CAT Converter Theft Protection...

CAT theft is getting pretty common around here. Have any of you guys taken preventive measures? If so, what? I'm thinking of having a muffler shop zap a couple welds on mine so that merely unbolting it will not have the tweakers heading for the scrap metal yard in 1.5 minutes.

Yeah, I might have to take a grinder to the welds in the event I need to remove the CAT myself, but that would be easy. Doubtful the stealth losers would bring the necessary equipment or risk the noise.

 

There's a product called a Cat Clamp but it's pricey. The welded tab or a skid plate preventing access to the cats would be a more cost effective approach. Just keep in mind that they're getting them by buzzing off your pipes before and after using a battery operated sawzall so make sure whatever you use can't be easily cut by one of those.

 

A nice hefty skid with some sort of anti-theft bolts would be the best bet. They do have some kind of cables to wrap around and thru the frame but not sure about those. There is no easy cheap way. Passing emissions out there wouldn't happen with catless exhaust. Chain a rotweiler to the frame and have it sleep under there and make sure it's always hungry?

 

Check my Sig, I haven't had any major issues since the cat clamp.

However for some reason if the cat clamp isn't aesthetically pleasing to you I'd recommend a good skid plate--which is the next step down as far as anti-theft.

Price is about the same either way, a plate just gives the added benefit for off-roading.

 

Where do you guys park your trucks that would leave time for someone to steal the catalytic converter? Mine sits in a garage at night and is rarely alone elsewhere long enough for someone to seriously tamper with. I know not everyone has a garage, but I'd think of something (the front yard, move to a better neighborhood, whatever) before leaving such an expensive item in a vulnerable area.

 

The neighborhood isn't the problem, friend of mine doesn't live in a crime ridden area (actually in a VERY nice area), had her truck parked outside her apartment window the other night and her CAT was stolen...the tweakers will go just about anywhere for these things...I know Sacramento was having a problem with people going to the train/lightrail stations and stealing them on a daily basis.

 

it only takes a few minutes to crawl under, chop it, and leave

 

What he said..train stations are where a truck will most likely be broken into/stolen from.

Here in MA we have the Commuter Rail as part of the MBTA. The Commuter Rail lots do not have security, they're just parking lots not garages. Your car's there all day by itself.

 

are people really going thru all that trouble and noise to steal a cat? WOW! Braze a couple of razor blades on the top, where it's not noticeably visible...But do NOT forget!

 

E Back in the day when I lived in downtown LA mine got stolen while I had dinner at a restaurant. My neighbor found out and did the weld thing, his was cut and he had to replace the whole manifold. I figure its probably best they just unbolted my cat, it sucks that it was a hundred dollar piece (88 pu 4x4). But if they are going to steal it, at least it was just a quick easy bolt back replacement.

 

In certain areas, yes. It's not a lot of trouble any more with battery-powered hand tools becoming more and more efficient and affordable.

 

I have some cats for sale with only 400 miles on them if any of you are in need....front cats with Y pipe for 05+ Tacoma

 

47 pages long and counting...
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/redwood-city-ca/TI0QUTIGUCQU05FSV

 

^amazing...always heard about it, friend of a friend kind of thing. One case where ground clearance isn't always a good thing

 

Skid plate is your best bet. Or run cat less with a sim

 

How much coverage does that skid actually have over the cat? It looks like its good in the picture but its hard to tell. I'm trying to figure out a way to prevent mine from getting stolen cuz everyone is getting theirs stolen at my apartment complex. Getting a skid would be nice if it could accomplish two purposes like you said.

 

Mine got stolen at the office off of my 92 pickup last winter. Good times. They stole it during the middle of the day. Only takes a few seconds to cut the damn thing off unless you've got a beefy skid under the truck.