Catalytic converter theft deterrent options?

Got the email saying that it was available for my 2019 TRD OR yesterday, ordered one for my truck.

Yes, 1/2" thick D2 steel (with 1/4" diameter embedded carbide spheres to deter drilling/cutting, clad in copper or stainless to deter torch cutting) would be better than 1/8" aluminum, but it's a heck of a lot better than what I've got now.

 

That space metal sounds fantastic; @JLee lets upgrade the skid plates to that

 

I made this temporary theft deterrent similar to Cat Clamps but way cheaper. Got 1/4 inch steel cables and U bolts, no more than $40 for everything. I need to move the U bolts closer the cats so the thieves can’t fit their blade in the gaps. I have a 2WD 2.7L so one of the cats goes past the crossmember. I know they can cut through the cables but will take a little bit longer.

 

Nice set up. Just a shame on what the worthless scumbags in this world make us do to protect our own property.

 

Thanks man! My cats were stolen a couple of months ago and set me back $1500. Damn scumbags! I would like to get the cat security shield but it’s only available for V6. Full skids are a little much for now.

 

I applaud your attempt for an anti-theft system. Although, the U-bolts or the cable clamps are the weak points.

A few moments with a recip saw and metal saw blade those clamps will be off. Couple more moments to slash through the exhaust pipe and the CAT is gone.

 

I agree! I should probably put more U bolts so the thieves will take a minute longer if they tried. I’m hoping those scumbags will move on to the next victim when they look down and see the cables.

 

I installed the Cat Security shield yesterday on my 2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4. It's a pretty straight-forward install, but you do need to drill 4 holes (7/16" or 11mm) into the frame to install rivet nuts;



I installed the shield in ~1.5 hours, including touching up the inside of the drilled out holes with some black paint.

There have been a lot of catalytic converter thefts in our area recently (West Los Angeles), so hopefully this will be an added deterrent to the casual thief.

 

How did you expand the rivet nuts to hold them in place? I've seen pics using a bolt, some nuts, and a couple wrenches.

 

I just installed last week. Heads up for people using TRD pro skid. Its off by 2-3mm so you’ll install the cat security 1st then the pro skids after. And rear skid part will over lap the cat security plate by 2-3mm aint much.

 

They include a DIY method (bolt + nuts + washers) that you can use to install the rivet nuts. However, I just borrowed a rivet nut tool from a friend that looks similar to this;

$64 WETOLS 16" Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Rivet Nut Tool Kit with 11 Metric & Inch Mandrels M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12, 10-24, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 110pcs Rivnuts and Blow Carry Case - WE-889

https://www.amazon.com/WETOLS-Profe...=&hvlocphy=9030985&hvtargid=pla-1124280139893

 

Wouldn’t drilling holes into the frame cause rust?

 

Yes, which is why I used black paint to touch up in/around the holes I drilled.

 

“No change since ‘95”. Huh. Seems like there is. Had my 02 tundra assaulted as well. Unfortunately, only a single garage available. Had rebar placed on it after that. My tacoma has not been touched thankfully

 

With regards to the skid plate catalytic converter cover, what would stop a thief from just cutting the pipe further out and sliding the cat out? Is there a hanger there? I think I'm just going to weld some rebar on there....

 

https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase...7tfTdKTBr2ZApG3bBUgQEc_QU0PbmvoBoCiF0QAvD_BwE

 

Which is what a local shop did to my tundra for less than 100. For 300+ it would appear you get a pretty functional, protective skid plate however. I dont weld, but that would be the route if I did

 

I'm not sure how this would be possible without access to cut off the exhaust pipes in front of the catalytic converter(s)?

Sure you could cut the exhaust pipes behind the cross member that isn't covered, but the exhaust pipes in front of it would still be attached to the engine/manifolds and access would be blocked by the shield and other frame/engine parts. The exhaust also angles up towards the engine in front of the firewall. Reference the third photo on this site;

https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase...cat-security-toyota-tacoma-2016-2021-4wd-qv3z

 

What about JB welding some rebar or steel cabling to the exhaust pipes near the cat?

 

I just got a newsletter from my insurance provider (Wawanesa) regarding the rise in CAT thefts.

How Can I Protect My Catalytic Converter?
If you follow some of these suggestions, you’ll deter thieves and keep your Cat where it’s meant to be — firmly attached to the underbelly of your car.

• If possible, keep your car in a locked garage.
• When you have to park on the street, choose a well-lit spot with plenty of foot traffic, or close to a building entrance.
• Make it difficult for anyone to maneuver under your car by parking close to a wall or another vehicle.
• Get your VIN etched onto the Cat so it’s easier to trace.
• Spray paint your CAT to make it unsellable
• Have your Cat welded on to your car’s frame or install a metal plate to cover it.
• If you have a car alarm, set it to go off when it detects vibration.