Catalytic converter protection

Has anyone had their cats stolen with a plate installed?

 

Haven't heard of any.

 

Trying to decide if aluminum is enough to deter someone, or if it should be steel.

 

I did steel. Hopefully that would be harder to steal and either they would give up or someone would come by and they would leave.

 

I'd like to see some small stickers saying something like " Cat Shield Protected" for the rear bumper. At least let them know what to expect.

 

you assume these people can read!

 

Steel would be better, and cheaper. @Classy63 has awesome plates and security bolts as well.

 

I am thinking about making one to put on my plate.....either "Not today B####" or the hand with the middle finger lol.

 

Went with DESERT EAGLE , got plate in 3-days. Used socket head bolts.

 

Glad you got it quick. Their quality has been good since the beginning. But they still have never updated their design to cover the rear 2 cats so you are only half protected. Its still better than nothing but if they cut your rear 2, you will still be without a truck for months waiting for replacements.

 

Is it going to read, B### or will you actually use the real term for a female dog?

You could also put one that says, “Go To H E double hockey sticks”.

 

Scroll through this website. They have stickers!
https://getcatsecurity.com/

 

And then the will key your Tundra for being a wise ass. Leave the cat covers plain.

 

The plates are enough to deter anyone most of the time. Mine are spot welded. A couple minutes with a grinder and I can get them off for trans service.
I agree with @Jim LE 1301, they’ll kick a dent in the door for sure.

 

I think anything that slows down the ability of someone to cut the converters, would prevent theft with a higher probability rate. Most of the time, they slide under the car cut the converter in two locations, and they’re out. Anything that slows them down and they’re going to bail. Especially considering that they probably don’t travel with tools, so I bolt on would probably do. All of this is presumptuous of course, but a little bit is better than nothing.

 

I have had my 1/4" aluminum on for little over a year with no problems. Got the aluminum to cut weight and also installed security bolts for further protection.

 

This. You can protect against the tweakers looking for a quick score - which wild ass guess is probably over 95% of these thefts. If it's an organized, well prepared group they're going to get what they came for no matter what you do - even if it means taking the whole truck.

Also, I agree with not antagonizing them. I don't want them to smash a window, key the paint, or kick a door panel in just to make a point. They do have a sawsall, so they could quickly cut any number of expensive things while under there too.

 

I just installed the Desert Eagle product with tamper proof bolts as well, quick ship and easy install. I asked Desert Eagle why they don't extend the back of the plate 6" or so to help protect the back cats better. Got a lot of verbal arm waiving but no good answer.

I agree with earlier comments, 95% of the thieves will look underneath and move on after seeing the plate. Too many easier targets and they need to get in/out quick.

 

Yeah people these days...anything is possible.

 

That is so true.

 

I just want to make it so they have to work harder to get my cats than they would some other vehicle that doesn't have protection plates. I'm hoping they'll just move on to the next vehicle. Protection plates are a deterrent, but they're not a guarantee that my cats won't be stolen if thieves really want them.

Dave

 

I had a coworker hit and according to LE, there has been some scattered incidents in my area. Since I travel and stay overnight for work, I decided to get something to deter these mutha truckers. I went to CCM's product to protect the front and rear cats due to the fast shipping. The plates came with security bolts/screws. I spoke with my insurance agent and decided that this was best route. It may not prevent someone who is eager to steal no matter what. At the very least it may make them think twice if it requires more time to get my cats.

 

Lowering won't deter some of them.

 

Toyota recommends to only cover the front CATS due to heat dissipation. If you really want to cover all four they recommend aluminum. It dissipates heat better and allows the CATS and the transmission to operate at the proper temp. Also, the back two CATS are resonators and not worth nearly as much as the front two which are targeted a lot more. This is my CAT shield. 3/16” aluminum to match skid plate. Backs are still open.

 

Temps with front and rear plates is not an issue. Thieves do not care what the rear is worth...they will take them anyway. $10 is $10 to a crackhead.

 

i towed a 5Klb boat from Houston to Florida in July 97F outside at 73 mph and the steel cat shields from Valhella never got above 135F. Toyota said nothing........ Dumbass Toyota dealer may have made shit up since their didnt cover the rear. Oh shit I dont have to worry about my trans temps, i have a cooler....

 

The rear two cats are called clean up cats and in most states are not necessary. The o2 sensor is just behind the front ones so no codes thrown or check engine light. Will pass inspection and everything.

 

^^^ This. Look how low the Prius is and it’s a prime target for cat theft.

 

Simplest way to do this is to buy one of the shields on the market, take the specialty bit, and remove the screws with it. Just sayin...I hope this doesn't happen.