Theft deterence idea for wheels and tires

[mrk5]

I've been hearing a lot of stories around here (Colorado) about trail rig sabotage. Removing lugnuts seems to be a favorite trick. Plus I have worried about some punks steeling my wheels and tires while it's parked at home. Just ask MTChevy about that.

So I came up with this idea, re-installing the factory hubcaps.

I actually really like how they look, too. With the beadlocks it'll be a real pain in the arse to remove those hubcaps without a "special" tool. Plus I used a torque wrench on the lugnuts, 130ft-lbs. So some tree hugger is going to have to REALLY want to steal my lugs.

 

[TexasBlazerBoy]

I get excited everytime I see those tires

 

[BUDDY]

I think that looks pretty good. PM me about how you plan to get them off, (ie, what's the tool?).

Later,
Buddy

 

[mrk5]

I saw them perform a couple of weeks ago on someone else's truck. The did okay, better than I expected. Despite contrary opinions, the sidewalls will flex, especially at 5psi. I plan to do some extra grooving that should really help with the tire flex and grip.

I will say they are noisier on the road than I expected. Probably the same level as swampers. Sounds like a turbo prop.

 

[mrk5]

I think that looks pretty good. PM me about how you plan to get them off, (ie, what's the tool?).

Later,
Buddy

No secret there, I just plan to use something like this:

http://www.hubcaps.org/tool.html

I don't have one yet, so right now I'm using a brake adjuster.

It's hard to get those hubcaps off a normal wheel as it is. I broke the file on my Gerber tool trying to get them off my suburban. So they will definitely require a tool.

 

[gmc4cw]

it looks good with the caps. good thing for me I carry a hubcap tool and a breaker bar everywhere.

 

[mrk5]

it looks good with the caps. good thing for me I carry a hubcap tool and a breaker bar everywhere.

Good for me that you live all the way across the country!

 

[Jimbo*]

Scott, I have what may be a dumb question. The Mich XL's are a directional tire, no? Why are your fronts running backwards, and your rears running forwards(as they are supposed to) ??
Jimbo

 

[vortec]

trail rig sabotage

that is totally screwed up. so, at best they are vandals, and at worst, murderers. seriously, i think we can all agree that a wheel falling off on a hillclimb or ledge could mean a severe injury or death.

makes me glad we're short on stupid hippies here in texas.

Scott, I have what may be a dumb question. The Mich XL's are a directional tire, no? Why are your fronts running backwards, and your rears running forwards(as they are supposed to) ??
Jimbo

i've seen some guys run directional tires backwards so they can back out if they get caught in the mud. maybe that's his strategy, too.

 

[broncoman6524]

from what i have heard/ read. the theory is this...

a directional tire (bogger, claw etc) will "dig" on the front where there is more weight it will dig deeper than the rear, while this helps in getting to the "hard" (if there is any) bottom it also hurts because if it digs too deep you SOL (stuck).

on the back theyre fine, and pull great, wehn the front is reversed they still do ok but dont allow the front end to sink/dig deeper than the rear, as well as if yuo get stuck you can throw it in reverse and the front tires will then perform as they normally shuold.

and MRk5 i like the look! i too want a set of those michelins...

 

[mrk5]

Scott, I have what may be a dumb question. The Mich XL's are a directional tire, no? Why are your fronts running backwards, and your rears running forwards(as they are supposed to) ??
Jimbo

Yep, I did it for the reasons listed after your post. I'm just trying it out see if maybe it'll work better.

 

[chevy wrangler]

truck looks nice like that

 

[sweetk30]

i ever catch anyone vandilizing my stuff i will break every finger on both of there hands.








but your rig is cool lookin.

 

[mini_mull]

i ever catch anyone vandilizing my stuff i will break every finger on both of there hands.








but your rig is cool lookin.

I agree on both counts. If we went to cutting off fingers, people's fingers wouldn't be so sticky anymore. We could even be nice and do one section at a time. That way you'd have to steal 14 times before you'd lose one hands worth. Oh well, not going to happen. We had 5 cars parked on my street get broken into in one night last week. In some cars there wasn't even anything visible to steal, they just broke the window and popped the trunk to see if there was anything they might want. It's becoming an epidemic. I'm going to do the fuel pump wire switch on the burb. I'd cry a river if someone stole it.

Great idea on the hub caps with the locks! I've always liked your rig.

 

[mrk5]

Thanks for all the compliments everyone!

I did figure out one "flaw in the slaw" Between the beadlocks and now the hubcaps, getting to the valve stems is a real pain. At least I don't have to worry about broken valve stems.