Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Measure

Bingo.

An honest businessman would not accept as scrap, a truckload of brand new copper wire still on the spools with the plastic overwrap in place.

But they do.

I laugh every time I see a news report about some dirtbag who BBQ'd himself trying to steal copper from a live high voltage circuit.

 

they unbolted mine on my 1st gen 4runner.

 

I shouldn't, I don't think, but I do enjoy stories like that where the bad guy gets his due.

 

Paranoid, funny pic.

 

There are very few states that allow unregulated scrapping of the materials in caty convs. Unfortunately NH is one. Twice now I have returned back to the parking area to load my sled and witnessed people returning to their trucks to missing cats. Always sawn off with a cutting tool. Its a 30 second job. Luckily I have been spared (knock on wood)...

 

Man remind me never to move north. The last thing I ever worry about is a missing cat on my truck. I am more scared of coming out to glass in the parking lot.

 

I replaced the front cats with doug thorley long tubes...and the rears with the urd y pipe so I did in fact gain top end hp. The smrll Is a bit annoying though.

 

I had this pos fabbed up... it's removable but takes special tools. Also, had a few pieces welded in place. Been on for a about 3 years now with zero issues.

 

On my 99 the hill climbing power went up, but the mileage went down just a bit due to the fact that the O2 sensors are reading cold for a longer period of time after startup. (cold engine fuel and timing curve held rich longer)

The sound didn't change, but I attribute that to using a thick "test pipe" section.

Now if you pull the cats and just leave them off,,the neighborhood is going to be giving you the stink eye every time you pass by,,and you soon garner a roadside visit by Jonny lawman.

The check engine light will stay lit,,unless you research out bypasses for that.

 

Thanks Mod, et al.
Some good info, enough to know some options and enough to know what to look for and what to ask when I shop around.

 

I don't know how much success this has but the officer at the event told me that the local scrap shops know not to take cats that are engraved because they could be arrested for receiving stolen property. The scrap shop owners in turn post up the flyers and tell the would be thieves that nothing engraved will be taken. The officer did say that since they started this program the theft of cats in our area has decreased. Now it's just stealing copper wire out of abandoned homes and businesses that is out of control.
http://www.sacpd.org/pdf/etchandcatch7.pdf

 

Our police dept in conjunction with the Toyota dealership announced that anyone with Tacomas can come in and have the bolts welded and the cats engraved with the VINS. Granted, my next door neighbor (who didn't take advantage of the free service) had his stolen and mine was untouched. And on his they used a sawzall. Not sure why they skipped mine but I am very thankful.

 

That's a great idea. Engrave the VIN in a very obvious location, and maybe highlight it with contrasting high-temp paint.

Toyota should do that at the factory.

 

It was actually paid for by the city/police dept. Apparently, they also notified the local recyclers that if they get one with the VIN or any other identifying info on it, they are to report it right away. If someone turns in a cat then the recyclers are supposed to take the person ID and write down the name and number. This was all announced via TV, radio, newspaper and facebook. So that way, everyone should be aware of what they are doing to decrease the thefts, even the bad guys.

 

I actually have my own little note there under the truck attached to the frame.

 

My wife had hers stolen in her jeep a couple months ago. Was the original cat in her 97 Cherokee...

I've looked into theses http://www.********.com/

And I know there are a couple threads on it here too... Kinda pricy...

 

There is a reason that company name is censored on this forum.
There's a bit of history there.

Anything you can do to make it more difficult to get yours than the next car will help. Weld up a rebar cage, skit plates, etc... They'll cut through the cage, but it's another step that they won't have to take with another vehicle.

 

Thats a sucky picture by the way. I can't tell what the heck is what other then the driveshaft, and what appears to be some sort of oil or transmission pan?

Can you take a picture of it from further away so I can see what's what please?

 

I have a very simple and easy solution for this on my truck.

Clifford security system with vibration and proximity sensors. Then, when my alarm goes off, the shithead can meet my 1911.