Theft / Environmental Concerns
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 3
From: Kingston, NY
Theft / Environmental Concerns
Hello all. Just purchased my first 993; a '95 Cab in Arctic Silver exterior / Nephrite Green interior in great condition! 
I've owned several sports cars in the past, including a '71 914 that I converted to a 3.2L 'GT', but first time for a 993 (yes I know, pics will be coming!). Thanks for everyone on this forum for the great insight; it has been invaluable.
Now for the question: I purchased the car to drive, not sit in the garage and play queenie. The time I would enjoy it the most is during the week on my 30 minute commute, which happens to be a beautiful ride. Weekends would be more difficult to use much due to space needed for family, groceries. etc. My concerns is parking it near my office, which is in an open private lot. I haven't heard about any thefts in the lot, and the landlord thinks that it is very safe, particularly before dark, but theft is still a concern. I also a bit concerned about it sitting in the sun for half the day (the other half would be shaded due to some trees and sun angle), which could cause some fading and weathering. The landlord suggested either getting a cover or an open tent which he would be willing to allow me to setup in a specific spot in the lot. I'm not sure though if the cover or tent would draw extra unwanted attention though. By the way, I have looked for any enclosed garage rentals, but I have not seen any in the area.
Any words of wisdom? Should I invest in a very good security system? What about the idea of a car cover or tent?
Thanks much
I've owned several sports cars in the past, including a '71 914 that I converted to a 3.2L 'GT', but first time for a 993 (yes I know, pics will be coming!). Thanks for everyone on this forum for the great insight; it has been invaluable.Now for the question: I purchased the car to drive, not sit in the garage and play queenie. The time I would enjoy it the most is during the week on my 30 minute commute, which happens to be a beautiful ride. Weekends would be more difficult to use much due to space needed for family, groceries. etc. My concerns is parking it near my office, which is in an open private lot. I haven't heard about any thefts in the lot, and the landlord thinks that it is very safe, particularly before dark, but theft is still a concern. I also a bit concerned about it sitting in the sun for half the day (the other half would be shaded due to some trees and sun angle), which could cause some fading and weathering. The landlord suggested either getting a cover or an open tent which he would be willing to allow me to setup in a specific spot in the lot. I'm not sure though if the cover or tent would draw extra unwanted attention though. By the way, I have looked for any enclosed garage rentals, but I have not seen any in the area.
Any words of wisdom? Should I invest in a very good security system? What about the idea of a car cover or tent?
Thanks much
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 41
From: Vancouver
I'm not sure what to recommend, just figured I'd share my experience:
First, an amusing not re theft: one of the best modern anti-theft systems is a manual transmission.
With regards to a cover, it would definitely be the best option insofar as wear/tear on your paint and interior is concerned, but depending on the overall aesthetic, it might attract attention, as you mention. FWIW, I parked my car at work in a similar situation (spent ~1/2 the day shaded and about 1/2 the day under the sun). After a year, the paint swirls were certainly showing...I ultimately splurged for a pretty comprehensive detail to bring it back up to snuff.
First, an amusing not re theft: one of the best modern anti-theft systems is a manual transmission.
With regards to a cover, it would definitely be the best option insofar as wear/tear on your paint and interior is concerned, but depending on the overall aesthetic, it might attract attention, as you mention. FWIW, I parked my car at work in a similar situation (spent ~1/2 the day shaded and about 1/2 the day under the sun). After a year, the paint swirls were certainly showing...I ultimately splurged for a pretty comprehensive detail to bring it back up to snuff.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
Are you parking in downtown Detroit or something? 
If you are worried about your car being stolen, what makes you think that tent cover would be there when you come back the next day?
Get a window shade and use it...heck get a couple and use them in front/back/side windows if needed. Keep the car waxed and enjoy!!!
Does your car already have the (much maligned, but not sure why...) driveBlock and remote keyless entry? Early 95s have a different system. Every time I've seen cars with aftermarket alarms, they seem to cause more trouble than they are worth... You have insurance, right? All done then.
Drive, enjoy. Repeat if necessary.
If you are worried about your car being stolen, what makes you think that tent cover would be there when you come back the next day? Get a window shade and use it...heck get a couple and use them in front/back/side windows if needed. Keep the car waxed and enjoy!!!
Does your car already have the (much maligned, but not sure why...) driveBlock and remote keyless entry? Early 95s have a different system. Every time I've seen cars with aftermarket alarms, they seem to cause more trouble than they are worth... You have insurance, right? All done then.
Drive, enjoy. Repeat if necessary.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,872
Likes: 222
From: Schattenbaum/MNY Regions
And, when the easy up falls in a wind storm you're going to be unhappy.
Drive the car and enjoy it. Worry less but keep it well insured and detail if the paint gets dull.
At least, that's my two cents.
Drive the car and enjoy it. Worry less but keep it well insured and detail if the paint gets dull.
At least, that's my two cents.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 93
From: Torrance, CA USA
Is the lot visible from your office window? I used to park right outside my office, so when I had my 80 SC Targa, I didn't mind leaving the top off.
If not, I would at least get a cover for it, to 1. protect from the sun/UV and also add another layer of security. 2. a good aftermarket Alarm is a deterrent, but worthwhile in my opinion. Lojack is another alternative.
If you want to go inexpensively, you can remove certain components of the electrical system that will prevent starting. If they tow it up on a flatbed and drive off, however....
Nothing is really impossible to stop a thief, but by adding deterrents, you reduce your risk.
I think a nondescript cover (silver or tan color) would not draw additional attention.
If not, I would at least get a cover for it, to 1. protect from the sun/UV and also add another layer of security. 2. a good aftermarket Alarm is a deterrent, but worthwhile in my opinion. Lojack is another alternative.
If you want to go inexpensively, you can remove certain components of the electrical system that will prevent starting. If they tow it up on a flatbed and drive off, however....
Nothing is really impossible to stop a thief, but by adding deterrents, you reduce your risk.
I think a nondescript cover (silver or tan color) would not draw additional attention.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 93
From: Torrance, CA USA
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 3
From: Kingston, NY
Thanks much for mighty quick replies!
asofine: The car is a manual, so hopefully that will help! Did the detailing completely restore the exterior and get rid of the swirls? Did you have any fading in the interior?
Keith: Not in a place like downtown Detroit (uptown Kngston, NY actually), but an area that does have a gang or two. The idea of the ten cover wasn't for theft reasons, but for environmental (sun) ones. Thanks for the suggestion on the window shades; that would certainly help with interior fading. I don't think I have driveBlock and remote keyless entry (I am picking up the car in a few days, so am not intimately familiar with it yet).
Marc: I'll certainly keep it bright and shiny! Hopefully the insurance company will come through if necessary. It is insured for the amount I paid, so I assume that will help.
Kika: Unfortunately, the car is not visible from our office; it is actually a couple of blocks away. Thanks for suggestion on a nondescript cover.
asofine: The car is a manual, so hopefully that will help! Did the detailing completely restore the exterior and get rid of the swirls? Did you have any fading in the interior?
Keith: Not in a place like downtown Detroit (uptown Kngston, NY actually), but an area that does have a gang or two. The idea of the ten cover wasn't for theft reasons, but for environmental (sun) ones. Thanks for the suggestion on the window shades; that would certainly help with interior fading. I don't think I have driveBlock and remote keyless entry (I am picking up the car in a few days, so am not intimately familiar with it yet).
Marc: I'll certainly keep it bright and shiny! Hopefully the insurance company will come through if necessary. It is insured for the amount I paid, so I assume that will help.
Kika: Unfortunately, the car is not visible from our office; it is actually a couple of blocks away. Thanks for suggestion on a nondescript cover.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 41
From: Vancouver
No problem! I think the detail did a spectacular job eradicating the swirling. With that said, on the detailer's recommendation, I went for a pretty involved detail in order to get it to such a great state. Have a look for yourself: https://rennlist.com/forums/concours...s-993-c4s.html
I was very concerned about my interior fading but luckily I escaped pretty unscathed. I always left my rear seats folded down and used a window shade (the latter certainly helped a great deal). I think another year+ would have begun to take its toll on the interior, though. I've seen many blue interiors and most look to be in quite worse shape than mine.
I was very concerned about my interior fading but luckily I escaped pretty unscathed. I always left my rear seats folded down and used a window shade (the latter certainly helped a great deal). I think another year+ would have begun to take its toll on the interior, though. I've seen many blue interiors and most look to be in quite worse shape than mine.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 6
From: Jersey Shore
If ur worried about sun, then how are you going to feel about contaminated rain, snow, ice, thunderstorms w ice pellets, hail, wind blown sand / dirt?
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 41
From: Vancouver
If if worried about sun, then how are you going to feel about contaminated rain, snow, ice, thunderstorms w ice pellets, hail, wind blown sand / dirt?
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 3
From: Kingston, NY
If ur worried about sun, then how are you going to feel about contaminated rain, snow, ice, thunderstorms w ice pellets, hail, wind blown sand / dirt?
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
you need a Honda if ur worrying about "parking in the sun", park the car in ur garage use it for pleasure drives. The idea of erecting a tent at your office is pretty funny though.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 6
From: Jersey Shore
Id be far more concerned about this "tent" collapsing on the car (seen it), or fall out damage from the frequent use of car cover (lived it), or car cover drawing attention and the car getting broken into anyways (also lived it).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 3
From: Kingston, NY