Catalytic converter protection to prevent theft?

[papak]

I’m curious if we are going to have to install some sort of protective panel to prevent the theft of the catalytic converter. That’s a pretty common theft item here in LA.

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[flyjum]

the cat on the hybrid is in the engine bay not under the car

 

[papak]

Thanks

 

[notfast]

I’m curious if we are going to have to install some sort of protective panel to prevent the theft of the catalytic converter. That’s a pretty common theft item here in LA.

I also live in LA (and also have a Nissan Frontier!) I welded a rebar cage under my F-250's cat. The would-be thieves slashed the tires instead. I have them on video crawling out from under the truck with their Sawzall and taking a knife to the tires.

 

[abjbrtd]

Like you I'm the victim of a low life.
I'm a lot older and a little wiser now, been making plans

I'm sure the crooks won't know the difference between a EB and a hybrid.

I spent 30yrs working with 48v DC, it WILL make you say ouch!
I wonder what 2 or 3 hundred VDC would do if properly wired to the bottom of a Hybrid Maverick.... just daydreaming... honest

 

[raymaines]

Like you I'm the victim of a low life.
I'm a lot older and a little wiser now, been making plans

I'm sure the crooks won't know the difference between a EB and a hybrid.

I spent 30yrs working with 48v DC, it WILL make you say ouch!
I wonder what 2 or 3 hundred VDC would do if properly wired to the bottom of a Hybrid Maverick.... just daydreaming... honest

The reason I'm buying a Maverick is my '02 Tacoma was stolen for no apparent reason other than to steal the Cat-Converter, the insurance company declared the truck a total loss, and now I'm on foot. Tweekers suck.

 

[mav_can]

The reason I'm buying a Maverick is my '02 Tacoma was stolen for no apparent reason other than to steal the Cat-Converter, the insurance company declared the truck a total loss, and now I'm on foot. Tweekers suck.

I’m sorry to hear that. Insurance companies, they probably gave you a low ball cash amount and told you to pound sand. Or do they take into account that Tacomas are highly desirable?

I added vehicle replacement insurance for about $15/6 months for these times. I don’t trust them to value my car correctly, I’d rather have a newer one with lower miles that I can sell for fair market price.

 

[marpolsdofer]

Like you I'm the victim of a low life.
I'm a lot older and a little wiser now, been making plans

I'm sure the crooks won't know the difference between a EB and a hybrid.

I spent 30yrs working with 48v DC, it WILL make you say ouch!
I wonder what 2 or 3 hundred VDC would do if properly wired to the bottom of a Hybrid Maverick.... just daydreaming... honest

They will probably learn pretty quick getting a mav hybrid cat will be harder. I read a report that they like to go after hybrids because the cat gets used less netting them more money. They even knew what model of vehicle to target for easy of theft.

 

[Buschur]

The cat on the truck is way up in the engine bay, would be very hard to get out and steal it.

 

[Darnon]

They will probably learn pretty quick getting a mav hybrid cat will be harder. I read a report that they like to go after hybrids because the cat gets used less netting them more money. They even knew what model of vehicle to target for easy of theft.

Articles like to say that but it never particularly made sense to be. Every time I've taken catalytic converters in they just pay out by weight. No one is doing on the spot materials analysis to determine the precious metals content remaining.

 

[marpolsdofer]

Articles like to say that but it never particularly made sense to be. Every time I've taken catalytic converters in they just pay out by weight. No one is doing on the spot materials analysis to determine the precious metals content remaining.

True but they are not taken to scrap yards like you and I would do. They are selling them back alley to be loaded directly to a shipping container. The less us it has on it the more weight to it. Ever notice after market ones weigh less and are cheaper. They put less materials in it because chances are it is going on a car with over 150k mile so it won't need to last as long.

 

[Darksider]

I worked in a motion sensor for my cat in my Excursion. When the sensor see movement it trips a relay. This relay sends signal to another relay that is normal closed. This opens the circuit which is wired into one of my door switches so the car thinks the doors open and sets off the alarm.

I have another normally closed relay hooked up to ignition power so when the ignition is on it shuts off power (opens power circuit) to the motion sensor so it won't be tripping my door open when driving. Its was a quite fun project figured it cost me under $50 but I also got two motion sensors and five relays (only used 1 sensor and 2 relays for project) so I have enough for another vehicle..

I also filled the motion sensor circuit board with epoxy since it was outside of vehicle and not water proofed. Here's some links for anyone interested..

Motion Sensor

Relays

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