Catalytic Converter Protection

[sandyut]

I ride the bus to work for about a year, then got my CAT stolen, cost $900 to fix - last day I rode the bus. Now I want to ride the bus to snowboard, but this is still a big concern.

What are some thoughts on these two options:
Cable system (would require 2)
skid plates

Kinda leaning towards the plates.

I sure would be nice to be able to leave my truck in a parking lot and not worry.

 

[bigfurmn]

Tape razor blades to the top side of the converter. Makes it really easy to find out who is trying to take it. We used to use that method to keep stereos from being stolen back in the day.

 

[DougE]

I know this isn't a viable option, but post a sniper near the vehicle to pick off would be thieves. There are few things in this world I hate more than a thief!

 

[clifish]

Huge problem in the last couple years, precious metals in the cats are worth a fortune. Most of the devices only slow them down. I got lucky when they stole the cat off my E350 ford van, for some reason here in NY the 350 or 450 did not need it to pass inspection, so just a straight pipe welded in. I am not sure who to blame more, the "meth heads" stealing them of the scrap yards from buying them?

 

[DougE]

I am not sure who to blame more, the "meth heads" stealing them of the scrap yards from buying them?

Both should be held to the same standard. Actually, maybe the scrap yards who buy them without proof of ownership (which is what they are supposed to do, around here) bear a bigger burden in the problem. While the meth heads are generally thieves (already said I hate a thief!), they will only steal things they can sell.

 

[bigfurmn]

Both should be held to the same standard.

True but the pros break up the cats and just turn in certain expensive metals. Plus most scrap yards that accept it are I on the racket too.

 

[HowlingDog]

I have a Toyota Tacoma which, while not lifted, has good ground clearance and easy to slide underneath. I did purchase a shield and had a buddy help install it.





I feel a little better now, but I have been reading the bad guys are also drilling gas tanks. Sigh..... It never ends....

 

[chopsaw]

bad guys are also drilling gas tanks. Sigh..... It never ends....

Had that happen on an '05 F150 several years ago when gas was high . I'd love to catch 'em in the act .

 

[Smoking Audi]

We just went to get our motorhome out of storage and found out the CC was stolen over the winter. Probably gonna straight pipe it. Storage lot has no camera in the lot so no idea when and they basically said pack sand, we don’t cover theft of your stuff, file a claim with your insurance. At least if I do file it will be a comprehensive claim and $500 deductible.

 

[bigfurmn]

I feel a little better now, but I have been reading the bad guys are also drilling gas tanks. Sigh..... It never ends.

Have been reports around here at trucking companies of people following around the on site fueling truck and… wait for it… stealing the entire fuel tank off the side of the truck. Heard of every where between 50 gallon to 125 gallon tanks being stolen right of the side of truck.

 

[Bearcarver]

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
You guys did it again----Giving me flashbacks to My Military Memories:
I noticed in my 3 years in the Army, if I left a Dollar lay on my bed, while I went to take a shower, there was a good chance it would be gone, by the time I got back.
However, in Vietnam, I could leave $300 MPC laying on my Camo' Poncho Liner ALL Day Long, and it was still there when I got back.
Only reason I could see was "In a Combat Zone, The Man you steal from might get a chance to save your life tomorrow".

Bear

 

[gmc2003]

At $6.50 a gallon. That's a big loss.

Chris

 

[sandyut]

. I am not sure who to blame more, the "meth heads" stealing them of the scrap yards from buying them?

Yeah - its a problem on both ends.

I did purchase a shield and had a buddy help install it.

I like that shield - its the one I was looking at. You like that one?
Not sure I can install it tho…calling the shop tomorrow to see what they will charge. Should take an hour or less, so hoping not much.

I would feel more comfortable with something covering them. Hate spending the money to deter a maybe theft, but its far less than a new CC

 

[Brokenhandle]

Fuel is definitely expensive, commercial fertilizer is way worse...if as a farmer you can get what you need. It wouldn't surprise me if some dumb a-- wouldn't try to start stealing manure.

Ryan

 

[normanaj]

I have a Toyota Tacoma which, while not lifted, has good ground clearance and easy to slide underneath. I did purchase a shield and had a buddy help install it.

What year Tacoma?I have a '20 and like that shield option very much.Did you go with the optional locking bolts?

And was it easy to install?When it comes to vehicles I'm not mechanically inclined.

 

[sandyut]

What year Tacoma?I have a '20 and like that shield option very much.

And was it easy to install?When it comes to vehicles I'm not mechanically inclined.

Here are the install instructions. It looks "easy" but I dont have a jack and a torque wrench that goes high enough. My dealer installed all my other accessories when I bought my 4Runner. Im gonna see what they charge.

 

[normanaj]

My dealer installed all my other accessories when I bought my 4Runner. Im gonna see what they charge

I was kinda thinking the same thing.I've a good relationship with the local Toyota dealer as I've bought two new vehicles from them in the last 3 years.

 

[sandyut]

I was kinda thinking the same thing.I've a good relationship with the local Toyota dealer as I've bought two new vehicles from them in the last 3 years.

Same. Bought my Taco and 4Runner there. The shop seems honest. Before these two trucks, I was going to a closer dealer - I would never give them a penny now.

Plus, Im only slightly mechanically inclined...

 

[HowlingDog]

Howdy!!

What year Tacoma?

I have an Army Green 2021 Dbl Cab Off Road 4x2 Auto. Ya, I know, how can it be off road and only a 4x2. I didn't want to pay extra for the 4x4 although with the condition of some of the roads around here, a 4x4 is needed.

It looks "easy" but I dont have a jack and a torque wrench that goes high enough. My dealer installed all my other accessories when I bought my 4Runner. Im gonna see what they charge.

And was it easy to install?When it comes to vehicles I'm not mechanically inclined.

I am not all that mechanical, but I was going to try. Overall, it is "easy" I would have done it myself, but my buddy kept begging to help. I think there are a total of 10 bolts. There was no drilling which was the clincher for me. We did put it up on jack stands which did give a little more room. I did order the security bolts. Price for those was a smidge higher than they should be (in my opinion), but sometimes you pay for convenience. I found this plate on TacomaWorld and I think the seller was Talon's garage. Nice guy, quick shipping.

It took a bit longer than we thought for a couple reasons. First, there was a lot of BS talk throughout the process. He is a Jeep guy so I had to stick up for the Taco crowd. It took a bit to figure out how to align the wings - I kept messing up. On the 21 Tacoma, there are a couple plastic drain plugs on the from that we had to pry out in order to get it to fit properly. I "think" Talon's changed the alignment of the plate so it is easier to fit. If you do decide to DIY yourself with the security bolts, the metal was stainless and a bit soft. I rounded one but was able to get it out. Just go slow when tightening them down and make sure the bit is well seated. Here are a couple more pics:




Oh ya, the other thing I added to the truck was a tailgate lock. I was shocked to learn how easy it is to remove the Tacoma tail gate. Literally 15 seconds!! Sad that all my mods are there to protect the truck instead of driving it. Bah!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

 

[old sarge]

There is a lack of morality running loose in the USA affecting all people one way or another. Just gets worse year after year.