embarrass yourself by forgetting to switch the pump back on before driving off. I did the pump cutoff switch on our TD, using the fog light switch on the dash when I restored it. Shortly after finishing the restoration our son was going to take the TD to the prom. He made it to the end of the driveway, where I saw him set the brake, get out of the car and walk back to the house with the most crestfallen look I have ever seen on a kid - seems I had turned the pump off and forgotten to turn it back on. That was the last time I have ever used that switch. We are not driving and parking these cars in high crime areas and car thieves are not going to take one of our cars - where are they going to pedal the parts? Our TD has been parked overnight in motel parking lots all over the western US and we have never had a problem, nor do I expect to ever have a problem. I have to wonder if we are not a bit over cautious regarding potential theft - I'm more worried about some oversized SUV door slammed into the fender. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

I am a firm beleiver in fuel pump switch!
It sure worked on my Austin back in the 70's. Thiefs got the car started and into busy road before the carb's went dry...once that happened they left it in the middle of the road and ran to the nearest bar...that's where the police found them after being ID'd by someone that saw them "abandon ship"!
I have taken off a couple of times with it off myself ...but over the years have become a little more "trained" to listen for her "ticker" before I set out, so haven't done it for quite a while.
I also run a battery cut off ..but feel the fuel pump is best for the element of surprise! (kind of a poor mans low jack system!)
Cheers ,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

I've posted this tip before but it costs next to nothing and is really effective. Get a set of the number sleeves that slip over your ignition leads - the ones that show you where to refit the leads after you have changed the spark plugs. However, don't fit them in the correct order so that for instance for the car to run the indicated #1 lead must go to plug 3. Remember which is which though! When you park up the car simple put the indicated #1 lead to plug #1. Anyone looking at the engine will think everything is fine but it won't start.

Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

I use a dimmer switch hooked to the fuel pump wire. It is mounted higher than the original and is easy to reach with my toe. It just becomes habit to shut it off when I exit and on when I get in.
Godspeed in Sqafety Fast
Jc
John Crawley

This thread was discussed between 21/10/2006 and 24/10/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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