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Stopping Catalytic Converter Theft

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Rebound, Dec 19, 2019.

  1. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I’ve read that the soaring prices of palladium is leading to a wave of catalytic converter thefts, and the Prius is especially susceptible.

    There is a company which makes a $245 plate which is intended to prevent this theft:

    Purchase Online | Cap City Muffler

    It’s great that they’re doing this, but $245 seems more expensive than necessary, and when I looked at their URL, their “Replacement Hardware Kit” consists of six sheet metal screws and eight pop rivets. This doesn’t seem like a strong enough deterrent.

    I commend this company for making the product, but I thought that perhaps a seasoned group of home mechanics such as ourselves may be able to come up with a solution that’s less expensive and perhaps more effective.

    One idea that comes to mind is a “chastity belt” — a rotating collar of steel which is secured with some type of padlock.

    I attached photos of the device, and the “kit” with the six screws and pop rivets.

    Any thoughts?

    IMG_2343.jpg IMG_2344.jpg
     
    #1 Rebound, Dec 19, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2019
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  2. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Another cat protection device I found...

    IMG_2345.jpg
     
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  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    If they want it bad enough, they will just cut through it.
    It's a nice idea though. :)

    You need an explosive device so when they try to remove it, it will have a small explosion and
    spray them with some type of poison and a recording tells them they have 3 days to turn themselves
    in to the police to get the antidote, or die a painful death. :)
     
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  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Cat thefts rates are high in some places because cat replacements are high in some places.
    On free soil it’s cheaper to put an aftermarket cat on a car than it is to pay for a stolen unit.


    Me?
    I’d use a small inverter and an electric fence charger.....but that’s me being me again.

    The bottom unit will take a few seconds longer to cut off with a portable saw because of the cables.

    TIFWIW
     
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  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The idea is to make it HARDER to steal something. You would have to have an armed guard or two
    that would stop the thief attempt.
    I use chemicals and 240 ac to protect my house. :)
    It would be easy to convert the hybrid battery to do the same. (y):whistle:

     
  6. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Thanks, that snarky reply is a huge help.
     
  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    "Snarky", Sparky?

     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe a sheet of galvanized expanded metal mesh. I've shown a possible extent and a few bend lines:

    upload_2019-12-19_13-43-51.png

    Arrows indicate possible utilizable bolts for securing it. If the bolts are long enough that a stack of washers could be added:

    upload_2019-12-19_13-45-48.png
     
  9. Glee217

    Glee217 Junior Member

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    hey there curious if you thought of any diy cat theft preventions yet? I might prefer diy vs the common devices sold to the public since with time these devices can be hacked but with a diy they will be more surprised and more alienating.
     
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  10. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Glitter Bomb.....
     
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  11. Glee217

    Glee217 Junior Member

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    Man I feel so worried now its like being naked with no clothes on lol.
     
  12. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Patriot 3.0 Joule, 12v capable electric fence charger...................... $187.43
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    Seeing a puddle of urine and an abandoned Sawz-all under your car in the morning????...........PRICELESS!!


    There are some things that money can't buy.
    For everything else?

    There's AMAZON.
     
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  13. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Like a lot of ideas it's gone dormant. I think I'll just keep my insurance topped up. It would be a $300 deductable, considered vandalism I think.

    I see the Cat part of the exhaust system is a tidy sum, looking at around $3250 CDN plus shipping for me (through Amayama).
     
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  15. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Typo? Or not...? ;)
     
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  17. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    I put these DIY mesh screens on 2x 2nd Priuses and it's been 6 years and going.
    I later found out there is thicker mess screens that can be purchased and I would go for the thicker mesh next time. I believe its 1/4 thick. The cost just for the parts without the tool is under $50.

    SM-J737T1 ?
     
  18. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Mess definitely, and my bad, as I was going off the link/pricing in this posting, which isn't even for a full/half sheet.

    There is another option for those concerned about rust, though no where near as robust. HD currently offers a 36 in. x 48 in. Black Expandable Aluminum Sheet for 70+, which may barely fit our application.
     
  19. Glee217

    Glee217 Junior Member

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    I assuming the comprehensive (non collision) part of the insurance covers it since I did use it for windshield before.
     
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  20. Glee217

    Glee217 Junior Member

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    So hows the rust so far?