installing aftermarket alarm
 

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone on here has ever put an aftermarket alarm(with remote door locks) onto their c4, in particular an 84. Is this something I can do or should I be bringing this to a shop? thanks for any help!

You don;t have the VATS so its not a huge deal..DO make sure whatever you buy, will be compatable with the GM system..if you have one. I forget what exactly was installed in 84...VATS did not come around until 86 IIRC..
I've seen keyless entry, remote start, all the toys.

I have done a couple of car alarms way back when, never on a Corvette though. They can be a PITA to install, and if something goes wrong the alarm "engine cut off" down the road. If you have patience, a wire diagram, and take your time you can do the install yourself and you'll end with a MUCH better install than any of the shoddy work I've seen from Alarm/Stereo shops. There are A LOT of wires in a C4, and the interior trim pieces are old (brittle) so great care must be taken.

Ask yourself: do you really need an alarm system?
Then ask: do I really want somebody working on my Vette?

Lol... I think you just changed my mind for me. I have had an alarm just sitting in my house unopened for years. But now that you mention it... no... I don't really need an alarm at all, just kind of wanted it for the remote door locks. Thanks for talking the sense into me!

Here is the theft deterrent for the 84..
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...ftdeterent.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...or/84theft.jpg

:cheers:

Any opinion on the effectiveness of this factory system?

factory good, i use the horn on my aftermarket, no siren so an intrusion sounds the same. I had a shop install it years ago and the brittle plastic broke everywhere< i got over the pain, it didn't help those aholes didn't give a $hit.

VAT can be problematic, buy a defeat bypass or reburn the prom chip

aftermarket will give you keyless entry and hatch release, engine off door unlocking, flashing light ( this is a good one) and shock sensor and of course the siren if you prefer.

as far a piece of mind, the stock one will do the trick, but the aforementioned features will modernize the old vette

I use a club the flashing light I broke dicking with the interior work one day.

You have a factory alarm system, I don't think 84 had an anti-theft system though.