Another catalytic converter theft

Thanks! Third watch through of your video and I noticed the holes you talked about. Thanks for putting that video together!

 

No problem I should have pointed it out on the video but is hard to remember everything. Subscribe like share!

 

Eric,

you provided plenty of guidance in the video--I'm going to follow step-by-step this weekend.

My Talon was pushed back to this Friday instead of Thursday delivery in route from Houston.

Ed

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Ed here is a link to a picture of one I installed on my father in laws lifted sr5
It may help as this one has no other skid plates. Scroll to the 3rd pic https://www.instagram.com/p/CTqOM_KA3l6/

 

I can't see the photo on instagram...but I'm not on my smartphone.

My Sport has the generic/standard skid plate so I can just loosen the back end of the plate, put the spacer in and then slide the Talon openings into the two slots.

Ed

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Got ya buddy

 

^^

Looks good, Eric!!!

Ed

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Im still back and forth, but it does seem the talon plate doesn't really put the TRD plate too out of wack. I was mostly worried about the TRD plate no longer being bolted on a flat/similar plane to stock and it would start to bow over time...the only think I might do is drill the drain hole and try to match the TRD gray paint. @Talon2006 I'm thinking I should be able to drill the drain hole in the side plate no issues?

 

Drilling that hole shouldn’t be too bad. I would start with a 1/8” or 1/4” pate and work your way up.

One person cut out the wing so the plastic plug could stay there, and I may change the design of the wings to work around those plugs next time I get ahold of a Tacoma.

 

I just did internet search for catalytic converter thefts in Delaware...happens in broad daylight (as well as at night). Honda CR-Vs being the highest hit (2019 article).

Never was a problem with my 2003 Honda Pilot and I had it when we arrived to Delaware in 2006. Reason I mention that, Pilots are top heavy and have somewhat high clearance to get under it. I don't remember if the CAT was well tucked/protected but I never had a theft from it.

Same for my 2010 Mazda CX-9 (Bought it in Oct/2018) but that vehicle wasn't as high off the ground as the Pilot.

My Talon is scheduled to arrive tomorrow by end of day...it's currently in Spartanburg, SC.

Ed

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Mine is currently in my state (Oregon)! Supposed to be here tomorrow sometime as well. Did you order the security bolts? Am I going to regret not ordering them....shit, I feel like I am.

 

No, I did not order the (10EA) $60 security bolts.

I think we'll be ok without them for now.

If you decide to get the bolts, let us know...I might pull the trigger. But for now, we should be OK with the bolts that come with the kit.

Ed

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That looks solid!

 

I think y’all both should have got the security bolts but you be fine without I don’t think anyone is going to spend time unbolting either way.

 

I more than likely will get them...but for now, having the plate will give me some piece-of-mind.

Ed

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Well, I think I'll go ahead and order the 10 bolts + bit...$60 + $10 shipping...$70 total.

Small price to pay in addition to the $360 total for the Cat plate + shipping.

$430 overall total.

Ed

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I had to remove some equipment a previous vendor had installed using this type of hardware. Didn’t have time to find the designated tool. So, an easy-out bit was chucked up in a drill motor and then it took about 30 seconds a fastener to get them out.

Now I doubt thieves carry such tools. But just seeing the plate is going to cause thieves to move to an easier target. Time is their enemy. They simply aren’t going to spend Ten minutes under a vehicle.

 

Interesting point on the specialty screw bit...what I plan on doing...

I've already purchased the Filter Wrench for when I perform my own oil change...I can start a collection box of components required to work on my truck, such as:

Filter Wrench (In Glovebox At The Moment)
Specialty Screw Bit (In transit)
Wheel Lock Adapter Lug Nut Key (I haven't bought this set yet)
Wheel Lock Clamp (I haven't bought this yet)

That's just a starter pack right there. Getting organized and designating a good stowing area in my truck would be the goal here.

Switching back to the Talon--It should be easier to swap out the bolt heads with the security bolts since the ones coming off will already be in-place.

I'm still thinking about painting my Talon too...this is fun stuff!

Ed

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Officer clipped by patrol car while chasing down catalytic converter thieves in SW Houston, HPD says
https://www.click2houston.com/news/...tic-converter-thieves-in-sw-houston-hpd-says/

 

Would putting VIN on the CAT be a good idea? That reporter should have said, skid plate protector instead of what she said...

My Talon is in Seaford, DE and should be delivered today!

Security Bolts should have ship status soon.

Ed

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