Catalytic converter theft protection?

Also to note that cat security does offer the 4wd cat shields with 3/16. I wish they also offered this on 2wd.

 

Pinging @ZColorado to see if he'd be willing to chime in. He's got the RCI catalytic guards installed on his 2013. I'm curious about how they stack up compared to the other options discussed here.

 

A determined thief will get what they want, thats true for anything. However taking reasonable steps to make the vehicle next door look easier is great progress.

I am pretty happy with the RCI wings on my skid plate. I have the full skid package, and re-routed low hanging exhaust section. It would be tough to fit a saw up there on my truck. The wings can be moved forward and back when installed. I did not follow the directions exactly and move them back more then suggested.

 

Based on your setup, how do you think the RCI product compares to the Talon's Garage and Cat Security options?

 

Thefts are on the rise here too, and I have insurance too, but I have heard some of the replacement cats aren't even available for months due to being on backorder/supply chain issues (the usual TW know-it-alls no need to argue or correct me).

Install straight forward It took me about 2 hours by myself and just used stacked boards to position it. 2 People will make it much easier & quicker. And you do need to jack it up, unless you have a very shallow drill. The most difficult part is holding the nut on the top in tight spots while you tighten the screws. (small hands help) You will need a good drill bit, and I needed more blue loctite than they provided.

mine was on sale recently when I got it. And it was free shipping when I bough it through their Amazon storefront.
https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase-online/ols/categories/toyota-tacoma

Its well build, but it is (thick) aluminum (I painted the sides black). I am fairly certain one look at it and a thief will pass on it. As you can see it is well designed and really no way to defeat it. Even if you have the "key" to the provided security screws, it will take forever to take them out (again, have to hold the nut above)

I dont even keep my truck outside, but I have seen videos of how fast they cut them out and I wanted the peace of mind. (no noise or knocking from it while offroad)


Great video which sold me on it.



Good Luck

 

Are there any members with the 2.7L and installed shields to protect both the front and rear CC? Please let me know what you used for the rear. I've searched but have been unable to locate a product to protect the 2.7L 2wd rear cc. My front cc is currently protected with Talon's shield, but the rear fully exposed.

thanks,

 

Great input, thank you! Do you know if there are any interference issues with using this shield in conjunction with a front skid?

 

cat strap. A cable system and an under vehicle alarm system. Bothe for around $300. Cables are hard to install but it can be done. Alarm activates by sensing battery voltage. Vehicle off alarm on. Vehicle running alarm off. Key fob remote to turn off alarm for oil changes etc.

 

Did you purchase the aluminum or the 304 stainless steel? If it was the stainless steel, how thick was it?

 

304 Stainless. I just went out to check with my calipers and it measured 1/16” (0.063). The fit is great, I had a hard time finding a spot to use with my calipers.

 

Still waiting...

 

But is there room to actually get the cat OUT after cutting?

 

Yes, plenty of room on the back side. But posting an update...

 

Update on my Talons Garage Cat Plate.... They reached out to me and offered a prototype improved fin for better coverage. The new fin provides great coverage for the front of the converter. Thanks to Talon for taking care of me!

 

Sucks to live in a world like that. We are local and small here, anybody who’d try and steal a cat (which doesn’t happen much out here) would be having a .38 special sandwich for lunch, no sense to deter. A thief is a thief and will steal no matter the setup. The consequence of theft will deter.

 

Lately we have been getting reports of cat thieves being armed as well here in Texas. One cop already died off duty and in another encounter 1 of the 4 cat thieves were killed.

 

Can you provide an image of the prototype plate by it self?

 

Up here in BC the cat theives are getting lazy. They pull up in their car throw a strap around your exhaust and drive away dragging everything with it. One fellow posted having $7000 worth of damage to his truck by the time it was fixed. The shields might have helped hard to say. The blame for this(IMHO) lies with the metal recyclers, start fining them huge for buying cats from these meth/crack heads.

 

they are just longer to provide needed coverage. note I had to notch a corner out with an angle grinder because they overlapped the front fin, but presumably, they will use the feedback I gave them to make a slight adjustment on that if they decide to make the new fin design permanent. i haven't had any reply on my feedback so idk.