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Going over board in Protecting my catalytic converter!!!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Kaptainkid1, May 29, 2021.

  1. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Those won't pass smog so Cali Prius must have California approved Catalytic converter.
    We have smog check every 2 years.

    That why this thread is posted for these strick laws and thieve's quest for the OEM cats.
    That's why the thieves are stealing these cats across the world.
    Plus I heard stories of mufflers shops hired thieves to steal catalytic converter to increase business in the local area.

    SM-A526U ?
     
    #21 Kaptainkid1, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
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  2. 120m256

    120m256 New Member

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    Register your car in SD. They allow you to register a car without being a resident, and without the car being garaged in the state.

    Edit - the registration can be done through the mail. No need to visit the state. This can be done for non-street legal motorcycles as well.

    Edit 2 - I follow a thread on this topic regarding registering dirtbikes for the street. Occasionally, someone questions the legality of this approach. IANAL, but the general consensus is that most states require your car/motorcycle be registered to your current address. They never say your car must be registered to your current address by that particular state's dmv. So, you would have a car registered through SD to your CA address. Unless CA law specifically states the car must be registered to your address through the CA dmv, you are good to go from a legal standpoint.

    Edit 3 - Of course, we don't have any of these issues in AZ. Only two counties require emissions, and that is an auto pass with no CEL or passing a sniffer, depending on the vehicle type. All motorcycles are street legal, so long as they have a headlight. This can literally be a mountbike headlight - and it doesn't even need to work, just be on the motorcycle. The light only needs to be on if you ride after dark.
     
    #22 120m256, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
  3. privilege

    privilege Active Member

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    I know the benefits of the South Dakota titling process very well. they're good people, those South Dakotaians !
     
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  4. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    I wish I could see the look on a thief's face when they see your weld job!!
     
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  5. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Yeah it looks bad. It's a cheap harbor freight 120 volt welder with no gas. Plus I only have like 1 hours of experience and 2 hours of watch "how to" on YouTube but 100% diy.

    SM-A526U ?
     
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  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    When I thief looks underneath and sees what you have done, there is no way they would attempt to do anything. The screen alone will cause noise and possible snagging. What you have done is awesome.
     
  7. Ash Mc

    Ash Mc New Member

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    Thank you for the very informative post and how to. My Cat just got stolen (in broad daylight at my office parking lot no less!) and thankfully replaced via comp ins with only a $100 deductible. We will be doing this in the next coming week to my 2008 since I don't want this happening again! Our neighborhood, and area in general, has been hit hard the past few years so I knew it was only a matter of time unfortunately.
     
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  8. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Please share the general area or neighborhood, so that others can avoid.
     
  9. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Mid Wilshire area. Honestly all over LA is very bad! The whole country around any urban area! Stay away Prius owners I have Pri-herpes it's very contagious. Avoid me like a Covid variant!

    SM-A526U ?
     
  10. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Dude I wish you can do this to my car! I'll gladly pay. I just failed smog due to my cheap cat, so its either junk the car or buy the OEM cat.
     
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  11. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    I might take you up on the offer. Just failed smog with my cheapo aftermarket cat since my car was reading any numbers. I can't pass the smog check.
     
  12. The Lizard King

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    Can you, a family member, or a close friend register the car in another state that doesn't have an inspection?
     
  13. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    lol as an immigrant I have very little family as is let alone someone out of state lol. Maybe in Asia haha
     
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  14. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Been thinking of getting a Prius V next and been researching information about catalytic converters theft for other Prius models and Generations. You'll be interested to know 2nd Gen Prius has the highest theft rate of stolen catalytic converters of all Priis Generations.

    It's seems the most expensive catalytic converter to replace too because of the precious metals.

    Knowing the 2nd Gen Prius is the prize catalytic converter of all Priis. It's more important and more relevant to go over board in protecting your 2nd Gen Prius cats!



    Android ?
     
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  15. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    As the population of Gen 2's age out in the coming years, they'll go after the Gen 3 cats.
     
  16. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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  17. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Here is a follow-up after 8 months posting this thread. I usually don't look under my Prius unless I change the oil. Recently I noticed under the driver side floor boards my plastic panels beneath the driver's side were crushed as if someone jacked up my car on the wrong support beam. I'm lead to believe someone tried to steal my catalytic converter and decided it wasn't worth the trouble and moved on to easier target! So I would say after 4 years and counting this catalytic converter guard has saved my Prius. It cost less than $75 in parts and lots of sweat to make it secure.
    IMG_20211209_165350.jpg

    Android ?
     
    #37 Kaptainkid1, Dec 9, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2021
  18. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

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    Maybe add motion alarm.

     
    #38 alftoy, Dec 10, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2021
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  19. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Na the cage and rebar is working fine and that's the point of this thread. The Alarm is way way way over board.

    Android ?
     
  20. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    Nice job! As you mentioned, the main goal is to make your car a less attractive target for the thieves and you've obviously succeeded in achieving this. You could easily charge a reasonable amount for providing this to other Prius owners.