Share your catalytic converter anti-theft installations

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bighor

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I'm looking at different options to secure my cat converters. A guy I know with a new Chevy pickup had his cat stolen. He replaced it and added a cage (see photo below). I might do the same, tho the underbelly of our trucks would make it a little more tricky. If you've installed an anti-theft device please share! If you have not, please don't use this thread to rant. I'm looking for solutions!

GOPR0211.JPG
 

Brando_SLT

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i haven't installed one - but curious why the mesh instead of something like a skid plate? Most thieves use a cordless sawzall or cutoff wheel - would this mesh stop that as well?
 

Moose2

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i haven't installed one - but curious why the mesh instead of something like a skid plate? Most thieves use a cordless sawzall or cutoff wheel - would this mesh stop that as well?
Nope! Best to park in a secure area. I vote for self destruct mode on security system. “Converter thief cause so many sparks, the car exploded detective.” Seriously though, thick metal, hardened skid plate would be my choice.
 

Rav3ncroft

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Perhaps the mesh is what he had on hand or he was worried about heat or something. Regardless, the mesh, like anything else, is being used to slow the thieves down.

I would think a more solid plate would be better than the mesh and I'd consider a countersunk head if bolting on a plate instead of welding.
 
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bighor

bighor

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drakon543

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honestly i think mesh would be better. it wont cut easily with a sawzall as it will just vibrate with the blade. also the noise thats going to make while your cutting it. the extra time and extra noise might do the trick.
 

Skatulaki

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Colt .45 , Glock .40 , AR-15, and a really mean Pit bull ! IMO , thieves should be shot in the act ! In the old days, stealing a horse aka Grand theft auto got you hung ! Cattle rustling ( stealing a man's property ) also got one hung ! Why have we relaxed effective rules?
 

GTyankee

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Tig weld the VIN # onto the Cat

A auto wrecker or metal scrap yard would think twice about buying it
More & more States are tightening down on businesses that are buying Cats. If the Cats are marked, not many businesses are going to take the chance of being caught with them.

Even if a business buys a marked cat & immediately cuts the cat apart & to get the special metals.
They still have to toss the casing into a smelter or a crusher

It is going to be more of a pain than its worth
 

DIMford

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Does the manufacturer skid plate and protection package cover up the catalytic converter and protect against theft?
 

GTyankee

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Fairly soon, people will stop stealing Catalytic Converters
The police mostly know where to look for anyone that has the ability to extract the metals.

What if the police go to known hang outs, search for CATS
Whoever has possession of the CATS has to give the
Owners Name
VIN # of the vehicle it belongs to
ETC.

Then if the person in possession can't supply those things, take them to court & fine them $1,000 per CC

The Law would not have to jail them, just watch that persons known acquaintances & do it all over again.

The crooks will go broke stealing CATS :)
 

Socalramfan

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Here's how I'm starting. Did both of my converters. Certainly not an "end-all" solution but hope that it helps.
John
I like it. Was thinking of placing ‘Made in China‘ on mine. One look and they’ll know it was made with crap components and move on :driver:
 

Brando_SLT

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Here's how I'm starting. Did both of my converters. Certainly not an "end-all" solution but hope that it helps.
John
If you live in a state with inspections, there may be some questions :gr_grin:

I do like the "live in a very gun-friendly" state approach. Thieves are less likely to steal when you value your property more than their life.
 

Kenobi

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If you live in a state with inspections, there may be some questions :gr_grin:

I do like the "live in a very gun-friendly" state approach. Thieves are less likely to steal when you value your property more than their life.
Check local laws, though. In many states you can't legally shoot someone unless they're actually threatening you. But you could always say he was crawling on his back at you, very fast, and you just happened to catch him while he was moving under your truck :hahano:
 

Rlaf75

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A van at my buddy's body shop got hit 2 weeks ago. Cops actually caught them in the act but they managed to flee in a car stolen from one town with plates that were stolen off a different car from a different town. The cop pursued them for about 5 miles but the chase got called off by his supervisor so they got away. The shop has multiple cameras that see about 95% of the property and actually recorded the whole crime from when they drove in until the cop followed them out. The cameras are crystal clear as if you were standing right next to the thieves but they had virus masks covering their faces so they couldnt be identified. Because of the masks and the fact that the chase was called off they will more than likely never be caught. Moral of my story is, if the criminals want it they'll take it because they know not much will be done about it
 

DILLIGAF

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Just dont use one. Problem solved. :321:
 

Mister Luck

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Colt .45 , Glock .40 , AR-15, and a really mean Pit bull ! IMO , thieves should be shot in the act ! In the old days, stealing a horse aka Grand theft auto got you hung ! Cattle rustling ( stealing a man's property ) also got one hung ! Why have we relaxed effective rules?
At what point do us citizens say "Enough" ? We have a right to protect our property as well as ourselves?
OFF DUTY TEXAS POLICE OFFICE SHOT TRYING TO PREVENT CONVERTER THEFT

That’s all the fear of my personal safety I need…
 

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