Stolen tail light thread

[Muddy Fenders]

maybe Ford should design removeable taillights in the interest of staying ahead of the thieves.

With pretty little man purses to carry them in.

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[Trigganometry]

Reality is these guys bring just the tools needed to boost what they want. They know what they’re doing and do it fast. Highly doubt they’re running with a security bit set. Just to switch gears from the plan they would run. Still have a damaged tailgate to deal with.

For me I want to find a way to circumvent the latch penetration via screwdriver. Would love to find a decretive insert that’s metal. They see that and move on.

 

[Jason B]

Security screws with covers on top because why not baffle them with bullshit?

And then use two or 4 different head screws to really slow them down.

 

[DonB]

And then use two or 4 different head screws to really slow them down.

I've already ordered the bed cover for it. So that should slow them down even more

 

[Cabose-1]

And then use two or 4 different head screws to really slow them down.

You say it as a joke, but........
In reality, 4 different screw types would make a thief really frustrated and really slow em down. Vandalize your ranger out of spite.

But best option i have heard yet!

 

[Jason B]

You say it as a joke, but........
In reality, 4 different screw types would make a thief really frustrated and really slow em down. Vandalize your ranger out of spite.

But best option i have heard yet!

You bring up a good point.
I really didn't mean it as a joke. I hadn't thought about vindictive thieves that may cause more damage than just stealing the lights.

 

[Cabose-1]

You bring up a good point.
I really didn't mean it as a joke. I hadn't thought about vindictive thieves that may cause more damage than just stealing the lights.

But i think it is still the best way. One a security torx, the other a security phillips head, the other some oddball 7.5 mm nut, and the other some security flat head screw driver( with the curved edges) ha, i think that really is one if the best ways. I dont think the lights are serviceable, so we would only change it out for a new one.
Thief would just say WTF, and hopefully just go away. Or be, oh yeah, let me show you.........flat tire broken window and ? suprise on the infotainment screen. Hopefully not. But most evil doers are not sane, sober, moral people. Whole different way of thinking

 

[Skit hjälm]

Fwiw.
I’d use a trusshead or flathead and finishing washer. Either an ordinary or security type.
Then epoxy over the head and paint it.
On the off chance I need to remove the lamp...
If it means delaying a thief to perhaps they’ll give up on it.
I’ll happily spend the extra few minutes picking the screwhead clear of epoxy to remove the screw if it comes down to it.

 

[Dustoff262]

Just fill the groove of your screw with solder. You will need a soldering iron to remove it, but if you need to do it, you have all the time in the world, but a thief does not want to do that 4 times, especially if you have 4 different screw heads. Geeze, the creativity you have to go through to protect your property.

 

[Skit hjälm]

yes, the very elusive hard to find #3 Phillip's.

A nr.3 Phillips is easily removed with a nr.2 Phillips, nr 2 Robertson or small flat screwdriver.
As a Panhead, it’s also easy turn the screw with pliers.

 

[NotBudule]

some kind of screeching alarm when the tailgate gets lowered might do it, also might stop the vandalism if they mad about the failed thievery, everybody hates screeching alarms...

 

[Fitzmotor]

I may put 4 of those big steel rivets, the ones that take the hydraulic or air tool to pull down, or maybe the break off head screws that they use on ignition switches.

But really you would still have a hole in the tailgate, a bond in steel panel would be the best way, I wonder how much damage they would still do.

I hate thieves, guys like this are specialist, they show up with exactly the right tools, they are fast and efficient. They are not your average smash and grab tweekers.

I think the whole different fastener thing may even be enough, they may have a few different bits for the cordless in their pocket, but it only takes something odd or different to slow them up or stop them, then again, they ARE thieves, they get what they come for more than they go home empty handed.

 

[DHMag]

And I'm still waiting for my truck to be finished. On Friday, the service advisor says it would be ready Monday. Monday comes and goes without hearing from the dealership. I called today, learned my advisor is out until next week. Person filling in says more parts are needed ($1400 !!!) and they need to reach out to the insurance company. Insurance adjuster calls me and asks if I've gotten my truck back. I tell him about more parts needed, it was news to him. Says he heading to the dealer tomorrow to get real answers.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Looks like a job for a Trunk Monkey! Or a hungry alligator left inside the covered bed ?.

Mine got busted by some idiot so I epoxied the crack for now, I will buy a used on from an online junk yard, not about to spring for a new one at the going rates.

 

[DHMag]

Just an FYI to the future unlucky souls that have to go through this, the BLIS modules, brackets, and screws are not included with the tail lamp assembly. This payout from my insurance does not include my $499 deductible:

EDIT: After looking at the repair estimate, they had to replace the blind spot sensors in the bumper as well, not the BLIS modules in the tail lamp assembly. I am not exactly sure why these were replaced, unless when they harness was cut, it shorted them ...???

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