Well ya there is ways around everything, but I don't think the same people that are stealing the seats are the ones that would take and strip the whole car. I think the ones that are stealing the seats are doing it because it is an easy steal. I took my seat out yesterday just to have a little more room to install my yellowbox on my car. I take them out sometimes to clean. Its insanely easy in our car. The thiefs know that, so they cut and go.

A buddy and I are still working on the proto-type that will "fight back." In its current form its patened pending and "usable" but its very easy to shock the hell out of yourself too. Either way if they go for my car during a testing day they might be in for a suprise, lol. Until that becomes a reality, seat locks are a good option because they will stop the average theif with a ratchet and 2 sockets in their pocket. Look at the cars that have had seat locks like Dariel's that got slashed but they left the seats. If they had enough time, they could get through the seat locks. However, time is not on their side in this case, they are trying to get the seats and run. If they wanted the whole car they would just tow it.

Maybe we should just all sleep naked in our cars one night and leave a picture on the windshield for the theives. If that isn't a deterent (since they will sell them anyway and it probably won't work for female car owners, lol that may increase theft), we can go Gone in 60 seconds style and all get pet snakes. I bet after the reports go around of the first one or two thieves getting bitten when going for the rear bolts might they might start thinking twice.

In all seriousness, I still think the stickers (if obvious enough and uniform enough) might be useful. Kodokan did partner up with someone to make them, so someone thought they would help. I just think it needs to be more obvious so the theif can't miss it when walking up.

 

Im getting a hardtop also for days the cars must sleep outside. Im so angry!!!!

I understand the fact that I have to pay $1000 deductible and I might as well get new seats but the feel of me knowing they couldn't get them it makes me happy and sure as hell pisses them off. If you are reading Im gonna find you and I will get my BLOOD!

 

Hey,
Kodakan_4 replied with a price of $66.00 delivered via USPS. All that is needed is proof of S2000 ownership (I applaud this precaution by the way). He will reply to you if you enquire.



Another note about Insurance companies. If you have a situation where your seats are stolen. Apparantly, if your car has gone more than 12000 miles, I have been advised that you will probably not get back original Honda Seats. They will try their hardest to find you some aftermarket or used seats. So to conclude, guard your seats with your life , otherwise you will never get back the same quality you had before. You know how we s2k wash and wax wackos take care of our seats. We are even afraid of Car Wash people putting their knees on them (Right AJ )

 

Unless you catch them in the act the chance of you EVER finding out who did it is pretty much nil. I'd say that 99% of the people who take the seats do it to resell them and don't put them in there car.

Most people who have them in there car know were they come from and this is why (including the group of people I've encountered) will get cocky or nervous when they see an S2000.

(I personally followed a kid and his friend in his Civic Si with Black S2k Seats after his friend said, "Oh shit he saw your seats" and they started hauling ass through Hialeah until they came into a gas station where a cop was parked)

If you do catch them in the act remember they just cut your top so they have a knife. If you don't have a gun then don't try to stop them because they are just going to run away. I understand you want to catch them and have one less thief on the streets but if you catch them then it's because they aren't good. I've read where people claim it can take minutes to cut a top, remove the bolts, and remove the seats when it comes to someone who considers them self a professional s2k seat thief.

Look at the people who show up to our meets. If you aren't a personal friend, don't own an s2000 then why come out? I know this can be picky because I am sure sounds bad for our friends who do come out like Rene. I have an alarm and a 500 dollar deductible. If they cut my top and take my seats then I will pay my deductible and go on. I park my car in a garage every night with my TOP DOWN. Why? Take my seats... don't cut my top. Also the garage is so packed that I have to put my top down to get out. So if you can get in, take my seats and not knock shit over and set off my alarm then you are amazing.

What we should do is make a class-action lawsuit against Honda to address this issue.

How many s2000 owners are there? How many of them have had there seats stolen? How many of them have made a purchase to prevent such a theft from occurring? How long has this been an issue and how long has Honda done nothing to prevent it? I say they have a recall and install a anti-theft unit that makes it impossible to remove the seats without a key that is given to the owner. Maybe a tether device that is bolted into the floor and can knock be removed without a special lock also given to the owner.

How much would that cost them? A lot less than a lawsuit in which they are to reimburse all owners who have had to pay for this flaw. I saw we ask for 2-4000 per owner based on the damaged and time lost. This wouldn't be hard to set up and wouldn't be hard to get people from THIS FORUM ALONE to join.

 

Using a hard top looks great (I want one myself), but it's a poor choice for security purposes.

On other non-convertible cars there is a frame that goes around the entire side window. On convertibles like ours, the window has no frame like that. Even with the hard top, there is nothing holding the upper window. Thieves know they can just pull hard on the window and reach in.

Make sure you have a motion detector/proximity sensor and are able to hear it. Otherwise, your new hard top may disappear - it's another very expensive item that only takes minutes to steal.

-Pete

 

^ I don't think Honda is to blame whatsoever.

 

I'm not sure how easy it would be to win that one. I could see how Honda could make good by it, or at least start installing a good lock in new model cars. But as far as a class action suit, I could see a lot of arguements both ways. It is not like they deliberatly made them easy to steal. They are just popular. Is the Miata or Z4 seat any harder to get out (it may be, I don't know). Older cars were easy to hotwire, but I don't think that makes the manufacturer liable because they are easy to steal. Unfortunitly, s2000 seats are just popular. At one time pink flamingo's were popular lawn furniture, but if people started stealing them from front yards I don't think the flamingo company would be liable because people Pinky was frequently kidnapped. I don't think a manufacturer can be responsible for theft unless they are found neglegent in making it to easy. Arn't most seats just bolted to the floor?

I could be missing an angle that makes it sound better the other way. What is your thought on why they are liable? You are in the IT field as am I. If a client wants to buy somewhat that is not very reliable and you are doing the purchase consulting and the end servicing . . . what happens? You advise them of the risks (IE: A Honda dealer should not lie if someone buys an s2k in Miami and asks about seat theft), however if the person buys the car anyway (like we do, knowing the risks) what can we do? Won't we still appreciate the income servicing the part when it brakes? Honda does the same thing making money off new tops and seats. I don't think Honda is claiming they are theft-proof . . . but they arn't exactly velcro either.

I think our anger and attention should be aimed at the theives, not Honda.

 

With all this seat theft, I have been thinking of different ways to prevent the theft. I think I have come up with a new preventative measure to keep the punks out of our convertibles. Its something simple to use but never thought of using it in a different way. I think it will work great at keeping the mother F****rs out.

I have to tweak it a bit..I will let you all know if it works. Whether it works or not, I'll bring it on Wednesday's Fudds to get opinions. Im not going to show it here because the punks will see and learn to combat it. We'll keep them clueless

Lets all brainstorm on ways to protect your s2k and we can discuss on Wednesday.

 

This is hilarious

I got it to work but you all are going to laugh your asses off when I show you.

 

I have some great Ideas that will present to all on Wed.