Stolen taillight - more expensive than you might think

[nate237]

I was going to look for either security torx or some other type of security bolt, but after removing one I noticed that its a self-threading bolt for plastic. I guess I could go with another self-threading type but hate to cut new threads in the plastic.

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[nate237]

Right after I posted I ran across these on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Keeper-Taillight-Security-2004-2019/dp/B07VFKN79W

 

[Mokume]

Right after I posted I ran across these on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Keeper-Taillight-Security-2004-2019/dp/B07VFKN79W

Thanks for the link, but I'm wondering if they are the same diameter for a Ranger?

I tend to think that they are, but $15 for 4 tamper-proof torx head screws is a bit pricey, even if they are made from stainless steel

 

[Dhass68]

And then the would be thief buys a set of these https://www.fmwfasteners.com/en-ca/products/2-x-1-tamper-resistant-phillips-insert-bit-1-4-hex

 

[Dgc333]

Thanks for the link, but I'm wondering if they are the same diameter for a Ranger?

I tend to think that they are, but $15 for 4 tamper-proof torx head screws is a bit pricey, even if they are made from stainless steel

You can get a package of 25 from McMaster Carr for about $10.

 

[nate237]

Yep. I'm thinking if anything, I might consider Torx self-tapping and filling with epoxy. Not impossible to defeat, but probably less likely to be foiled in the field.

 

[Mokume]

And then the would be thief buys a set of these https://www.fmwfasteners.com/en-ca/products/2-x-1-tamper-resistant-phillips-insert-bit-1-4-hex

Unfortunately, that is exactly what the parasite would do...

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

And then the would be thief buys a set of these https://www.fmwfasteners.com/en-ca/products/2-x-1-tamper-resistant-phillips-insert-bit-1-4-hex

Or just use a smaller flat head bit. it works great on security-phillips and ecurity-torx in low torque trim applications.

 

[dtech]

I think if you make it too difficult (I sometimes have a thief's mentality) the thief may elect to smash your taillight out of frustration, reminds me of yrs back when auto radio thefts were in vogue in metro areas like NYC and car owners put signs in the windshield "no radio in the car" so a thief smashed in the windshield and added "then get one" to the sign.

Wouldn't tailight theft be covered under comp insurance - which last time I looked was not overly expensive.

 

[SigOris]

Hope my tail lights are worth dying for because that’s exactly what will happen to a thief on my property.

As much as I love the bravado, you’d be the one likely in jail. There’s LEO’s on this forum that would advise against doing that. I know the Castle Doctrine here in Maine would not cover me in that situation.

 

[JesseS]

could get a Harley locker though

I actually keep my F6B in a 6X9' tuff shed as I needed the garage for the truck, but it is behind a locked gate.

 

[dtech]

As much as I love the bravado, you’d be the one likely in jail.

from an all time classic, Jimmy Cliff's "The harder they come . "



For 10 yrs or so I belonged to a waterfowl hunting club, lot's of time sitting in the blind waiting for birds to show. Learned to tune out all of the vigilante braggadocio , but some of my fellow hunters had considerable arsenals (20k rounds, AR-15 equipped with sniper optics, etc) , their money.

 

[JesseS]

Not that I know of but it would have to not interfere with the BLIS or else what would be the point? There might be something out there. I'll admit that I didn't research and instead just don't drive where this could happen. I know, I'm pathetic. Nothing I haven't heard before.

Someone needs to make a by-pass plug that would prevent a code so you can remove them for serious wheeling, I mean, they are soooo easy to remove.

 

[JesseS]

I know not everyone has a choice but whenever I see these issues with people getting parts stolen off their cars I always think about all the people that have garages and don't garage their cars. The first thing I did before I bought my Ranger was to clean out my garage so it would fit. It surprises me how many people in my neighborhood that have $30k+ vehicles always parked in their driveway and when I drive past if they happen to have their garage door open they have what looks like about $100 worth of junk filling up their garage.

I don't know maybe it's just me. I prefer to get rid of the junk, or move it some place else, donate the boxes of clothes I have not worn for years (or got to fat to wear haha), and park my car in my garage.

I did the same, had to do some re-arranging of tool boxes and such, and its a tight fit, but I would rather it be inside and off the street.

 

[Rapid Roy]

Wow, that's unexpected. I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.
I guess those of us who have tonneau or camper shell are not susceptible, by pure chance...

They will take your tonneau, taillights and your tailgate while they are at it (LOL)

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