How can you protect your rims (OEM and aftermarket) from thieves?

AK370Z · 08-06-2010, 03:51 PM

Well, it seems like every two to three weeks, we are seeing "my rims got stolen" threads popping up (jeffblue , G35guy84, YZhang12). These scumbags thieves DO NOT care how they leave your car after they take the wheels. That's my biggest fear! If I were to come outside and I see my car on brick like this,

Pic courtesy Jeffblue

Pic courtesy of G35guy84

Pic courtesy of yzhang12

I'll probably have a mini heart attack! I personally don't gave a F if these thieves steal my rims (heck, if you ask me nicely I'll probably give them to you) but leaving my car on bricks, that's unacceptable.

So, I have been trying to look into a solution for this. Don't get me wrong, I live in a pretty good neighborhood. I sometimes don't even lock my car. However, if I were to drive to North Jersey or NewYork, I can't say the same about those neighborhood.

So, after few minutes of search, I found these VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nuts which are reasonably priced and has rounded outside surface which means thieves can't take them off with a regular wrench. Take a look

RAYS ENGINEERING VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nuts

Quote:

VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nuts

VOLK RACING is the premier name brand when it comes to high-end forged wheels, designed and manufactured in Japan by RAYS ENGINEERING.

RAYS ENGINEERING is a highly revered manufacturer sought out by Performance and Racing firms like TRD (Toyota Racing Development), Mazda Speed, Nismo and Mugen. Their products are not only intended for street, but made for the tough and grueling conditions of the motorsports championship races, such as the Japan and British Grand Touring Car Championship, Formula 3000, and Formula 1 Circuits.

VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nut kit features:

* AN INCREDIBLY SLEEK AND EXOTIC DESIGN MADE OF CHROME MANADIUM THAT MAKES A POWERFUL STATEMENT
* THE MULTI-PIECE STRUCTURE ENSURES AGAINST STUD AND WHEEL SEIZURES AT EXTREME TEMPERATURES
* AN INTERNAL DRIVE STYLE LUG NUT WITH A REMOVABLE ANODIZED ALUMINUM CAP FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY AND PROTECTION AGAINST DEBRIS AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
* KIT INCLUDES: 20 CONCEALED HEPTAGON LOCK NUTS, 1 INTERNAL DRIVE LUG NUT KEY, 1 INTERNAL DRIVE ALLEN HEX KEY
* 1 URGE TO KICK *** AND TAKE NAMES

Here's how they look on the car:

Pic courtesy of GAMEDOG (myg37)

mounted on g37

So, what you guys think? Do you have any other ideas? We have quite a few VOLKS Autorized dealers on our forum (as sponsors) and I'm sure they can come up with a good price on these sets. Biggest question is if these will fit properly with Sports package Rays? Lets discuss .....

wishihadnav · 08-06-2010, 04:05 PM

one of my favorite lugs!!..problem is that they wont fit the sport package rays or the nismo rims..we have that stupid flat washer design..

jpmotor · 08-06-2010, 04:13 PM

Honestly, I think Garage is the best, next would be tilt sensor

Jeffblue · 08-06-2010, 04:55 PM

hey AK, thanks for making one dedicated thread for this.

These volk nuts won't fit our sport package wheels or nismo wheels. However as far as aftermarket is concerned, they seem pretty good.

I think the general consensus is the typical mcguard type of wheel lock with the pattern in the top really doesn't do anything. With that in mind, i have found some other designs that seem to work better

1. Black top wheel locks - QMR Motorsports

These are actually caps that go over a lug nut. The lug nut must be 17mm or 19mm hex, (we usually have 21mm on our cars). Nismo makes a lug nut that these should fit over. its model number is 40222-RN700, it can be found here https://www.mynismo.com/products/?id=5360

The locks themselves are 28mm in diameter, so depending on your wheel, they could fit. Essentially, the wider portion of hte hole where the lug nut goes needs to be a bit bigger than 28mm in diameter for these to fit. The idea behind these is, they fit snugly in the hole, and there is no room to get around it with a bolt remover. That, and the outside portion spins freely.

2. Dency 2000 Wheel lock - KYO-EI - Dency 2000 Lock Nuts - Nengun Performance

These feature a magnetic cap that spins freely and supposedly can only be removed with the specific magnet they come with. These also seem to fill up most of the lug hole, making it difficult to get a bolt remover around them to get them off.

I can't embed this link from the video because its supposedly disabled by the user, but here is a link to it.

YouTube - ‪Kyo Ei Dency 2000 Wheel Locks‬&lrm;

Chris_1 · 08-06-2010, 05:11 PM

I can always trust in Ak, to come up with the perfect thread.

AK370Z · 08-07-2010, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wishihadnav

one of my favorite lugs!!..problem is that they wont fit the sport package rays or the nismo rims..we have that stupid flat washer design..

You're correct. I was curious about the washer design and looks like it won't fit

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

hey AK, thanks for making one dedicated thread for this.

2. Dency 2000 Wheel lock - KYO-EI - Dency 2000 Lock Nuts - Nengun Performance

These feature a magnetic cap that spins freely and supposedly can only be removed with the specific magnet they come with. These also seem to fill up most of the lug hole, making it difficult to get a bolt remover around them to get them off.

I can't embed this link from the video because its supposedly disabled by the user, but here is a link to it.

YouTube - ‪Kyo Ei Dency 2000 Wheel Locks‬&lrm;

I saw it on RHDJapan too. Are you getting this? Does this just go over the bolt or it's a lug by itself? because if it's a lug, it needs to washer design.

Kyo-Ei Dency 2000 Lock Nut Silver'

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris@WheelsDirectOnline.com

I can always trust in Ak, to come up with the perfect thread.

Thanks. I am just looking out for another member. I can ONLY imagine how hard it is to see your car on bricks. I'll probably have an emotional breakdown.

Looking for more ideas....

OMGWTFBBQ · 08-07-2010, 04:27 AM

Slam your car so low that they can't fit a jack underneath there.

I think something like what Jeffblue posted will be the best solution, but as I always say, if someone wants something of yours that badly, they'll most likely find a way to get it.

I seriously hate thieves. It's just sad that we live in a world where we can't enjoy the things we work our butts off to get.

Jeffblue · 08-07-2010, 10:55 AM

AK, neither. of the locks i posted wont work with our OEM rays wheels, but i am selling mine so i am just looking for aftermarket solutions. I tried my hardest to find a solution for the OEM wheels, but there realy isn't anything that will because of the washer design, its not very popular.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMGWTFBBQ

Slam your car so low that they can't fit a jack underneath there.

I think something like what Jeffblue posted will be the best solution, but as I always say, if someone wants something of yours that badly, they'll most likely find a way to get it.

I seriously hate thieves. It's just sad that we live in a world where we can't enjoy the things we work our butts off to get.

I can't find the video now, but apparently a couple of 'pikey's flipped some car, and then took a sawzall and cut off the suspension and took the wheels like that. And they filmed themselves doing it.

tjlazer · 08-07-2010, 11:12 AM

I have a dream, a dream where I come outside in the middle of the night and catch a thief red handed trying to steal my $h!t. Then I fire a couple rounds in the air and watch him squirm.

cjof2003 · 08-07-2010, 01:55 PM

The rounded outside surface is not an issue. I had wheel locks on my RSX that had the rounded outside surface. I'll just say that when I lost my key, I was able to get them off quickly and very, very easily.

These will slow down some of the thieves however, and I still think it's a good idea to use them. You should also invest in an aftermarket alarm with tilt sensor however.

Z1804 · 09-14-2010, 03:27 AM

Are these lugs worth the money or should I just install a digital tilt sensor on my car? I was going to go with some Spline or Muteki lugs on my Work T1S.

RAYS ENGINEERING VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nuts

mattjk · 09-14-2010, 03:47 AM

I don't see how those volk lugs could deter theives if they have the volk tools.

I like the gorilla guard locks with the spinning collar.

OMGWTFBBQ · 09-14-2010, 04:13 AM

To be honest, locking lug nuts are only going to slow down a thief who knows what they're doing. If they want it that badly, they'll find a way to get it.

Z1804 · 09-14-2010, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattjk

I don't see how those volk lugs could deter theives if they have the volk tooks.

I like the gorilla guard locks with the spinning collar.

What do the gorilla guard locks look like? I google it but didn't come up with much.

mattjk · 09-14-2010, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z1804

What do the gorilla guard locks look like? I google it but didn't come up with much.

Gorilla Automotive Products - Lug Nuts, Wheel Locks, Auto Security, Wheel Accessories

08-06-2010, 04:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
jpmotor Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 243 Drives: BNR 16G'd Legacy GT Rep Power: 15	Honestly, I think Garage is the best, next would be tilt sensor __________________ http://jpmotor.net/images/Signature2.png 【Exclusive】Five:AD S5:F Stealth Chrome! 370Z Fitment 19x9.5 \| 19x10.5【Exclusive】 David \| (626) 789-5229 david@jpmotor.net \| AIM: jpmotor

08-07-2010, 11:12 AM	#9 (permalink)
tjlazer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tacoma Age: 53 Posts: 2,496 Drives: Z34, R35 Rep Power: 20	I have a dream, a dream where I come outside in the middle of the night and catch a thief red handed trying to steal my $h!t. Then I fire a couple rounds in the air and watch him squirm. __________________ 2009 370Z Monterey Blue,Nismo Conversion,RE-11's, K&N Typhoon intakes,Blue Kickplates,Homelink,FI 18" CBE,ERZ HFCs,Hotchkis sways, Swift Spec-R, EVO-R Highwing, UPREV

09-14-2010, 03:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
Z1804 Premium Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: GA Posts: 784 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 16	Are these lugs worth the money or should I just install a digital tilt sensor on my car? I was going to go with some Spline or Muteki lugs on my Work T1S. RAYS ENGINEERING VOLK RACING Formula Lug Nuts __________________ Z1804 ------ Z1804 ------ Z1804 ------ ------ Z1804 ------ Z1804 ------ Z1804 Fairlady Z 2011 Calendar Now on Sale!!! Last edited by Z1804; 09-14-2010 at 03:33 AM.

09-14-2010, 03:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
mattjk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Azusa Posts: 331 Drives: 09 370z K51 09 Elise Rep Power: 267	I don't see how those volk lugs could deter theives if they have the volk tools. I like the gorilla guard locks with the spinning collar. Last edited by mattjk; 09-14-2010 at 04:36 AM.

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08-06-2010, 04:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
wishihadnav A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: 90090 Posts: 1,851 Drives: Force Fed Nismo Rep Power: 184	one of my favorite lugs!!..problem is that they wont fit the sport package rays or the nismo rims..we have that stupid flat washer design..

08-06-2010, 04:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jeffblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Age: 36 Posts: 9,192 Drives: Z32TT & 335xi Coupe Rep Power: 37	hey AK, thanks for making one dedicated thread for this. These volk nuts won't fit our sport package wheels or nismo wheels. However as far as aftermarket is concerned, they seem pretty good. I think the general consensus is the typical mcguard type of wheel lock with the pattern in the top really doesn't do anything. With that in mind, i have found some other designs that seem to work better 1. Black top wheel locks - QMR Motorsports These are actually caps that go over a lug nut. The lug nut must be 17mm or 19mm hex, (we usually have 21mm on our cars). Nismo makes a lug nut that these should fit over. its model number is 40222-RN700, it can be found here https://www.mynismo.com/products/?id=5360 The locks themselves are 28mm in diameter, so depending on your wheel, they could fit. Essentially, the wider portion of hte hole where the lug nut goes needs to be a bit bigger than 28mm in diameter for these to fit. The idea behind these is, they fit snugly in the hole, and there is no room to get around it with a bolt remover. That, and the outside portion spins freely. 2. Dency 2000 Wheel lock - KYO-EI - Dency 2000 Lock Nuts - Nengun Performance These feature a magnetic cap that spins freely and supposedly can only be removed with the specific magnet they come with. These also seem to fill up most of the lug hole, making it difficult to get a bolt remover around them to get them off. I can't embed this link from the video because its supposedly disabled by the user, but here is a link to it. YouTube - ‪Kyo Ei Dency 2000 Wheel Locks‬&lrm;

08-06-2010, 05:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chris_1 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Statewide Posts: 838 Drives: Nissan 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 16	I can always trust in Ak, to come up with the perfect thread.

08-07-2010, 04:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
OMGWTFBBQ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: the OC Posts: 1,886 Drives: 08 SGM IS350 Rep Power: 4549	Slam your car so low that they can't fit a jack underneath there. I think something like what Jeffblue posted will be the best solution, but as I always say, if someone wants something of yours that badly, they'll most likely find a way to get it. I seriously hate thieves. It's just sad that we live in a world where we can't enjoy the things we work our butts off to get.

08-07-2010, 01:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
cjof2003 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 74 Drives: 02 Acura RSX Type S Rep Power: 16	The rounded outside surface is not an issue. I had wheel locks on my RSX that had the rounded outside surface. I'll just say that when I lost my key, I was able to get them off quickly and very, very easily. These will slow down some of the thieves however, and I still think it's a good idea to use them. You should also invest in an aftermarket alarm with tilt sensor however.

09-14-2010, 04:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
OMGWTFBBQ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: the OC Posts: 1,886 Drives: 08 SGM IS350 Rep Power: 4549	To be honest, locking lug nuts are only going to slow down a thief who knows what they're doing. If they want it that badly, they'll find a way to get it.