Toronado.org

Hey again, does anyone know any good measures to lower the chances of having a classic, like the Toronado, from being stolen? I’m going to daily drive my Toro, but worry that someone could break in and take it away. What are my options? (“Don’t drive it” is not an option ) Thanks.

After my '77 2 owner Ford F 100 was stolen in 2003, I installed a hidden ignition cutoff switch under the dash inside the heater vent.

If you turn the key or hotwire it it will still spin the starter, it just won't spark.

I had LoJack installed on my Cadillac and on my Mom's '64 Galaxie 500.

I do like Otto.

Put a switch under the dash that will cut off the coil.

You can spend a lot more money and get a more expensive system but if someone wants it bad enough they will find a way around it.

I should point out that my truck was never recovered. The cutoff switch was installed in the '79 F 100 I bought to replace the stolen one.

Ah okay, did you install the cutoff switch yourself or have it done by a professional? And how good is the LoJack?

Oh wow, I’ll probably have to wait on LoJack for a bit haha, I just checked the msrp.

The ignition cutoff on my truck is just an ordinary toggle switch from Lowe's/Home Depot. It's connected to the ignition circuit leaving the starting circuit free. That way someone trying to hotwire the car gets the starter spinning and thinks everything is hunky-dory. Hopefully he gives up after a few minutes of no starting thinking its just an old car that has other issues.

I haven't delved into the wiring under the dash of my Toro so I can't give you the play by play on ignition cutoff installation. My truck was pretty easy since there's a lot more room to work under there and see where things go. You'll have to find the wire that goes to the coil and just put a switch in it.

Sometimes I'll forget to flip the switch and sit there with the key wondering for a second or two why my truck won't start.

You can take the dizzy rotor with you after you park but GM rotors require a screwdriver to remove, unlike Ford that has little snaps on the cap with a rotor that slides out.

Jacobs used to sell a system that sets up automatically when the car
is turned off, you cannot forget it. Used a few of them here.
Bruce Roe

Ah okay, thanks for the tips! I just bought a kill switch for the car. Now all I need to do is find a clever place to hide it.

HOW are they going to steal it?

If they're going to drive it away, the ignition switch would be worthwhile.

If they're going to winch it on a flat-bed, the ignition switch is pointless.

Either way, if theft is a genuine concern, you need to be able to track the car after it's been taken.