I need Aftermarket Alarm tips for my 1996 GT

4.6Stangrage · Aug 1, 2013

Hey guys, I have a 1996 GT which does not have a factory alarm system. I mainly want this system for the function of keyless however I figure i should install an alarm anyways. Since many of you have dealt with the wiring on 96-98 GTs, I was wondering where would be the best place to utilize and splice wiring. Where would be the best places to install the main modules and the antenna. I dont like how the antenna has to stick out on the ceiling like the instructions suggest. I would rather have it hidden and non visible. I plan on using a fuse block instead of the in line fuses and mounting those somewhere where I can just remove a panel inside. Got any tips. I was just thinking of just diving into this but I would not mind some good point of reference before i start. How should I approach?

Thanks For Reading!

ttocs · Aug 1, 2013

In all honesty, if the mounting of the antenna is something that has you concerned then you are in over your head. alarm/security installs was only something I started to understand and get half good at after I had been installing them for a year or two with another expert over my shoulder to help teach me. Short of some of the modern custom fab techniques is probably the most technical area of an installers learning exp that never really ends. Understand that you will be cutting into the critical circuits of the car and that the best case scenario of a bad alarm install would be it doesn't go off when someone breaks into the car the worst case will leave you with a tow bill and either a couple of hours diagnosing what went wrong or a very expensive bill from a mechanic to pull out what you installed in order to fix the problem(that is how mechanics fix alarm problems). There are a lot of good brands out there and I can help you find an installer that will do a good job but if you insist on doing it yourself I can say that you will probably regret it as it is a pretty good pain in the ass . Its just not as simple as people think and just because you have done some stereo installs doesn't mean your ready to start security installs...

krazyrabbit · Aug 1, 2013

ttocs said:
There are a lot of good brands out there and I can help you find an installer that will do a good job but if you insist on doing it yourself I can say that you will probably regret it as it is a pretty good pain in the ass .

Not trying to hijack the OP, but since ttocs offered. I had a bad experience on a previous aftermarket alarm install when the wiring caught fire in the steering wheel area. Ford blamed the alarm installers, and the installers blamed Ford. That POS Probe was only 3 years old, it had electrical problems so bad after that I finally traded it in.

Since then all my DD cars have had dealer installed alarms, no problems. My 96' GT vert is not alarmed, this car will be gararged but I'm still thinking about getting some kind of alarm, say an ignition kill switch - any advice ttocs? Certain brand, good installers?

KillNThrill24 · Aug 1, 2013

Was hoping Scott would come to the rescue lol. I went to him when installing my system and I can tell you he's not kidding when he say's you'll be in over your head. These alarm installs can be a MAJOR pita! I've never done one on a Mustang but I got lucky that installing it on my Jeep took little to no fishing around. Goodluck man and if you need any advice Scott would be the man to got to!

ttocs · Aug 1, 2013

I am not sayin if ya try I will not help but security is truly the most technical thing an installer learns. With our car you will need to know how to diagnose the correct lock/unlock wires and cut/integrate into them is just such a way. Its called a 5-wire reversing polarity system and would need relays wired/installed and put in correctly or you will blow out your locking circuit. The antenna is he easiest part of the install is why I was concerned.

4.6Stangrage · Aug 2, 2013

ttocs said:
In all honesty, if the mounting of the antenna is something that has you concerned then you are in over your head. alarm/security installs was only something I started to understand and get half good at after I had been installing them for a year or two with another expert over my shoulder to help teach me. Short of some of the modern custom fab techniques is probably the most technical area of an installers learning exp that never really ends. Understand that you will be cutting into the critical circuits of the car and that the best case scenario of a bad alarm install would be it doesn't go off when someone breaks into the car the worst case will leave you with a tow bill and either a couple of hours diagnosing what went wrong or a very expensive bill from a mechanic to pull out what you installed in order to fix the problem(that is how mechanics fix alarm problems). There are a lot of good brands out there and I can help you find an installer that will do a good job but if you insist on doing it yourself I can say that you will probably regret it as it is a pretty good pain in the ass . Its just not as simple as people think and just because you have done some stereo installs doesn't mean your ready to start security installs...

I am not so much concerned with the install. I have wired entire cars so this won't be all that bad. I just have to focus on one set of circuits at a time. I just thinking you guys might know the wiring harnesses on these stangs. It's all good ill figure it out. Again, I do it as a series of circuits at a time which will simplify this install.