Skid plate to reduce catalytic converter theft???

@MadRussian

Hi there..if I had some skills and some cajones, I too would try making a plate, but because I dont have either, I elected to support a small business and just get it shipped.

If you move forward and make a plate, please post some pix.

 

I don't know if I could make a fill skid plate like some guys on here have. But adding another plate behind the stock two is worth a shot.
I drove for a while with out the stock "skid plates" before I modified them to fit my new bumbler. After I installed them I noticed a small MPG improvement. Hence my theory.
I would buy the SFX plate if it wasn't listed at 43 lbs. For my purposes I want light weight over strength.

 

After I received thr product, I'll post some information, pix , and weight..

Good luck with making a plate and please do post some pix of the end product.

 

I’m also looking into getting a device to deter theft for my catalytic converter. Recently, I have been looking at CatClamp. Was hoping someone here had installed one and reviewed it.

https://catclamp.com/product/catclamp-maximum-security-kit/

But after reading this thread, the bolt on plate looks like a good alternative. Any input from you guys is greatly appreciated.

 

If you just want something lightweight to deter access to the cat. Consider using heavy gauge expanded steel. Mount with a security type bolts.

It will be lighter than a skid plate, shed water, allow cooling and be a barrier.

 

Hi folks.

I finally got it installed.

The pictures I took are too poor (blurry) sorry my smartphone is obviously not smart.

As for the product and install...wow it was heavy as mentioned in other post; and yes it's thick as posted

Installed it prerunner, not hard just had to take my time. Installed it with a floor jack and some left over wood which allowed me to do it alone.

@Bravisimo .. I looked at the product you cited, but for some reasons like I just wanted to have less visibility of the cats, this more of a deterrent, I chose the one I purchased. In the end, am I content...yes, happy about spending the money..no, but to me it come out cheaper to pay for this rather than be frustrated that I did not try something as well as my insurance deductible is a lot more than the cost of the product.

 

Would love to see before and after pics. Also, link to where you got the plate. Glad to hear it worked out!

 

Are you referring to a just a piece of steel? Or do you have a vendor in mind that already makes this?

 

I took my truck to a muffler/exhaust shop who welded some steel rebar around the cat. It’s hard to describe but it looks like rebar. They advertised that they did this to prevent cat theft. It was a couple years ago and I think they charged about $125. Check with some local muffler shops and see what they can do for you.

 

Available at Home Depot.....


Many different thickness are available.

 

This was a huge issue in my area, and probably all of TN, about 10 years ago. And this was in nice middle class and upper middle class areas. They passed a law requiring the scrap places to copy your drivers license to sell any scrap and that took care of it. I'm sure it still happens, but this got rid of the vast majority.

 

I just installed this one:
https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase...cat-security-toyota-tacoma-2016-2021-4wd-qv3z
took about an hour but good lord get a sharp new 7/16” bit and some tapping paste or your shoulders will hate you. They’ll probably hate you anyway but it’ll make things doable (you have to drill 4 holes and install riv-nuts but everything to do a DIY riv-nut install is included except the bit).



edit: a few on here have said they don’t even use the Riv-nuts….. it seems like that’s a good option too; they are just extra security/vibration reduction. I never even thought of that.

 

I have been looking at this and looks great.

Hope the TRD skid plate wont interfere