Another catalytic converter theft

It's sad that we have to take anti-theft measures. Their's may even cut through the 1/4 inch aluminum...who knows what they got...lasers??? lol

I'm just glad that I'll feel better knowing I did SOME measure of anti-theft awareness.

I just received my OEM tailgate lock kit too! I've locked the gate with the fob key but this way, I will know it's secured when I use the fob to lock my truck.

Today, we went up to Whole Foods in West Chester Pike, PA...just outside the circular border of Delaware. I found myself looking out the windows where my Taco was parked to make sure no one was around my truck; just a little paranoid...lol.

I'm looking forward to install thanks to your Youtube video!!!

Ed

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I was so paranoid after I ordered thinking man if they get stolen while I waiting for the plates. My wife parks in a large parking lot at work patrol by Barney Fife so I was more worried about her 4Runner.

 

Question about the cat armor. Are there any heat issues, since they block air flow
Thanks

also, has anyone used the motion sensor alarms

 

Thats my fear right now waiting for mine to arrive. How bad would it suck to have to pay an insurance deductible on the thing you just dropped $300+ to protect.

 

Speaking of insurance....has anyone asked their insurance company if cat anti-theft devices can lower your rate? Wishful thinking I'm sure but with the number of cat replacement claims it's not that crazy of a thought right? RIGHT? Haha.

 

There’s plenty of circular airflow under any vehicle…I would imagine.

The cat plate obviously doesn’t restrict 100% airflow in those chamber areas.

Unless airflow is restricted in the exhaust system, there shouldn’t be any heat issues.

Ed

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This is why I considered driving my wife’s Elantra up to West Chester Pike, PA.

Take alternative measures if you can during wait times.

It’s tough not getting a little paranoid about it but you can do it!

Ed

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I finally got around to painting my guard. It goes on tomorrow!

 

I wish the cat security one didn't say cat security along the side, I think the text is visible just looking at the side of the truck. I don't know if having the text is a deterrent or give the thief a heads up they need a little more to get it it before going under.

 

There are holes for heat to escape so heat should not be an issue

 

Honestly, I agree at least for aesthetic reasons. But there are lots of trucks parked around here, not to mention the Priuses. I'm counting on it simply being a deterrent and they move on to an easier target. Most importantly, I ordered it before I knew about the Talon alternative. I doubt it'd make a difference but I would get that one instead of the CCM if I could go back in time. Such is life.

 

That looks great!

Happy installing.

Ed

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Aren't Priuses low to the ground?, how do this jerks slide under them?...they must be awfully skiny mofos!

 

Exactly. There are some but not a lot of fat crack/meth heads.

 

I'm learning (sometimes) to kick back (LA term for relax/chill out) and view inputs from other TW members before pulling the trigger.

Before I bought the TALON, I was considering the CCM...a member chimed in and claimed it (CCM) to be easily cut up because of the 1/8 inch thickness and the fact it was made of aluminum.

I had seen the Talon presented earlier in the thread and looked at the materials/thickness. If I remember correctly from reviewing the link provided, it was made from two types of 1/4 inch material: Aluminum & Steel--the steel was out of stock at the time.

I waited a couple of days before I decided to pull the trigger on the Talon and saw it was only offered in aluminum but I bought it anyway. My concern had grown due to the incidents shown on this thread.

Here's a recent example where I needed to kick back. I bought the c-clamp for the tailgate before I saw a thread for the OEM Tailgate Lock. Had I waited instead of making a quick purchase, I would have realized I didn't need the c-clamp if I have the Tailgate Lock. Small price to pay ($45 or so) but at least I can offer it to someone who isn't going to buy the Tailgate Lock but needs to secure their tailgate. I haven't received the c-clamp yet but contacted Chris for tracking.

Ed

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Don't beat yourself up too much, we all do the same. Someone actually made a great recommendation in regards to cat shield...1/4" stainless steel...but so far no one is offering that option. My Tacoma is going in hibernation till spring time, so come spring I'll need to pull the trigger on one...maybe steel, maybe aluminum which can be tricky so cut at 1/4" but stainless can be more hassle than the other two I just mentioned.

 

You brought to mind some characters from "breaking bad"..., yes you are right...crack and meth don't hold much on the nutritional scale.

 

Cost of stainless would be considerably higher. Most folks would opt for the less expensive product. Manufacturers probably don’t see enough market to justify expense.

 

Cost of stainless could be said to be astronomical for a shield.

I don't recall what the advertising said about thickness on the Cat Security model that I have but having assembled and installed per instructions, it's PLENTY beefy. Regardless of Cat or Talon, cutting either one of these in order to gain full access would absolutely wake the dead if you've ever laid into a piece of material like this with a Sawzall, not to mention add some considerable time on target. With all the choices from a bazillion cars around, I can't believe the d-bags would even consider it. I find it hard to think like a criminal, though. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

Very good analysis about the thought process behind the whole anti-theft theory.

Should I/we really be thinking like a smooth criminal? Thank God, we don't have to resort to that in order to fulfill a habit or worse, survival to live.

Can't wait for my Talon to get ship status/tracking.

Ed

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