Muffler shop, by law, says it must keep old cat

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Buckru

Joined
Jul 8, 2004
Threads
45
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1,044
Location
Houston, Texas
I just got off the phone with a muffler shop who quoted me $321.08 for the Magnaflow 99006HM cat installed. I didn't think that was terrible considering the MSRP is $223.00. Then I asked about keeping my old cat and was told that under federal law, they must keep my old cat for 15 days.

1. The price quoted seemed to be much higher than what Ive read here. Anyone have any price comparisons recently?

2. Is this law for real or is it a means to keep the old cat for financial reasons.

Buck
 
You own the existing cat and are entitled to it back. There is probably a meth head at the shop that wants to turn it into the recycler for $$. If you want it, insist on it or go to another shop.
 
I talked to two other muffler shops and both confirmed having to keep the old cats under law. One shop said they get $20 a cat and that is reflected in the price. That seemed low to me.

My new question is, what about unbolting the cat and telling the shop it was stolen? It would mean driving about 4 miles without one and not sure of any issues that may arise as a result.

Buck
 
Strange.... sounds dubious... wouldn't that be unconstitutional or something? :)
 
I have worked as a mechanic for 7 years and am master certified Mercedes, have never heard of this law in Illinois but may be different in Texas. All cats done under Warranty go back to Mercedes all customer pay cats get sold to scrap guy ($20-$50 a pop x 4 on a Benz). I am sure the Muffler shops love it, nobody asks for them back. They are filled with either Platinum or Palladium, it may be difficult to find a recycler. In Illinois it is law that all parts must go back to consumer if requested and mechanics are recommended to hold onto parts for 2 days in case consumer comes back.
 
just pull over right before the shop right before you have the work done, climb under the truck and sawz-all that sucker off problem solved:flipoff2:

id call bs on this law! your truck your parts
 
Last time I took cats to the recycler that acutally cuts them apart and sells the precious metal inside, they were paying $100+. Way more if they were from a Euro. Again, Texas law might be different, but sounds fishy to me. Have him show you the law.
 
You can get that cat for $100 and have someone else install it...
HottExhaust.com - Online Store Search Results

99006HM.jpg
 
I just called a shop in Humble (Midas - idiots...) but still,
they also said that they cannot let me keep the old cat....

His confidence dropped on that question though. I pressed him, and he response was "The main office wants us to turn them in".

I smell a rat.
 
Here's the remedy; All new Cats come with a form inside the box that explains the rules (i.e. who can install, who retains the filled-out form, who keeps the old Cat). Just get one of those forms and see who keeps the old Cat???
 
nat88toy said:
just pull over right before the shop right before you have the work done, climb under the truck and sawz-all that sucker off problem solved:flipoff2:

id call bs on this law! your truck your parts
Click to expand...

I will advise against this trick, because even with gloves you surely will be burnt.

remove the cats at home, drive to the shop with earplugs, if they ask tell them straight, no need to be sneaky when its YOUR property.
 
I'll add my $0.02 too...

I'd buy a cat as suggested from 'bpassmore' as it sounds like he's already researched them and they run for around $100.00.

I think that you are getting a high quote for the magnaflow exaust. I priced the same one here in Utah and it was just over $100.00 installed...like $130 installed and some change....

Buy the cat and the magnaflow you want online.
Find someone that can weld mufflers some small mechanic shop or something...drive to their house have them cut out the old and install the new for you. Can't imagine it costing you an arm and a leg and they are less likely to give the Corporate hoopla about needing YOUR cat. Sounds like they want to collect on easy money that is rightlyfully yours and that you should collect on. OR give the cat to the guy that welded up your new stuff as partial payment or something if they will accept that. OR make sure you cut the stuff out yourself if you don't want someone else to rape you clean on CAT + Exhaust + install charges ;-) Goodluck.
 
I just did this last wednesday. Not only did I get two cats converted to one - tucked up high cat, I have my side by sides at home. No issues at all. The cats have a relatively high recycle value - just like Cruiserdrew suggested. As for Magnaflo - the muffler will be coming off my 80 next week. It's too loud for me on the 80. Bob
 
Buckru said:
I just got off the phone with a muffler shop who quoted me $321.08 for the Magnaflow 99006HM cat installed. I didn't think that was terrible considering the MSRP is $223.00. Then I asked about keeping my old cat and was told that under federal law, they must keep my old cat for 15 days.

1. The price quoted seemed to be much higher than what Ive read here. Anyone have any price comparisons recently?

2. Is this law for real or is it a means to keep the old cat for financial reasons.

Buck
Click to expand...

It's for real. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
 
yes, but it says that one of the 3 reasons for which an aftermarket can be installed is when the converter is missing from the exhaust system...
In which case of course they can't keep it for 15 days :)
 
The easy solution is to shop your requirements around and take the best price and stop dicking around with your junk. You've already wasted more time than it could possibly be worth :flipoff2:
 
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