I procrastinated forever on it for this very reason. I was afraid to let someone perform surgery on my new truck. That's probably why it took me a year to get it done. But not all installers are a-holes. I found a good guy that I will definitely go back to for repeat business, if needed. They specialize in alarms and audio units so making the job neat and clean is essential to them. I knew they'd take care of it good.

 

swhite
I disagree. Most car thieves are not ex-alarm installers. Thieves are pocket shallow punks too broke to purchase a stereo or CD player. The reason for the Viper decal, or any alarm decal is to warn off any potential thief. If a thief selects a veicle without a decal, but with an alarm, the vehicle owner may end up saving his vehicle when the bump alarm goes off, but end up with a comp claim for a broken window.

If an alarm installer chooses to become a thief, your guess that he can defeat an alarm is not correct. Alarms are coded to the owners satisfaction. Thus when a thief wishes to decode a sounding alarm there will be a time lapse that no thief wishes to endure while trying to locate the valet button, then figure out the shut off code.

Or, you can just not have an alarm. Thus not inviting the ex-alarm installer with any kind of decal or flashing light.

 

You guys are describing 2 different thieves, a professional and a crackhead. Im with not posting a sticker either, the blinking light will do the same as a sticker but just wont tell what kind of alarm. What it comes down to is if they want it its theres.

 

If I can find a reputable place I will think about getting an alarm more but around where I live I have been to most places to get something done in some way shape or form and been disappointed because of the hack job they called a professional install. I will pursue a search for a place to get an alarm put in the right way.

 

That's what I thought too. Turns out you have to buy the whole surround for like $65 and no dealer sells just the "black plastic." So look forward to that if and when you get rid of the truck/alarm.

 

i was referred to a local circuit city by a local ford dealership... the guy said he took all his stuff there for aftermarket alarms on new fords. a certain guy there he knows would be working on my truck. i'm pretty set on having the LED mounted next to the hazard switch on top of the column. im not going to advertise what kind of alarm i have, but anyone who gets too close will know its there, and with the 1/2 mile 2-way so will i.

 

Mine was installed at the dealer. They seem to be a pretty progressive dealer/shop. They have an alarm installation department, quick lube, car wash, spray in bedliner. Allot of the specialty shops all on premise.

It's pretty cool in that all the upgrades on my truck, tires, rims, shell etc are covered under warranty. It works in conjunction with the keypad as well, in case the Fob doesn't work for some reason. Like I might remember the code or button sequence to actually disarm/unlock. Have got to remember to play with that thing just in case.

 

Jon are those 20's? What kind of tires do you have on there they look sweeet! When the time comes want to replace the tires I have on my 20's with an aggressive tread like that.

 

Yes they are. Motto wheels with Toyo 305-55-20 Open Country A/Ts

Thanks
Jon

 

May I suggest you use the five digit code as part of one of your online passwords? Because my wife forgets codes like that I use them in e-mail accounts, web memberships, etc. combine that code with another few letters or digits and after a month or so you will know it by heart.
Just a trick that may help.

Imagine locking the keys in and not knowing the code. That would be worse than not having the keypad.
Chris

 

You're right.....good suggestion. One more password/number to incorporate in my life.

 

This is wrong. if you know anything about electricity, electronics, and can read, you can install an alarm. You are obviously smart enough to come to this forum where you can find EVERY wiring diagram and installation technique. If you need help all you have to do is ask. Somebody will help you.

Even cars that are professionally installed get broken in to. Even a theifs can can be broken in to. Even if you stand in front of your car with a gun. After killing 13 people and using all of your rounds on them, the 14th person can steal your truck.

Usually if your alarm is installed, it's installed. Like a fuse, either it works or it doesn't. The key is testing your alarm when you install it. Does it go off too often? If so, will it bypass that zone and leave me unprotected because I set the sensitivity too high? When does it go off? Does it go off when I open the door or when I pee on the front tire? Try breaking in to your own car when you get done. Go through some scenarios. If I leave this unlocked but armed... will it go off... if I remote start it and leave this unlocked... what if the other door is unlocked.... climb in the window and turn the key with it armed.....

The point is, anybody with some technical know-how can install an alarm. You can get every bit of info you need right here or from your dealer, or alarm manufacturer. Usually labor is not covered by a warranty, even from a Viper installer. So why spend $300 to have somebody install it when you can do it yourself for free and still have the same warranty?? (equipment only)


later,
Heath

 

heathric, I think you are right on the money here. Except for the urinating on the tire thing...


My truck had an alarm put in it by the dealer. I would fire myself if my work was that bad.

If you have the excellent instructions you can get here, and are at least slightly mechanical/electrical inclined you can do a much better than Circus City or Bestish Buy type places.

If you use a Powercode and download the directions it is one easy job.
Chris