New Convertible Owner Quesitons

[ceilinaples]

My 2007 Solara is on order and I am so excited!! I ordered it last Saturday and just waiting for the big phone call.
I have been hearing from some people that I shouldn't lock the car when I park somewhere because if someone wanted to break in, chances are real good that they would slash the rag top. Is this a common thing?
I just can't think of leaving the car unlocked. Even leaving the top down would make me worry. I do see others in parking lots with the top down. I was just wondering what everyone else here does. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[se2006]

We always put the top up and lock it like a normal car. Why would you treat a convertible any different.

[PXLpainter]

Depends on where I'm going. I live in a really nice community - low crime, etc, so I leave the top down/windows up if I'm not going to bee too long. That way they'll still set off the alarm if they try to reach in and move the car, or break in as usual.

I've only heard horror stories of the "slashed rag top" - mostly happens to cars with too much visible stuff inside and bad areas...

[robcottingham]

Hi All, A buddy of mine has recently developed an entry deterrent and alarm system for folks who desire greater security for their soft top and soft sided vehicles. The system developed by Hard 2 Top Products is an electronic and Kevlar (the stuff bullet proof vests are made of) “sandwich” providing an alarm and entry deterrent capabilities. The “sandwich” fits between the normal outer surface and the frame of the convertible top. Is this a product that may be of interest to you? We are about to approach Toyota with the invention as we have received such excellent feedback from prospective customers.
Hope to hear from you,
Robert

[PXLpainter]

Originally Posted by robcottingham

Hi All, A buddy of mine has recently developed an entry deterrent and alarm system for folks who desire greater security for their soft top and soft sided vehicles. The system developed by Hard 2 Top Products is an electronic and Kevlar (the stuff bullet proof vests are made of) “sandwich” providing an alarm and entry deterrent capabilities. The “sandwich” fits between the normal outer surface and the frame of the convertible top. Is this a product that may be of interest to you? We are about to approach Toyota with the invention as we have received such excellent feedback from prospective customers.
Hope to hear from you,
Robert

Interesting... would like to see pics or know more about how it works though... I'm not really "getting it" I don't think. So you're saying it's a "tear-proof" liner that goes inside the top?

What about times that you're parked with the top down? I'm more interested in a sensor that detects someone's putting their arm in the car over or around the rolled-up windows.

[robcottingham]

The system is a sandwich of aluminum coated Mylar foil on either side of “N” layers of Kevlar depending upon whether you require it to be bullet proof or just tear resistant. The Mylar materials on either side of the Kevlar act as positive and negative electrodes that connect to / trigger the car alarm, cell phone / pager dialer etc. I believe the original idea of connecting it to a Taser device was abandoned due to the possibility of law suits! I have a short video of the system that, if you would like, I could e-mail to you.
Cheers Robert