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Really cheap catalytic converter security...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Georgina Rudkus, May 22, 2023.

  1. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Generation 2 catalytic converters are easily stolen with one cut to the exhaust pipe and the removal of the two spring loaded bolts that hole the intake flange to the exhaust manifold.

    All it takes to remove the bolts is a ratchet wrench with a long extension and a 14mm socket.

    Even of the pipe is cut behind the converter, making the bolts difficult to remove will make it hard or even impossible to remove without prior knowledge.

    The method uses a couple of the 5/8 inch spring hose clamps that I have left over from the box I had to install my oil catch can.

    5-8 spring clamp.jpg

    Using a long reach pair of Vise Grip type pliers, I pinched open the clamps and snapped them over the hex head of the spring loaded bolts.

    The potential thief will get a nasty surprise when the wrench socket will not fit over the hex head of the bolt, and the bolts cannot be removed. While under the car, using a flashlight, the clamps are nearly invisible to the thief.

    If need be, the clamps can be removed with the same locking pliers or extended reach needle nose pliers.
     
    #1 Georgina Rudkus, May 22, 2023
    Last edited: May 22, 2023
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah anything that’ll slow them down, hopefully to the point of moving on. Hopefully without cutting the other end first, or vandalizing the car in frustration.
     
  3. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    On a Gen 2, if the other end is cut off, it is easily repaired with one of these and some muffler sealant.

    It's cheap enough to get one in advance.
    .

    1.75 inch butt connector.jpg



    1.75" Butt Joint Band Exhaust Seal Clamp Sleeve,45mm Stainless Steel Exhaust Sleeve Band for Exhaust Pipe, Muffler,Manifolds,Coupler
     
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  4. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    This method using the 5/8 inch spring hose clamp is so easy that I went out this afternoon and installed them on my 2012 Prius v. It will work on all Gen 2 and Gen 3 models including the Prius c. IMG_2783.JPG
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Did you apply some sealant too?

    These cheap/DIY fixes are a good idea: if they can be just as effective as an elaborate and expensive shield, perhaps more so, why not.

    On our ‘10 Prius I wrapped the rear cut zone with chain, secured multiple times during the wrap process with nut/bolt combos, the outermost two with permanent thread-lock*.

    * can be removed with heat application
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, May 23, 2023
    Last edited: May 23, 2023
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    No. I found that it was not necessary. The clamp stays securely in place by itself.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Hard to remove though?

    Still, I suspect anything that interrupts the thief’s “work-flow” is apt to make him quit; he wants to be done and out of there fast.

    I happen to have some 16 mm hose clamps, feel a small project coming on.
     
  8. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Yes, it's hard to remove unless you have a pair of extended length locking or needle nose pliers to pinch the ears to open the clamp to pull it off. The thief will try to push the 14mm socket onto the head of the bolt. The clamp makes that impossible without having to remove it first.

    If the thief cuts the pipe at the back of the cat, it cannot be pilled off and he or she will not be able to make away with it.

    He or she will not stay there for an hour to work on it or come back with more tools. They'd just move on to another victim.

    The repair to a Gen 2 can be done with the butt joint connector sleeve clamp. For a Gen 3, it can be re welded together at any muffler shop at nominal cost.

    For California and other C.A.R.B. states, it is not a $3k replacement.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I was considering using “he or she” type thief description in my postings, figured this is one instance where chauvinism would be ok.
     
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  10. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Not all catalytic converter thieves are men.

     
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  11. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I used these to install the clamps.

    extended locking pliers.jpg


    Triplett TT-200 LongLockers 15-inch Extended Reach Locking Pliers with Non-Slip Handles, Red, Silver, Black



    It took no more than 10-15 minutes.
     
  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Has anyone snuck into your garage in an attempt to get your cat?
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Nah, and she’s mostly in the living quarters. ;)

    (Actually our daughter’s, we’re babysitting.)
     

    Attached Files:

    #13 Mendel Leisk, May 23, 2023
    Last edited: May 23, 2023
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  14. PosauneGuy

    PosauneGuy Member

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    This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

    Wondered, though, if it's possible to replace the hex bolt with a security head (e.g. Torx, Spanner). Anyone know if this is feasible; if so, what size bolt would be needed?
     
  15. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    There is a vendor who sells these on Ebay. Close to $50 with shipping and taxes.

    security bolts.jpg

    I prefer cheap.