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Catalytic converter theft and Tundras

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by 7OH7Tundra, Nov 14, 2021.

  1. Nov 14, 2021 at 8:59 PM
    #1
    7OH7Tundra

    7OH7Tundra [OP] New Member

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    Michael
    California unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2018 4x4 TRD LTD CrewMax cab with Snugtop Rebel shell and Rhino step rails
    Added an in console safe. CAT Guard plate. Air bag lift system.
    So I have been pretty worried about these CAT thieves stealing people's catalytic converters. In case you don't know, the Tundra has 4 CATs. That's a cost of about $6000 to $7000 to replace all four. This cost will be further extended by a 3-6 month waiting period to get the CATS from Toyota.
    I looked at two guard solutions, one was a full under carriage cover that is about $1200 plus install and the other is $520 and is made in San Jose CA. Currently out of stock, but hopefully will be available soon.
    I opted for this model. I had it installed at a Muffler shop in Vacaville CA. I sleep easy now knowing my Tundra won't be cut while I sleep.
    I will paste a link to the website below...
    Even if you park in a garage all night, these thieves are going to supermarket parking lots, movie theater parking lots, I even saw a report of two people cutting people's CATs off in a church parking lot!! These crews roll two or three deep and are often armed with guns or other weapons...you better be strapped if your gonna come up on these people cuz they have no problem taking you out.
    Stay Frosty my friends...

    https://catshield.com/collections/n...ota-tundra4x4-2008-2021-sequoia4x4-cat-shield


    https://cbioffroadfab.com/product/t...3McZdsDiax6SgBU_FQlO7FBCCkNsb5k0aAkS5EALw_wcB
     
  2. Nov 14, 2021 at 9:00 PM
    #2
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    UTAH
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    I installed the CAT Shield two and a half weeks ago. I got it for $440. It's $520 now...
     
    7OH7Tundra[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 14, 2021 at 9:02 PM
    #3
    7OH7Tundra

    7OH7Tundra [OP] New Member

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    Michael
    California unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2018 4x4 TRD LTD CrewMax cab with Snugtop Rebel shell and Rhino step rails
    Added an in console safe. CAT Guard plate. Air bag lift system.
    I got mine about 3 weeks ago and right after that it went up $100 and is out of stock.
    I think it's a good system.
     
    r1-superstar likes this.
  4. Nov 14, 2021 at 10:20 PM
    #4
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
    I just built my own for the best protection from not only thieves, but aggressive off road driving. I like it better than whats on the market since it covers all 4 cats, 3/16 thick, is one piece so its heavy af, so even if the bolts were cut it would be a bitch to get out of the way, and its 4ft long. It was cheaper than anything I could buy. I can do more stuff to increase the theft resistance, but i dont feel its necessary 20210811_143738.jpg
     
  5. Nov 14, 2021 at 10:38 PM
    #5
    7OH7Tundra

    7OH7Tundra [OP] New Member

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    California unfortunately
    Vehicle:
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    Added an in console safe. CAT Guard plate. Air bag lift system.
    Very nice!!!
     
    Sumo91 likes this.
  6. Nov 14, 2021 at 11:11 PM
    #6
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    This is my way of thinking when we overnight park at Cabelas while pulling the trailer instead of Walmart parking lots. Hint to CAT theives: I'm not shopping at Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops for pink hoodies and yoga mats.:infantry:
     
    BMET, Mike59, TSS_Tundra and 3 others like this.
  7. Nov 15, 2021 at 2:37 AM
    #7
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Cheap, easy, lightweight solution...
    Ask a machine shop or fabricator to save you a used band saw blade. Or even a plumber to save you some used reciprocating saw blades. Take the material to a muffler shop and have them weld it along the exhaust pipe where the cats are normally cut. It only needs to be on one end of the cat. The thieves won't be able to use same carbon content blade to cut it. Don't forget a 12 pack for the guy who supplies the material.:thumbsup:
     
    bulldog93, STR1, jewsNbrews and 5 others like this.
  8. Nov 15, 2021 at 3:41 AM
    #8
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    First post I read this morning and I now have a mission! Lucky for me I'm a scrounger and picked up some used sawblades from a railroad rail saw. Almost 1/8" thick x 1-1/2" x 24" long. Think Col. Steve Austin on steriods hacksaw blades. And add to that me having a MIG and know how to use it.
     
  9. Nov 15, 2021 at 3:52 AM
    #9
    timdske

    timdske Another Old Guy

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    Fort Worth Texas.
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    I built my own too. I have a little over $150 invested in the steel and paint making them. It took a little over a week to get them completed.
     
  10. Nov 15, 2021 at 4:10 AM
    #10
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    Also wondering how expanded metal would work for the DIYer? Infinite amount of bolt holes would be a handy feature. Plus, all those sharp edges around the perimeter might be a deterrent. Isn't going to put you in the preferred customer list at the oil change shop.
     
    jewsNbrews and 7OH7Tundra[OP] like this.
  11. Nov 15, 2021 at 4:14 AM
    #11
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    I have expanded metal on mine. Actiually, very heavy 3/8"expanded metal. So far, so good.
     
  12. Nov 15, 2021 at 6:36 AM
    #12
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    Pretty things
    Now THIS sounds like an idea!

    The purpose built stuff is fairly expensive, apparently difficult to get a hold of, and makes maintenance more of a pain in the ass for yours truly.

    The most recent design I was playing around with involved using the heat shields on the cats themselves to secure a wrap of expanded metal. Basically an extended cage covering the exhaust before and after the cats. Idea is that the cage would wiggle with their saw blade making the cut very difficult and also extremely loud. The cage would also have to be removed inorder to use the carbide wheel type of cutters

    ...Your idea is much more simple, and probably just as effective.
     
    BUGEATER and 2mchfun[QUOTED] like this.
  13. Nov 15, 2021 at 6:43 AM
    #13
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Valhallas sheild is the way to go here. Made by a member on this forum. I have the system and have to say that it is rock solid, especially with the addition of security bolts from Screwdsecurity. They also double as skid plates which i can attest, work extremely well for wheeling. You wont regret getting this system. The peace of mind alone is worth the cost.
     
  14. Nov 15, 2021 at 8:47 AM
    #14
    bwh

    bwh New Member

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    Yes, cat thieves are definitely thinking ahead when they're vandalizing cars....
     
    Rodtheviking likes this.
  15. Nov 15, 2021 at 6:43 PM
    #15
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    I clamped the mega hacksaw blades to the section of pipes between the cats today. Not the ultimate solution but a start. Covering the fore and aft sections of curved pipes will require more jury-rigging. I may order a bulk pack of standard hack saw blades from Amazon and bend them around those curves. Granted nothing is 100% but since the only time my truck is not in the garage at night it's either hooked to the camper or in a campground sitting right next to it. I'll keep the keys close and kit the panic button should I awake to a strange vibration.
     
  16. Nov 15, 2021 at 6:57 PM
    #16
    outlaw.taco

    outlaw.taco New Member

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    https://www.tundras.com/threads/val...ent-skid-plates-info-and-ordering-post.84911/
     
  17. Nov 15, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #17
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Just so you know, they don't only strike at night. Some are plain bold and walk right up on a neighborhood driveway even on a weekend afternoon and get busy. Doesn't matter if there is a party going on, they will risk death to obtain a set of cats.
     
  18. Nov 24, 2021 at 3:04 PM
    #18
    Prado

    Prado New Member

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    I just got mine stolen today. :mad: Middle of the day parked on the side of a road by a hiking trail. I have an 06 with the 4.7. It looks like they just got the passenger side.
     
  19. Nov 24, 2021 at 3:21 PM
    #19
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    :sawzall::annoyed:
     
  20. Feb 3, 2022 at 12:41 PM
    #20
    TSS_Tundra

    TSS_Tundra New Member

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    I just ordered mine front and rear, do you have a list of the security bolts?
     
  21. Feb 3, 2022 at 12:44 PM
    #21
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    See build link
    Beat em to the punch and take em off yourself. Mine sit safely in my garage :rofl:
     
    WVI, TSS_Tundra and Kung like this.
  22. Feb 3, 2022 at 1:22 PM
    #22
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Tyler has a list of the hardware that is used for the plates on his main thread. 1st post on there.
     
    TSS_Tundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Feb 3, 2022 at 1:30 PM
    #23
    WBW

    WBW Resident lurker

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    I ordered my Valhalla shields just yesterday. Front and rear plates plus the eight security bolts. Tyler said that is all I need. Now I can't wait to get them and install them.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2022
    1lowlife and TSS_Tundra like this.
  24. Feb 4, 2022 at 6:52 PM
    #24
    WBW

    WBW Resident lurker

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    This is actually @1lowlife 's fault that I had to spend this money. I told my wife that his truck has been at the dealer for 10 weeks now and STILL waiting on parts. To quote the wife. "Fuck that! Just order the shields and get it done!"

    Well. Thank you. @1lowlife.
     
  25. Feb 4, 2022 at 9:09 PM
    #25
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    You're welcome. :thumbsup:
    I wish I had ordered mine when they were stolen.
    Did I mention that? :eek2:


    Still no update from the dealership.
    I stopped calling them.
    I'm hoping they won't get the parts in until I get Tyler's shields..:D
     
    WBW[QUOTED] likes this.
  26. Feb 5, 2022 at 12:12 PM
    #26
    TSS_Tundra

    TSS_Tundra New Member

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    That has crossed my mind since I live in a city that does not test.
     
  27. Feb 5, 2022 at 12:20 PM
    #27
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    I don't but I know a guy for inspections :p
     
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  28. Jul 17, 2022 at 2:37 PM
    #28
    noodlebug23

    noodlebug23 New Member

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    Do these things actually work to stop thieves? If they really wanted couldn’t they just cut through it to get to what they want? Both of mine were stolen off my truck. I’m a truck driver, left my tundra over night while I was at work and came back to them stolen.
     
  29. Jul 17, 2022 at 2:39 PM
    #29
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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    Alot of them
    Cat plates are a deterrent. Most of the thefts are quick in, quick out.
     
  30. Jul 17, 2022 at 2:46 PM
    #30
    Melikeymy beer

    Melikeymy beer No cooler for you!

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    Yes, they can still be stolen. And even if I lock my house burglars can still kick the door in and steal my shit. Sorry about your misfortune, that sucks.
     

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