how easy is a Z1 to steal? just wondering cuz its not detachable... is it safe to leave it in dash? thanks!

JZ said:

how easy is a Z1 to steal? just wondering cuz its not detachable... is it safe to leave it in dash? thanks!

Well if someone is determined enough, any stereo can be stolen. What you could do is rig a small chain in the back on a bolt post and bolt the other end to the body. (Seen this done a lot)

Or you can do what i did. Build a wood box to encase it, bolt the wood box with large bolts to the the inner dash then run good 8mm security bolts (torx or whatnot) through the side of the box into the mounting bolt holes on the side.

Also note that a lot of insurance companies do not cover aftermarket stereo systems worth more than 10% of book value of the vehicle. So you need to get a rider from your autoinsurance company. Mine covers me for 8000 (I have more than the head unit) and only costs an extra 12 bux a year.

Not trying to promote an insurance company or anything (I hate them as much, or more than anybody - living in Southern California, driving a Hummer), but my insurance is through AIS (Auto Insurance Specialists), they let me add a special provision to my policy of $1000. I lowered my compy deductible to $50...so now I have about $2500 coverage just for my stereo alone...

Just a thought.

ClubFed said:

Not trying to promote an insurance company or anything (I hate them as much, or more than anybody - living in Southern California, driving a Hummer), but my insurance is through AIS (Auto Insurance Specialists), they let me add a special provision to my policy of $1000. I lowered my compy deductible to $50...so now I have about $2500 coverage just for my stereo alone...

Just a thought.

My rider was 12 bux a year through geico, gave me $8000.00 for my system (head unit, amp, stealth box, tv screens, etc)

ClubFed said:

Not trying to promote an insurance company or anything (I hate them as much, or more than anybody - living in Southern California, driving a Hummer), but my insurance is through AIS (Auto Insurance Specialists), they let me add a special provision to my policy of $1000. I lowered my compy deductible to $50...so now I have about $2500 coverage just for my stereo alone...

Just a thought.

AIS is just your broker, not your insurance company.

I have seen it several times where if a theif can't get your stereo out, they will destroy it so you can't use it either. You can chain it up, but if somebody goes to steal it and finds it chained or bolted, chances are they will smash your screen up. Just telling it like it is.

For security in my truck, I am going to get a ford factory stereo off eBay. Alot of people are selling the base unit that doesn't play mp3's or have any bells and whistles for cheap. I will take the face of it and modify it so I can slide it over the Z1 so it looks like it's nothing more than a factory head unit. I don't even have a z1 yet, but when I do, and when I do this mod, I will post pics.

The "stock" stereo cover is a good idea but you still have the GPS antenna. The antenna has to be visible for it to work properly and when a thief sees it, he'll bust in anyway to see what you have.

steve350f said:

The "stock" stereo cover is a good idea but you still have the GPS antenna. The antenna has to be visible for it to work properly and when a thief sees it, he'll bust in anyway to see what you have.

Again, in an F150 (sorry everyone else :( ), the gps antenna should be able to be hid underneath the passengers side wiper cowl. I had my sirius radio antenna there on my '05 and never had a problem with reception. GPS uses multiple satellites at the exact same time so it shouldn't be an issue. My gps unit for my PDA works inside my house (20 feet away from the nearest window). It also picks up 8-9 satellites in my truck when I put it in the middle of my truck (not up in the windshield area). I know perfect line of site is optimal, but I would be willing to bet it would work just fine hidden a little bit.

As for the F150, the passengers side wiper cowl (plastic piece at the bottom of the windshield between the window and the hood) has holes in it. Put the antenna under that at and it should work. I am not 100% sure about this, but I don't know why it wouldn't work.