Homemade Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device

Is there anyone on this forum that has created a cat anti-theft device? I’m thinking of wrapping a cable and securing it somehow and painting the cable with a bright paint. If I can create something myself versus buying someone else’s product, I will.

 

Go to a muffler shop and sometimes they will install a little cage for cheap, but it still wont stop a sawzall blade.

 

The basic plates that knock off the Desert Eagle design are pretty basic and could be made in a garage with basic metalworking tools. I bought one locally because I don’t have any of that cool stuff.

 

Plates are still your best option. Anything homemade on the smaller scale will just allow them to cut it all out and separate it later. With plates, they will most likely move on.

 

That’s not what I’m looking for. It’s not the money, If I can do something myself that’s as effective if not more, I will. If that can’t be achieved, I’ll buy what works best.

 

If I only had a cutting torch & welder…lol.

 

Agreed…The more I think this out, I believe that plates are most likely the best option!

 

Yes they are honestly. Valhalla has the front and rear.

 

Thanks for the tip of Valhalla. Are there any others that cover front and rear like Valhalla that I could compare?

 

Valhalla is the only one that makes front and rear with the steel option, as well as the aluminum. Desert Eagle only makes a front plate. I went with steel as it is harder to cut. Some like aluminum because it is lighter, but it does cost more. These trucks don't even notice the weight addition. Install security bolts to make it even more of a deterrent.

 

several members here have installed the cat security shield by ccm, including myself.

if time is an issue do your due diligence on product lead times. i chose not to wait 8 weeks. ordered and received my cat security shield in one week.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/i-went-with-the-ccm-cat-shield.100836/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/anywhere-i-can-get-cat-protection-in-10-days.100715/

 

Great info…thanks!

 

I made a plate that covers the front and rear. Didn’t take really any special tools. I used an angle grinder and a drill to put in vent holes.

 

I'm waiting for someone to come up with something small, light, and that attaches directly to the cat and pipes that would significantly slow down a sawzall. Make if difficult enough that the thieves pass and move on to the next vehicle. Because cutting the pipes makes so much noise, these guys are are all about getting in and out quickly.

 

Cool…can you post some pics?

 

I made mine from a 4x4 sheet of 3/16 steel. Made the cuts with an angle grinder, after I fit it up I saw I needed side shields on it for extra protection, so I welded those on. I kept the plate 4ft long to cover both cats, and the transfer case. It makes it really heavy too, a little over 100lbs, I used a floor jack to get it installed. I haven't drilled or cut out vent holes yet, but my trans temps have been the same, even when towing.

 

Great job…that some serious armor, almost IED proof! Thank you for posting the pics!

 

Dang that's stout

 

As requested.

 

Great job…looks professionally made!

 

Thank you!

 

Went with front plate from Desert Eagle , and purchased diamond mesh and bolted up for rear cats. Main reason purchased front was steel plate now would have cost me almost as much as a finished pre-made plate , and the rear mesh ,a pc 52"wide and 18" long fit perfect and bolted up easy,but the mesh still cost me 180.00 . So I still have almost 500.00 for all, but sure feels safer.Went with Desert Eagle because only 3-day wait.

 

I like this and the security bolts you used near the rear of mesh. Didn’t realize diamond mesh was so high!

 

Not really a security bolt , just a grade 8 socket head cap screw, and I put landscape cement around hex bolts on plate. Can't just put socket on , but able to chip off pretty easy if I need to remove them.

 

It’s a win-win, if your truck rolls over you can throw on some burgers and brats

 

I’ll take a burger, dry, no onions with cheese, please!

 

Boom Life Hack

 

You don't need a cutting torch, just use an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel, and you can get a cheap welder from HF for $150. Teach yourself to weld, snag some cool tools all for less then $200
I did mine here https://www.tundras.com/threads/home-made-cat-shields.98885/

 

That’s awesome…I like everything you did!