Stolen tail light thread

[Yinzcity]

Good point. Need to rig up a shotgun, under a tonneau, for when the tailgate is illicitly opened.

Or chain Cheech to the bumper. Although, it's hard to look tough in a burgundy coat ...

You could also invest in the classic trunk monkey!

Sponsored

 

[OC4095]

 

[OC4095]

For this to work I need to delete the arm on the key unlock.

 

[OC4095]

 

[Jmarler]

Has anyone put security screws in? I'm trying to find some but I'm not sure what will work. Could use a recommendation.

 

[Trigganometry]

Has anyone put security screws in? I'm trying to find some but I'm not sure what will work. Could use a recommendation.

I was looking in that general direction. I pulled a fastener out yesterday and the OD measures 1/4” approx and is 3/4 long. It’s a sheet metal type screw. Was thinking of a torx with the center pin dome head. Can’t grab it with pliers and unless you’re carrying that torx bit you’ll be out of luck.

My big concern is finding a way to keep the screwdriver punch on the tailgate release handle from happening. That’s collateral damage that would be just as bad as losing the lights!

 

[nolan62]

My XLT has the LED tail lights. They are quite expensive.

 

[SigOris]

I was looking in that general direction. I pulled a fastener out yesterday and the OD measures 1/4” approx and is 3/4 long. It’s a sheet metal type screw. Was thinking of a torx with the center pin dome head. Can’t grab it with pliers and unless you’re carrying that torx bit you’ll be out of luck.

My big concern is finding a way to keep the screwdriver punch on the tailgate release handle from happening. That’s collateral damage that would be just as bad as losing the lights!

So, just got back from local hardware store that has those bins of every type of bolt. ok, not every one but you get the visual. anyhow, the closest I could find in thread type was a TAPCON screw. So I bought a 1/4 by 3/4 long. No go as diameter of TAPCON is slightly larger. Hoping someone who’s amazing at digging out part numbers can get some info on the thread specs.

 

[OC4095]

Would it help to cut off that D-shaped loop ? Does that have a purpose ?

Its used to unlock the tailgate by the motor and the key, so no you cant delete it unless you want it permanently locked.

 

[raytwntrvlr]

One of the most enjoyable videos I have seen recently was a guy catching a cat convert thief under his truck and just wailing on him with a baseball bat as he was just firing up his sawsall. Very rewarding. Love that instant justice. The creep escaped with lots of pain but left his thief kit behind and the guy kept his converter.

Sorry for your loss and the collateral damage.

 

[BS67]

One of the most enjoyable videos I have seen recently was a guy catching a cat convert thief under his truck and just wailing on him with a baseball bat as he was just firing up his sawsall. Very rewarding. Love that instant justice. The creep escaped with lots of pain but left his thief kit behind and the guy kept his converter.

Sorry for your loss and the collateral damage.

I hate a thief!

 

[Rick V.]

OK. After reading this whole thread I took a look at my tail lights and pulled a screw out. The thread almost looks like a license plate screw which is a 1/4” sheet metal screw. I took a 1/4-20 x 1/2” long stainless screw put a little lube on it and put it in by hand so it would not break the plastic. They hold the lights nice and tight and the thief would need a #3 Phillips to get the lights out. One of my saving graces is I have a truck cap that is always locked.

 

[Rick V.]

I also found these but don’t know if they are the correct size. If someone has access to a 150 to verify that would be a big help. https://trucksecurity.com/TScom, product LK.htm

 

[Superspirit]

Those can be defeated with snap ring pliers. Once they start seeing those they might start carrying a pair.

 

[Muddy Fenders]

Thieves of 2023

You might slow them down, but they're not going to stop.
Lets be real, there is probably some characters amongst us who see the value of these lights and are watching you scramble for solutions, and they're right here watching.
The legal system and the social system needs to do their jobs and keep them off the streets.

Sponsored