Another catalytic converter theft

I installed the Cat Security and it is fairly beefy. I also like that there are a lot of bolts that are used to attach it. My logic is the same as yours: no matter what I do, if someone is motivated, they're going to get the cats, but just maybe they'll see the cat shield and just move one car over. The lifted Tacoma is just too easy to get underneath so I felt I needed to do something. I didn't want a the weight or the rust of steel, so I'm happy with the aluminum.

I painted it black, and the cut out side letters aren't super visible with it this way.

 

I might just paint now...come to think of it.

What did you use? Did you primer? Sand the aluminum for adhesion?

Obviously, I don't know much about spray painting without getting paint bits that peel off. lol

Ed

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Oh don't look to me for painting advice. I just grabbed a can of black Rustoleum and painted the outside areas. I did sand an area to increase the texture and compared it to another unsanded area, but I didn't see a difference so I painted the rest without sanding. Seems to be holding up well so far, and the areas most vulnerable to abrasion (the bottom) aren't really visible anyway.

 

Might want to consider a heat type of paint...just saying .

 

I might just sand it...and then primer it before spray painting it black.

Ed

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I will take this into consideration...duly noted!

Ed

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Lol im the same too. Im paranoid. I always look back at my truck

 

I seriously need the exhaust reroute...

 

^^You got it covered Meclizine.

My Taco is so virgin clean on the undercarriage (Austin Powers reference).

I'll take pics of Talon + underside + paint job + install.

Ed

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I got ship status/tracking yesterday (1Nov)...Talon should be here by Thursday Nov 4th.

Did the Tailgate lock on Sunday...starts on post #12:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nice-welcome.738836/

Ed

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I see some questions about stainless steel Vs Aluminum Vs. Steel. Figured I would chime in.

I offered steel for a short amount of time in the beginning. What I found is most people regretted buying the steel plate, or if they asked me which to buy, they always went with the aluminum. This was mostly because it needed to be painted/powder coated before being installed. When you factor in the extra cost to get the steel plate coated you where at the price of the aluminum plate that could be installed as is. Also, the shipping department a.k.a. my wife may have told me if I make one more steel plate she would kill me in my sleep. They are HEAVY!!!!

I did price stainless steel before, and while I do not remember the cost, it was sky high! Essentially aluminum is the best option as far as price vs benefit imho.

 

Thank you for chiming in!

I checked tracking and the parcel weighs 21 lbs...for my Aluminum Talon Cat plate. I would imagine the STEEL is probably twice that weight.

Your wife sounds like mine..."WTF are you doing?", she asks. lol

Ed

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also...

Re: Painting

All of our plates have a quick sand job applied to them after cutting.

I am going to let a cat out of the bag here.... As of now they are all sanded with 180 grit on a 7" rotary sander. It is mostly to get the discoloration from the plasma cutting off and isn't the prettiest of finish. I would think if you clean it off good with paint thinner or acetone, and paint it you would be good to go.

 

Just a thought to consider regarding the weight of steel issue.

Consider using an expanded steel as a CAT security blanket. It'll will be lighter, easy to paint, ventilated, water drains off. Theft wise, expanded steel is a bugger to cut due the interrupted cut, noisy, breaks blade/discs. Many mesh and thickness are available.

 

I googled how to paint CAT covers and got instead, painting a valve cover. It started with paint remover/stripper, steel brushing and then rubbing alcohol.

With the Talon, I figured the textured plate was somewhat treated but was going to verify when it arrives...this Thursday!

So the list,

1) primer
2) heat resistant paint (two coats)
3) clear coat (two coats)
4) proper respirator--don't wanna breath in the fumes

Am I missing anything?

Should be a nice weekend project.

Ed

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Thank you for the great product, but if a customer were to ask nicely...would you consider making a stainless?...shipping department (the wife) may have to understand that is how businesses is sometimes...so would you consider a ss version if enough demand?, thanks

 

I sent you a PM.

You have a good list. I would make sure the primer and paint is high heat, same with the clear. Personally, I would not clear coat this but that is just me.


Don't forget sand paper. I generally like to hit it with something like 180-320 between primer and base coat. I am a horrible painter though!

 

Food for thought...thanks!

Ed

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I left mine as it as most seen in the video it looks good with TRD pro skid, I don’t spend a lot of time under the truck looking at it. The side you can see from i side view blends in with the pro skid well.

 

It does look good!

Maybe I will skip paint...not sure yet!

I'm feeling the need to spend some money...albeit, minimal to beautify/enhance the look of the plate.



Ed

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