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MillerCat style hardware to install AutoDefender cat shield

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by framistat, Aug 15, 2022.

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  1. framistat

    framistat Junior Member

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    Just received an AutoDefender cat shield. Need to have it installed for me by a shop (arthritis). Want to provide better hardware than what comes with it, with the goals 1) to prevent corrosion, roads are salted here and 2) make the shield removable for maintenance. Undercarriage is Rust-Check coated.

    Looking through past posts and the MillerCat instructions, do I need:
    6 x Zinc-Plated Steel Heavy-Duty Rivet Nut, Open End, M6x1.0 Interior Thread, 4.2-6.6 mm Material Thickness
    https://www.mcmaster.com/rivnuts/steel-twist-resistant-rivet-nuts/
    6 x Stainless Steel Flanged Hex Head Screw, M6 x 1 mm Thread, 30 mm Long
    https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/thread-size~m6/stainless-steel-flanged-hex-head-screws-8/
    6 x Carbon Steel Split Lock Washer, Zinc-Aluminum Coated, for 1/4" Screw Size,.26" ID
    https://www.mcmaster.com/lock-washers/finish~zinc-aluminum-coated/
    2 x Aluminum Unthreaded Spacer, 1/2" OD, 3/8" Long, for 1/4" Screw Size
    https://www.mcmaster.com/spacers/aluminum-unthreaded-spacers/
     
    #1 framistat, Aug 15, 2022
  2. framistat

    framistat Junior Member

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    That would be just for the front shield. Would need at least 4 x more of each for the rear shield (are 6 really necessary?).
     
    #2 framistat, Aug 15, 2022
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Just get stainless rivet nuts instead of the zinc plated ones.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 xliderider, Aug 15, 2022
    Georgina Rudkus and framistat like this.
  4. prius16

    prius16 Active Member

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    Are you having this done by a body shop?
    Extremely few mechanics would have a rivet installation tool.
    Even for body shops, they may not have one. Most cars do not use Rivet nuts. Off hand, I can't think of rivet nuts coming from the factory.

    Good Luck!
     
    #4 prius16, Aug 16, 2022
  5. framistat

    framistat Junior Member

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    Doesn't look like one is really necessary. Just use a long bolt, a coupler and a few washers with a socket wrench and open end.


     
    #5 framistat, Aug 16, 2022
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    That's exactly what I used.

    I also placed four radial bends in the shield that provided a half inch of clearance under the rear of the shield under the catalytic converter. That added some structure to the shield and prevents rattling and "oil canning." 212306_IMG_1244.jpg 212305_IMG_1237.jpg
     
    #6 Georgina Rudkus, Aug 16, 2022
    Raytheeagle and framistat like this.
  7. framistat

    framistat Junior Member

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    I see... so the bends serve the same function as the rear spacers in the MillerCat kit.

    Are six screws/bolts/rivets (three per side) really needed for the smaller rear plate? Will four do?
     
    #7 framistat, Aug 16, 2022
  8. framistat

    framistat Junior Member

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    How thick is the material? 1/8" or less, or more than 1/8"? Requires different rivnut grip length.
     
    #8 framistat, Aug 16, 2022
  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I just riveted the shield on;).

    Remember, the shield is a deterrent:cool:.

    Anything can be had with the right amount of time and effort:whistle:.

    My key was to make it harder than average so they move along:).

    Good luck and let us know what you end up with(y).
     
    #9 Raytheeagle, Aug 16, 2022
  10. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I did not install the rear shield. It doesn't provide much protection.
     
    #10 Georgina Rudkus, Aug 16, 2022
  11. WesleyRiccipio

    WesleyRiccipio Junior Member

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    Can you link the the other shield you're mentioning besides the MillerCAT cat shield? Also, Did you buy the steel or aluminum cat shield?

    I am expecting both the Prius Offroad(aluminum) and MillerCAT(steel) shields any day now. It seems the more I stare at the delivery trucks the longer this takes :sigh:
     
    #11 WesleyRiccipio, Aug 20, 2022
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