Catalytic Converter Theft...

When i got my alarm installed the guy said to be careful because lately a lot of trucks and suv have been getting their catalytic converters stolen either by unbolting or using a sawzall to cut it out. I remember hearing a news report about this. its nationwide but mainly in northern cali. it happens to car owners too but mainly SUV and truck owners mainly because its easy to get under the car. Thieves are after the precious metals in the catalytic converter.
Anyone know if they have a protection device to prevent this?

 

Thanks, the plate thing sounds good but i would need it to vent. i just saw this thing called the CatCuff that is for this type of theft. But your plate idea sounds better. I'm just wondering how much it would cost me since i dont know how to weld.

 

My rearward cat was stolen with a sawzall!
I had a straight pipe welded into it at the time. It's still there I kind of want to replace it though because it sounds like shit without it! It had a little bit of a rumble to it before now it sounds like an anemic 4 cylinder.

 

Just heard a news report that at a local Toyota dealership in Asheville, NC the converters were cut off of 14 brand new Tacoma's over the weekend. They said the Asheville police had 9 other reports of converter theifs over the weekend. So now its just not in California any more. What can we do to protect ourselfs from someone stealing the cats off our trucks?

 

when it came on the news a few months ago here, they said all you need to do is put a spot weld where it bolts on. Then the thieves got smart and started using sawzalls. so now like Chris4x4 did for his gastank, i think a fabricated shield should help. while i was under my truck i noticed that the V6 models have two (i think) and are tucked under the frame cross member. that helps a bit already. at least its not as easy to get to than the 4cylinders as they have theirs right in the middle completely exposed. but i think fabbing up a shield similiar to Chris4x4's gastank shield is the best bet. however if you are looking for something premade, i searched online and found a site (for the name but just google catalytic converter protection) and they have this metal heavy gauage wiring that wraps around the converter and locks to your frame. its about $50

 

definitely will look forward to seeing that.

 

that alone makes me NOT want to buy it..... LoL

At least they have detailed photos on their website! Makes it easy to fab one!

 

cat armor plate on my truck. Works great and had it for about 8 months now. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/14077-my-way-stop-cat-theft.html

 

Got any side shots of your truck with that on? Looks good! You should post a schematic.

 

Well the only way to take off my cats is to cut it. the bolts rusted shut on there, Tried pb blaster as well and no luck.

 

I don't have any side photos. It's not lower than the frame if that's why you wanted the side photo. Since this is a great site with many helpful people, I'm more than happy to post the drawing for other taco owners. Note that it's only 16GA because that's as thick as my louver tool can punch. It's not a skid plate, just a theft deterrant. If you want a skid plate, make it thicker.

 

Cats put out a bunch of heat so make sure whatever kind of cover you build has good airflow.

 

CATS also gtting ripped here in the NW. Had my CAT sawzall(ed) out of my lowrider. They actually jacked the fucker up and cut it out. Likely easier to get to in lifted tacoma....

 

did'nt we ban him?

 

i say we call and fuck with him. haha jk
*i take no repsonobilitys for any actions taken by anyone on this board.*

 

New article about wave of catalytic converter theft: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/...type=Homepage&section=Climate and Environment

 

1st post on a 12 year old thread?