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New prius owner...starting off a little rough

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Greenacarina, May 14, 2022.

  1. Greenacarina

    Greenacarina Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2022
    15
    1
    0
    Location:
    Arlington, wa
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hi everyone!
    Just bought my first prius. I needed something that gets better mileage as my long work commute and high fuel prices are killing me.
    I have never been wealthy and driven older "beaters" my whole life...and never had the desire to have a car payment. So, fast forward to the present day and I have decided a used prius makes the most sense.
    Found a 2003 with 119k miles, spotlessly clean, had the hybrid battery replaced in 2018 (apparently this car sat for a long time and the battery doesn't like that).
    Car was just a bit more than the "limit" I had set for myself, but the low mileage seemed worth it.
    Paid the seller, drove it home, enjoying the heck out of it...learning how it operates, etc.
    Had it parked for 2 hours on a city street...go back out to drive somewhere...start it up and heard an incredibly loud racket!! Knew immediately what had happened
    Catalytic converter missing. And clearly not the first time, judging from the u-clamp that was left on the muffler pipe.
    So, here I am...thrown headfirst into prius ownership, having to deal with this headache.
    New eBay cat is on the way...still need to order the o2 sensor, since that got chopped off too. I can do the work myself, no problem, but will have to take some preventive measures too.
    I plan on building a cage out of rebar and getting a decent alarm system. Any recommendations would be welcome!
    It's a bummer of a way to start off, but I am really looking forward to driving this thing and planning on using it for a road trip in about a month.

    Thanks for reading all this!
    Chris
     
    #1 Greenacarina, May 14, 2022
  2. prius16

    prius16 Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2015
    462
    241
    1
    Location:
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Welcome to Prius chat!

    I'm very sorry to hear about the convertor was stolen.
    That sucks!

    I'm assuming you've welded before, and know how to weld rebar and plates to rebar?

    You can indeed construct a very effective custom Catalytic converter protector.
    A few things, you want to purposely block any sight/access to the areas before and after that cat.
    Don't let the scum thieves think they "may" be able to get the cat out, after they cut the exhaust pipes.

    Most Catalytic converter thieves are "not the sharpest tool in the shed". Never forget that. That is what you're protecting against. Not some multi-national mega smart super thief. Often, people who are on drugs, and/or can't/won't hold down a regular job.


    So..., on to the design:
    You want to the cage from the front firewall, back to the rear wheel well.
    You want the cage to look intimidating and to require real effort to cut out.
    You should have cross rebar every ~12". You want many rebars (~4) on the areas before/after the cat (where they cut the exhaust).
    You want to the cage, and ~1foot apart cross-bars to go all the way back, so that they can't cut through the front protection, then cut the exhaust near the rear wheel, and slide the cat and pipes out the back.

    Of course, use plates to mount that cage to either factory bolt areas, or use Self-clinching blind press nuts.
    Rebar is good, since it's harder to cut through. But, you want at least two rows of rebar in any potential attack area.
    Again, remember who you're protecting against.


    Good Luck!


    Good luck!
     
    #2 prius16, May 15, 2022
    Greenacarina likes this.
  3. Greenacarina

    Greenacarina Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2022
    15
    1
    0
    Location:
    Arlington, wa
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Thanks!
    I have been doing some research and figuring out my best options for protection.
    Ordered up a cheapo eBay cat...still waiting for my o2 sensor to arrive. I got it put back together (a couple small exhaust leaks that I still need to address) and at least I am back on the road.
    Got an alarm system with a tilt sensor that I will be installing and will be welding up a cage as well. Hopefully won't have to do this twice...
    I absolutely love driving this car
     
    #3 Greenacarina, May 22, 2022
    bisco likes this.
  4. JohnnyPR

    JohnnyPR Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2021
    75
    20
    0
    Location:
    Hinesville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Welcome! That's a rough start. Lots of mod ideas around here.
     
    #4 JohnnyPR, Jun 16, 2022
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