Relocating Alarm Siren

Anonymous · June 24, 2003, 13:15

As some of you know I have ditched my spare from the front to save a bit of weight and to free up some storage space. Well the latter aim was scuppered by the position of the alarm siren under the spare.

Yesterday I finally got around to having a look at relocating the alarm siren to free up this space. Long story short I have repositioned the alarm siren box, minus the bulky metal braket, outside the storage bin, under the plastic trim on the passenger side. The actual siren (which is nice and light without the metal braket) is now secruely fatened to the storage bin itself and sits out of sight under the plastic trim.

Now I actaully have a pretty big storage bin up front and an alarm that is actually a bit louder as the siren now points in the right direction and has less plastic for the sound to get through!

I'll be listening carefully for the next few days to make sure no new rattles appear as a result of this move but assuming all is ok I can now actually fit stuff in my '2!

--H--

markiii · June 24, 2003, 13:51

core, not doubting your abilities but you just technically invalidated your Thatcham cat 1 status.

Unless you have a suitable engineer inspect and write you out a new certificate, you insurance company may decide to be a pain.

just a thought.

Mark.

Anonymous · June 24, 2003, 13:59

I've had a look through the Thatcham PDF ( m http://www.thatcham.org/resources/pdfs/compliance.pdf m ), and while it lists the '2s alarm system, it doesn't appear to say what CAT level it is. Or am I missing something obvious?

Seems I was, the sections are headed (I was looking for something in the table itself). Doh.

Anonymous · June 24, 2003, 14:11

Quote from: "markiii"core, not doubting your abilities but you just technically invalidated your Thatcham cat 1 status.

Unless you have a suitable engineer inspect and write you out a new certificate, you insurance company may decide to be a pain.

just a thought.

Mark.

Good point, I'll take it under advisement.

Thanks.

--H--

markiii · June 24, 2003, 14:11

Default UK spec is Cat 2 immobilsor and CAT 1 alarm.

Heres the stupid bit.

Most insurance companies don't reduce the premium for the 2 any more for cat 1 than for cat 2. However if you listed it (or default uk spec implies it) and then they find it's not they can invalidate the policy.

Mark.

Anonymous · June 24, 2003, 14:18

That's very stupid. My insurer asked what's fitted. I said "manufacturer's standard". If they then invalidate the insurance then they're doing so because they incorrectly identified the manufacturer's default, not because you told them anything incorrect. I reckon you'd have a pretty good case against them.

markiii · June 24, 2003, 14:51

manufacturers standard for a uk car is cat 1, if you change that, even moving the siren invalidates the certification then it's you who misdescribed it.

Anonymous · June 24, 2003, 15:07

Sorry, seems I misunderstood what you were saying. I agree that tinkering with the alarm would leave you open to problems.

Anonymous · June 25, 2003, 13:14

If the reson for relocating the alarm is to make it louder why not just buy a new alarm header?

you can get these from most alram car shops, you can get different signal patterns and loudness, even the illegal one's s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

takes a few minties fitting it and the sound is as a normal high powered alarm!

They do cost around £40-60 tho s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

Anonymous · June 25, 2003, 13:35

Quote from: "Buster"If the reson for relocating the alarm is to make it louder why not just buy a new alarm header?

Nope, that wasn't one of my reasons anyway.

--H--

dancarbon · June 25, 2003, 16:12

We ditched the spare for a trip to Scotland and it makes loads of extra space even with the siren still there.

Has anyone looked into adding a second siren to get more volume out of the alarm? It is tame when under the bonnet, cover and spare. It certainly didn't deter the b*stards who nicked our stereo s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

Anonymous · June 25, 2003, 16:53

Quote from: "Hardcore"
Quote from: "Buster"If the reson for relocating the alarm is to make it louder why not just buy a new alarm header?
Nope, that wasn't one of my reasons anyway.

--H--

Just wondering s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Anonymous · March 13, 2005, 19:11

Sorry to resurrect this topic but I'm considering moving the siren to increase the usefulness of the bin.

Has anyone either discussed the relocation with their insurer or approached a specialist installer to see if they would re-certify the alarm as cat 1?

Any other thoughts or comments?

roger · March 14, 2005, 14:08

If you are willing to take a risk...take it, if you are not...ask your insurance company.

I reckon just say something like you are moving it from the storage box into the front bay next to the box, any problems? Also do it in writing rather than phone. Call centres have the habit of saying "No..but what was the question again?"

crankshaft · March 14, 2005, 15:03

m http://www.mr2roc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4763 m

Anonymous · March 16, 2005, 21:25

If a second alarm header is fitted (as suggested by Buster) does anyone know what is going down the harness. I've not looked yet to see how many wires we're dealing with but I guess if it's two it's just your basic on/off 12v. Anyone know?

Also, on the basis of installing a second header, would this not require splicing into the existing harness which could be seen by insurance companies as being part of the alarm system? (hence problem with Thatcham rating).

In the dark here but if anyone can help....

kanujunkie · March 17, 2005, 20:45

can't remember if it's definatly 12v now, should be, all i can say is put a meter on it and find out to be sure, to the second question, then yes you will need to splice into the loom so the thatcham bit could be a problem, up to you but just check to see if your insurance company are happy about it, shouldn't be a problem if it's done by a reputable mechanic s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

crankshaft · March 18, 2005, 12:32

If I remember correctly, there's four wires, probably signal, ground, immobilize sense & return.

Sense & Sense return would disable the ignition if either was cut.

I relocated my alarm, previously it was just a muffled sound that was easy to ignore. After relocating it was painfully loud. I did not cut any wires and it could easily be returned to standard if necsessary.

Crankshaft.

Anonymous · March 18, 2005, 13:23

Cheers All,

I might just go for the relocation without actually disconnecting anything. This may be a safer bet when it comes to insurance than cutting the loom. I'll add this to my list for the weekend...unless it's sunny (my hardtop will be coming off!)

Anonymous · March 18, 2005, 13:58

Further to my earlier question concerning anyone's experience with their insurance company and relocation the alarm I can confirm I've now spoken to mine (Direct Line) and have been told they would have no objection to me carrying out this modification. s:)

s:)

So here goes..........

Is it just me or does this sound a bit to easy?

Anonymous · March 18, 2005, 14:04

It sounds too easy to me. I'd have wanted it in writing or something.