Has anyone used security screws on the grille/headlights?

[jameshoward]

I dropped my front grille and rear bumpers to a chrome plater in Belgium today for the work they've always needed.

Having removed the grille before, I recall thinking at the time how easy it is to do. When I put euro lights on the car, following the advice of a fellow member, I used special security screws (there are many different types).

I am going to do the same on the grille, but before I embark on re-inventing the wheel, I wondered if anyone here had already discovered what works best, such as what size are needed, etc? Once I know what will fit, I'll send them to the plater for finishing.

Has anyone used security screws on the chromework on their cars or is able to make a recommendation?

Thanks,

JH

[hkollan]

Hi,

Why not use the original hardware? Usually works best in my experience. IF the holes for the moumting screws are ok, no reason to invent the wheel again as I see it.

Hans

[mdsalemi]

Are things that bad where you are, that you need to even consider this? That's a serious question.
Once upon a time the only place you saw security screws was in a public bathroom (? !) to prevent the bad guys from taking it apart.
Now the tools to undo "security screws" are available anywhere.
I would not put much faith in them, just saying.
If a thief goes to remove something on your car, and finds these--you are as likely to get thousands of dollars of damage from an angry thief as you would be from a missing part.

https://www.google.com/search?q=security+screw+tools&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=lxmzU_y9CcSRqgbylYL4CA&ved=0CHsQsAQ&biw=1502&bih=1181
 

[jameshoward]

Are things that bad where I am? Well, I think it's fair to say that I have probably the best protected pagoda anywhere, at least where it lives.  Well trained, heavily armed chaps going about there business look after our installation. My car lives there also. But when it's out and about in do think it's worth considering the security of the car. Are there bad people out there who steal stuff? Yep. Hardly breaking news.

I could get the front grille - with its exquisite original fittings - off a car with a philips screw driver bit in about 2 minutes. No need even for a screw driver. So, if by replacing the original fittings with security fittings of the same shape/size and have the would-be toe-rag move onto another car, I'm happy. Some folk here have trailer queen cars, but mine gets driven parked up, as do many, like yours I am sure. For that reason I think folk should consider this factor. Stuff gets nicked off cars all the time, Michael. EBay is full of the stuff. There's no point pretending it doesn't happen, or that there's some sort of "that could never happen here" approach. Take my main car (no pun intended). It's a Land Rover, and the tow bars and spare wheels are continually being nicked in some parts of the UK. They go onto eBay and some shite bag makes a pretty penny.

For that reason, I think my question is perfectly valid. I'm not suggesting invasive methods. I don't recall at our European event 2 years ago (where my car won the most original pagoda prize) anyone commenting on the ghastly security screws holding the headlights rings in place. So, no one would notice. Except the guy trying to steal stuff. As for second guessing subsequent vandalism, that won't lead anywhere unless one happens to be an aforementioned bad guy who would punish a wise and security conscious owner. Postulate all you like, though.

The question stands, I think and it's worth considering if you want to use the car as a true driver.

[mdsalemi]

Years ago, James--many kids living in New York City were often given a $10 or $20 bill to keep with them in case they were "mugged" as it were. The valid thought is that if the mugger were to target you, better have something to give them. (today of course I don't think many parents would let a 10 year old wander the streets of Manhattan alone…)

My point on the security screws is that anybody--and I mean anybody can get all the tools necessary to circumvent them. Therefore, they are of limited value. A pro will have these tools.

If a thief sees and targets your car, you are screwed. A security bit isn't going to stop them. It's going to piss them off. I've seen that kind of stuff at the car wash I used to own. When the bad guys get angry, they start to break things--and it takes little effort to do an enormous and costly amount of damage to a car--especially ours--in a very short amount of time.

I'm not passing judgment on whether or not you should use security screws (more properly called vandal proof screws since that's about all they might prevent…) but rather trying to enlighten you on what an angry thief can do--I've seen it and experienced it. I've seen thousands of dollars of damage caused by people angry over a lost quarter. Anger is what you do NOT want to incite. That will cause you more problems than any missing part. If you don't believe me, well…I hope you never experience it.

A bad guy might want to nick your grill for example, but if he finds it held down by security screws might go berserk and kick the living crap out of your car. You've got your grill…and $10K worth of body damage and broken things to deal with. I'd much rather deal with a missing part than the consequence of an angry criminal. That' my opinion.

I always think long and hard about where I park.

[jpinet]

I'm not sure our cars attract that much attention from guys who steal parts. It's not a Honda or a Toyota where you can sell parts easily. Unless you car is always parked at the same place, it has to be a 'spur of the moment' thing for a thief and he has to be educated on the value of these parts. Not sure that,s the case of your average run of the mill thief. But they might take the whole car. I know one famous actor had his stolen in the USA. Personally, I drive my car everywhere and park it where there is a lot with an attendant. Otherwise, I'm in small towns where I feel it's pretty secure on the street during the day. I'm not sure i would leave it out a whole night on the street though.

[hkollan]

Oops I think I got the point of your post now...

 

[stickandrudderman]

Theft of grills and headlights is a real issue. Why not just rivet them on?

[jpinet]

Guys, reading you, I'm happy to live where I live. No one knows theses cars over here. Our parts are safe! There must be but a handful in Quebec.

[jameshoward]

Guys, reading you, I'm happy to live where I live. No one knows theses cars over here. Our parts are safe! There must be but a handful in Quebec.

Nice, but it's probably cheaper for me to rivet (nice idea, Stick) the headlights and grilles in place than it is to move to Canada! Much as I like the idea of living in Canada, that is. I've spent a lot of time in BC, but your remarks about the short summer where you are has put me right off!

[jpinet]

Nice, but it's probably cheaper for me to rivet (nice idea, Stick) the headlights and grilles in place than it is to move to Canada! Much as I like the idea of living in Canada, that is. I've spent a lot of time in BC, but your remarks about the short summer where you are has put me right off!

Yep. I'm stretching it if I say we have 3 months of real drive with your top down summer weather

[Raymond]

Michael, I'm sure that you saw lots of anger damage at the car wash but how many cars did you see?  Percentage-wise, what's the anger to theft ratio?  (That's rhetorical).  The tools to remove security hardware are available, but now you're talking a professional thief who has stalked and targeted the car and nothing will prevent it.  Cops tell me most thefts are targets of opportunity.  Thieves prefer easy, quick targets.  They want to grab quietly, and get away.  That kind of slimeball would rather slice the rear palstic window and grab whatever is available inside because that can be done in 10 seconds.  Removing a grille could take someone unfamiliar with the process several minutes.  If they can't turn the screws with a Philips head, they'll likely move on.