I am thinking of going from a single DIN receiver to a double DIN. Unfortunately said double DIN does not have a detachable face, but does have a security code feature. I suppose that's all well and good, but does nothing for me after someone's ripped apart the dash to get it out.

I've thought about making a fake alarm system. Basically mounting a flashing LED somewhere on the dash. I'm just not sure what type of LED to get and what to tie it into for constant power. Any electronics guys know what's up?

 

If you look on Ebay, there are people selling Fake alarm LED's for $5. They are 12V. (Ebay link). Depending on how you want them to work, you will need additional wiring. I recommend an Add-a-Fuse to tap into the fuse box for ease of installation. The easy way is to use one add a fuse, hook it into a constant power source, then put a single rocker switch in somewhere hidden. Then if you want, can turn on the LED's when you leave the car. If you want it to be automatic, you will want to add in a relay that turns on the LED's when you turn off the ignition. For that you'll want two add-a-fuses; one to the constant power(to power the LED's when the car is off), one to the Switched power (for switching the LED's on/off).

~SB