I see long-ago threads on this topic but in recent time, has anyone come across a secure and cost effective manner to secure these ridiculously precious pieces of hardware?
Catalytic Converter theft protection
- Thread starter rockmon
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Insurance 
I didn't know this was a real problem...I mean I get the platinum in them and all, but does this really happen right off the vehicle?
re_guderian
SILVER Star
Yes. Done in < 4-5 minutes, in the parking lot, while you shop... Though they're trying to crack down on the "recyclers" that buy them and provide the market for the tweakers.
Yeah, I get general concept of how it's done. I just didn't know it was an epidemic.
Guess you could buy one of these. haha
http://www.catclamp.com/
Guess you could buy one of these. haha
http://www.catclamp.com/
re_guderian
SILVER Star
http://www.catclamp.com/ never tried it, and don't know if it's "cost effective"
hoser
SILVER Star
I was going to say skid plate but you said "cost effective" so it's plan B... 
I had the catalytic converter stolen off of the 4Runner I used to own. Happened right outside of my apartment while I was asleep and was none the wiser until I cranked up the engine the next morning. Quite an unpleasant surprise. Anyways, after getting a new cat put on (around $400, if I recall, and not really something that's covered by insurance), I bought and installed a Cat Clamp. Can't speak for its effectiveness other than the fact that my catalytic converter never got stolen again in the three subsequent years that I owned the truck.
Are these quality people stealing CATs off newer rigs like a 100-series?
I know they have targeted older Toyotas, like pre-2000, because the metals inside are different quality/volume in the OEM units. I've had my CAT stolen off my 93 pickup - it definitely wasn't cut with sawzall, they used some sort of pipe cutter that gave different type of cut mark (like the modern cordless pipe/tubing cutters) and did it in the middle of the night, 15-20ft from where I sleep and I didn't hear a thing. My 100-series was parked right next to the truck and they didn't touch it.
I know they have targeted older Toyotas, like pre-2000, because the metals inside are different quality/volume in the OEM units. I've had my CAT stolen off my 93 pickup - it definitely wasn't cut with sawzall, they used some sort of pipe cutter that gave different type of cut mark (like the modern cordless pipe/tubing cutters) and did it in the middle of the night, 15-20ft from where I sleep and I didn't hear a thing. My 100-series was parked right next to the truck and they didn't touch it.
- Thread starter
- #12
Good comments everyone... thanks! The insanity of this epidemic reared it's head in my office's parking garage three weeks ago. A coworkers McChevy truck was parked overnight and lost it's CC. He paid out $600 for the new one.
I need to get something on my daughter's 2010 Rav and my 100. I like the idea of a Slee skid plate as I'm planning on freeing my 100 from the OEM running boards for Slee Sliders soon.
I'll follow-up with progress as it unfolds.
I need to get something on my daughter's 2010 Rav and my 100. I like the idea of a Slee skid plate as I'm planning on freeing my 100 from the OEM running boards for Slee Sliders soon.
I'll follow-up with progress as it unfolds.
I had it happen to my 4runner too about 7 years back in Chicago. I was so startled when I started it I shut it off right away. I can now say I know what a third-gen 4runner sounds like with straight pipes.
x2 on skids...would make it a huge pain to get to them and theyd quickly give up I am sure.
How much can used cats be worth? I only got $30 at the scrapyard for both of my original ones off my LX450.
I guess the better question is: how much crack do you reckon you can buy with $30?
