Morris Minor Owners Club

Steering locks and other physical security measures are discussed quite often but when I was researching this, there was next to nothing about what actually fits.

Now that my car is restored, I am more conscious about security and as it is a soft-top it is very easy to break into.

I ordered a Stoplock Pro from Amazon as this had been mentioned as suitable for Minors but it was hopeless so I returned it. The device is designed for modern cars with a large central steering wheel boss and on the Minor it flops around rather uselessly (this is on a 2 spoke "safety" steering wheel). The Stopcock is also very heavy and cumbersome. I didn't like it even if it had fitted.

I considered the Disklok but this failed on ease of use. It's big and heavy, not quick to fit and I worried it could damage the steering wheel. Any device that is a hassle to fit is just not going to get used that often. It is also really expensive.

So I decided to try the Milenco high-security steering lock (Halfords £79.99). This is available in silver or yellow (they only had silver in the shop when I bought mine). It is easy to fit, comes with 3 keys and it easy to stow when not in use. It is worth considering if you are looking for a steering lock. Also doubles as a cudgel!

Stephen

Shouldn't the long arm be on the right so it fouls the door? Where it is still gives a modicum of steering ability. Just a thought.

Horacetoo wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 9:34 am Shouldn't the long arm be on the right so it fouls the door? Where it is still gives a modicum of steering ability. Just a thought.

Its only a visible deterrent so not so important its position. All versions of them can be removed in seconds on older cars as the wheel is so easily bent.

Remove this ! You need to bend down to fit but if you leave the car for a while worth it. I got it down to a fine art after a while.
Not for everyone maybe.

"You need to bend down to fit" Yes, indeed - and you need to be fit to bend down as well

In the day of the battery powered disc cutter if they want it they will have it . These devices are just a visible deterrent to the opportunistic joy rider and will have zero impact on professional thief. The more visible the better but thats just my take. Whichever device gives you a little more piece of mind is the correct one for you.
They are all about making you feel you car is safer with it than without it.

Of course the other trick a low life can use, is the tow away one, not much to stop that. I lost a vehicle that way

les wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 1:35 pm Of course the other trick a low life can use, is the tow away one, not much to stop that. I lost a vehicle that way

Similar thing I had a big Honda scooter with wheel lock, steering lock and immobiliser and covered up. Came home to find just the cover. They must have just lifted it as is, onto or into a vehicle and gone.
Plenty of time to remove security uninterrupted when back at their base.

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 2:10 pm

les wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 1:35 pm Of course the other trick a low life can use, is the tow away one, not much to stop that. I lost a vehicle that way

Similar thing I had a big Honda scooter with wheel lock, steering lock and immobiliser and covered up. Came home to find just the cover. They must have just lifted it as is, onto or into a vehicle and gone.
Plenty of time to remove security uninterrupted when back at their base.

I remember seeing a programme some years back about Bike Theft, and they said the simplest thing was enough people to lift it up and get it in the rear of a Box Van, that was heavily sound insulated so they didn't have to worry about an alarm sounding.

A convertible was stolen last year from near here. Slit the roof and wired it. It was found a few miles away the next day. I see that the owner now uses a wheel clamp. Don't know how long he'll keep that up for.

I tend to leave ours with the roof down and one of those cheap red steering locks as pictured previously. I have thought of turning the battery isolator switch off but have yet to. I try to park in 'prominent' places.

Horacetoo wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 9:34 am Shouldn't the long arm be on the right so it fouls the door? Where it is still gives a modicum of steering ability. Just a thought.

Actually the long side will hit the windscreen as soon as any thief tries to straighten the steering wheel.

Agreed it's just a deterrent. Unfortunately, cordless angle grinders and drills mean many security devices are easily removed. This particular steering lock was tested by Auto Express and survived more than 5 minutes which is about as good as it gets.

Stephen

Probably not a good idea with all the trim such as the carpets etc. but some security devices have chemicals on the metal that spark excessively when a grinder etc. is applied to them as a detterent since most thieves don't want a faceful of sparks.

svenedin wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 11:33 am

Horacetoo wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 9:34 am Shouldn't the long arm be on the right so it fouls the door? Where it is still gives a modicum of steering ability. Just a thought.

Agreed it's just a deterrent. Unfortunately, cordless angle grinders and drills mean many security devices are easily removed. This particular steering lock was tested by Auto Express and survived more than 5 minutes which is about as good as it gets.

Stephen

That a lot longer than your steering wheel will last being bent or cut to release the lock.
Great visible deterrent and handy cosh

See you also have the handbrake gearstick lock same as me.

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 2:22 pm

svenedin wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 11:33 am

Horacetoo wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2026 9:34 am Shouldn't the long arm be on the right so it fouls the door? Where it is still gives a modicum of steering ability. Just a thought.

Agreed it's just a deterrent. Unfortunately, cordless angle grinders and drills mean many security devices are easily removed. This particular steering lock was tested by Auto Express and survived more than 5 minutes which is about as good as it gets.

Stephen

That a lot longer than your steering wheel will last being bent or cut to release the lock.
Great visible deterrent and handy cosh

See you also have the handbrake gearstick lock same as me.

Yes, the Disklok type prevents the steering wheel being cut but they're so heavy and cumbersome. All I am trying to do is dissuade the casual thief or joyrider. If they really want my car they will succeed. Yes I also have the handbrake/gearstick lock.

Stephen