I just posted this in the "HIDS on EBAY" thread but I thought it might be worth a post of it's own:


What do you guys think about a kit like one of these to etch the VIN# on the HIDS?


http://www.vinetcher.com

http://www.autoetch.net/etchkits.htm

Anyone ever use something like this? I know it works on glass, I wonder if it would work on the HID covers?

At the very least, it could help those .org members whose glass isn't already etched. My 2K3 came with etched glass right from the dealer.

 

It will work on the HID covers... I will be doing so very soon. It will at least hinder the resale of it when someone sees a VIN number on it!

 

That's what I was thinking too. I don't understand why so many people on this *.org are against preventative measures or deterrents (or whatever you want to call them). My opinion has always been to put anti-theft devices on all of my cars.

I know that a professional thief will get a car or car parts if they really want them.....but that doesn't mean I'm gonna leave my hood open, doors unlocked and windows down...come live in NY and maybe some people will look at it differently.

sorry ...had to vent

 

Dude... vent away. That's what the forums are for...

I agree, totally. I mean, if someone really wants the HIDs, nothing is going to stop him. However, I am going to make it hard for the b*st*rd every step of the way... from a car alarm (hood wired), then the HID anti theft bar around the hood latch cable, the protected hood latch release, and when he finally gets the hood open, the break off bolts in the HIDs. All that work and no drill... so then he will have to cut the housings and instead of making $800 on EBay, now he can only make about $200 because he can only sell the bulbs and ballasts.

 

The kit in the 1st link (blue tape and rubber) looks like the one the cops used when they had etching day where I live. It's pretty accurate and neat if you take your time. Only thing is the lens of the HID is like thin plexi-glass. I wonder how much material the kit would remove from that???

I think this is a pretty good idea. Anything to equal the scales against THIEVES.

The only 2 problems, they will have ripped the lights out before they realize its etched (still good, makes a harder resale). They may only steal it for the ballast and bulbs and not care about the case.

It's worth the $20
SHIFT_woosh

 

But everyone shot it down. they said it can be just scratched off and that most people are only after the bulbs and ballasts and the housings get thrown away anyway. I think it might be better to etch the ballasts and hopefully the people will think twice about buyin in the future from the guy.

How about:

"If you can read this, you are holding stolen merchandise. Give it back sucka!"