1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Home made Cat Shields?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Tundraction, Dec 1, 2021.

  1. Dec 2, 2021 at 12:47 PM
    #31
    Funnyguy713

    Funnyguy713 I can't get Jiggy with this Sh!t

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2020
    Member:
    #52474
    Messages:
    643
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 1794 4x4
    35s on 20s with 6" Pro Comp
    Hopefully they can't fit a bolt cutter under there
     
  2. Dec 2, 2021 at 1:02 PM
    #32
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26579
    Messages:
    2,651
    First Name:
    Nick
    SD
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Platinum
    Rivnuts are the cats a$$ and would work well in this situation
     
    withoutapaddle, alb1k and 2mchfun like this.
  3. Dec 2, 2021 at 2:38 PM
    #33
    Kbar691

    Kbar691 Hmmm

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2020
    Member:
    #43310
    Messages:
    352
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenny
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Pro
    I just saw that the parking garage next to mine has a tundra and sequoia get hit yesterday. First I have heard that close. Better get my ass in gear. My template is for the front only. If I recall the rear would be a little wider than 48 inches. Is that what you found as well?
     
  4. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:04 PM
    #34
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Dang man, this is nuts with these thieves, I have my truck parked up against the house next to a window with the light on. I just finished the front shield, pics to come. I will let you know soon on the rear. I think 48" sits about centered in the frame rails. Im making mine 46" and using 3" side shields
     
  5. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:07 PM
    #35
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    How big of a bolt do rivnuts go? I ditched the speed nuts and ended up drilling 1/2" holes in my shield and going through the existing holes in the crossmembers.
    These shields/plates are heavy and would hate to have that sucker frisbie out from under my truck
     
    2mchfun and dittothat[QUOTED] like this.
  6. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:10 PM
    #36
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26579
    Messages:
    2,651
    First Name:
    Nick
    SD
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Platinum
    Some go pretty dang big. Here is one that goes up to 1/2” like you drilled. (I’m not recommending this tool as I haven’t used/reviewed it, but just to show that they do have mandrels up to 1/2”)

    Rivet Nut Tool, GIANTISAN 16" Rivnut Tool Kit with 12 Metric and SAE Mandrels, Nutsert Rivet Tool Set with 120Pcs Assorted Rivnuts, Threaded Insert Hand Riveter with Rugged Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VPB676Y?_encoding=UTF8
     
  7. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:15 PM
    #37
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26579
    Messages:
    2,651
    First Name:
    Nick
    SD
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Platinum
    now that I’m thinking about it though.. not sure how you’d get a rivnut tool under the truck without a lift. You could use the old school method of two wrenches or try something like this..

    Astro Pneumatic Tool ADN38 XL Rivet Nut Drill Adapter Kit - 3/8" Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBHWBR2?_encoding=UTF8

    ..just spitballing ideas for ya here..
     
  8. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:24 PM
    #38
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Interesting tool. Thanks for your idea, could come in handy.
     
  9. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:27 PM
    #39
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Front shield is done, just need to clean up welds and drill some vent holes. Its cold up here in MN and might have to wait till next spring to paint. any suggestions as to what I can coat it with for the winter? I was thinking roll on bedliner but it may not dry. Tomorrow is the last day in the 40s, then 30 on down in the forecast.Cat Shield progress.jpg Cat shield done.jpg Cat shield done 2.jpg Rear Cat Shield started.jpg
     
  10. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:38 PM
    #40
    alb1k

    alb1k Always Coming From Take Me Down

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2021
    Member:
    #60092
    Messages:
    6,564
    Gender:
    Male
    Left Coast
    Vehicle:
    05 2WD DC w/ attitude
    It's good
    Use this.
    https://por15.com/collections/all/products/rust-preventive-coating
    I couldn't find any temp concerns, just humidity to affect dry time 3-6 hours. I assume your humidity is quite low. Wear gloves and a respirator.
     
    2021 Semi Pro likes this.
  11. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:42 PM
    #41
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    I've used por-15 quite a bit but never in cooler temps, I know about the humidity haha, I put some on once and it was drying as fast as I could spread it.
    I will check it out, thanks for the tip.
     
    alb1k[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Dec 2, 2021 at 9:56 PM
    #42
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    NewImprovedRon and 2021 Semi Pro like this.
  13. Dec 3, 2021 at 4:49 PM
    #43
    Kbar691

    Kbar691 Hmmm

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2020
    Member:
    #43310
    Messages:
    352
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenny
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Pro
    POR 15 is some of the meanest shit on the planet! I didn’t read the directions one time and wore that shit for a month!

    Anyway, got a piece of metal today. Talked to my buddy who works at a pipe/metal supplier. Gave him my measurements and all he had around that size was stainless. I figured…..no way that will be cost effective. Ok. Humor me. How much. $100! Sold. I was so happy I threw in a bottle of Blantons for him (which I will get to help him consume).

    0F52D218-976A-44CA-B47D-B3D55EBB275D.jpg
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  14. Dec 3, 2021 at 5:07 PM
    #44
    Gunship Guy

    Gunship Guy New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2020
    Member:
    #54853
    Messages:
    62
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    I’d like to see a story where someone rigged up a system with a dye pack, like the banks use. When those stellar humans go for the quick theft.....bam. Coated in red dye. Maybe change the chemical makeup so they are only temporarily blinded. And then again maybe not.
    Life’s tough. It’s even tougher when you’re stupid.
     
    Joro43, 2mchfun and Kbar691 like this.
  15. Dec 3, 2021 at 8:13 PM
    #45
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    I vote for the latter!
     
  16. Dec 3, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #46
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Awesome score, is that a 4x8 sheet? if so you could make 2 sets. Ditto on the Por-15, I'm wearing a little on my right hand now.
    To all that are curious about using por-15 in cooler temps, it works fine, I applied it at about 43 degrees and the temps dropped to 37 and it was dry enough to handle in about 3 hours.
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  17. Dec 3, 2021 at 8:29 PM
    #47
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Got the front Shield done and painted with por-15. I screwed up and got silver instead of black but oh well. Got the rear shield done but still needs paint.
    I installed them both just for peace of mind. Over the weekend I will clean up my crappy welds on the rear and paint. then I made some spacer blocks to go between the rear crossmember and the shields, I stacked washers but its still not enough. I have it bolted in with 1/2x4 hex bolts for the crossmembers and 1/2x1 for the rear side brackets until I can get some Tamper Proof bolts.rear Cat shield side brackets.jpg Rear cat shield side bracket 2.jpg Rear Cat shield done.jpg Cat shield spacer blocks.jpg Cat shield installed front.jpg Cat shield installed rear.jpg Cat shield installed side.jpg
     
  18. Dec 4, 2021 at 1:26 AM
    #48
    Kbar691

    Kbar691 Hmmm

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2020
    Member:
    #43310
    Messages:
    352
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenny
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Pro
    It measures 41x56 so not a full sheet. My original template to cover the front was 31 inches so being that the sheet is 41 inches long I should have enough material to cover both. I’m wondering if I could cover all with a single piece. Not sure if that will be possible.
     
  19. Dec 4, 2021 at 2:02 AM
    #49
    Joro43

    Joro43 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2021
    Member:
    #60416
    Messages:
    399
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Sport 4x4 quicksand crewmax
    1st tundra nautical blue 4x4 5.7l DC TRD had oracle custom color shift halo projector headlights, Fab4 bumper with 12k winch. RBP RX3 Grill Pro Comp stage 1 with bilstein 6112 coil overs SPC UCAs BFG KM3 35x12.5x20 with Moto metal 959s NFab running boards TRD LED DRL pioneer avh 4200nex with Polk speakers and JL 600w amp with JL audio stealth box 196k miles and running strong ready for another 200k until I wrecked it on 2/26/21 Just bought 2018 CM 4x4 5.7l quicksand TRD package upgraded headlights and adaptive CC Trifold bed cover, blacked out badges, KMC wheels BFG KO2 tires, 3/1 pro Comp lift FAB4 front bumper with rigid lights and fab4rear bumper.
    I heard if you buy an engraver and/or permanent paint marker to write your VIN on all cats that thieves won’t take them because no scrap yard will give money to a cat with a vin on it. Not sure if that’s true or not
     
  20. Dec 4, 2021 at 2:12 AM
    #50
    Kbar691

    Kbar691 Hmmm

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2020
    Member:
    #43310
    Messages:
    352
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenny
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Pro
    I have seen that you should in TV. Any deferent is good. Texas had a bull on the floor to make a law around catalytic converters and requiring a bunch of info to salvage them. I will have to look up specifics.
     
  21. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:09 PM
    #51
    Tundraction

    Tundraction [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2021
    Member:
    #71001
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Duane
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 DBL MGM 4x4 5.7
    Phone Charger
    Cat shields are done and final install, Drilled the cooling holes and used Stainless carriage bolts along with Nylock nuts. They are buried up above the crossmembers and I had to use a ratchet wrench to install the nuts, they don't spin like regular nuts so it would take a thief a good while to get them off.
    I may need to add some more washers at the rear crossmember being the shield is very close to the transfer case even Final install Cat shield front.jpg Final install Cat shield side.jpg Final install Cat shield side 2.jpg with the skid plate removed.
     
  22. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:17 PM
    #52
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2019
    Member:
    #38726
    Messages:
    1,494
    Gender:
    Male
    TN
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM Tundra Platinum 4x4
    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
    That looks fantastic!! Great job man, are those 1/2in holes? I did not have the patience to drill 40+ holes in my plate. Temps have been fine though. We'll see what happens this summer.
     
  23. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:30 PM
    #53
    TILLY

    TILLY Gently Used Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2019
    Member:
    #35797
    Messages:
    4,110
    Gender:
    Male
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM TRD Sport D/C


    Nice job. You know you're dedicated to a job when you pull out the cardboard on a snowy driveway. :thumbsup:
     
    NewImprovedRon, GODZILLA and 2mchfun like this.
  24. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:30 PM
    #54
    2mchfun

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

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Member:
    #56879
    Messages:
    5,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 White 4x4 CM Trail Ed. 2018 White 4x4 4Runner SR5 Premium
    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    Some quick ideas, plasma cutter or a hole saw, fewer bigger holes. Even some slots with a grinder or raise up the truck and throw a friction blade on a skill saw with a shallow cut setting. Just limit the heat you generate with a slow pace.
     
    Sumo91[QUOTED] likes this.
  25. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:33 PM
    #55
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1829
    Messages:
    9,387
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    White 2015 Tundra DC SR5 TRD 4x4 5.7L, White 2003 Sequoia 2WD
    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    Homemade theft prevention my bro in law did on his first Gen. Obviously it’s not a cage or a full skid plate. But it definitely looks harder to get now. He got to practice his welding LOLD358AE3A-310A-4D5A-8A2E-4BAC6A4A7BBE.jpg C975CFC8-CF27-4FE1-B981-D66BD9B54301.jpg 6B3B6CD8-092B-4BFC-856C-3B31F54B1F5D.jpg
     
  26. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:44 PM
    #56
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2019
    Member:
    #38726
    Messages:
    1,494
    Gender:
    Male
    TN
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM Tundra Platinum 4x4
    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
    I don't have access to a plasma cutter. I was gonna drill holes, but it's 3/16 and It was killing my hands just drilling the holes for the plate and brackets. The grinder idea sounds good though, I really like it. I've been wanting to buy a magnetic drill press, that would make it super easy, especially with a slug bit. I'm gonna see how it does in the summer first. I pulled my camper 3hrs in 85F+ weather after installing and the temp was only 2F more than usual. So it's not concerning at the moment
     
    2mchfun[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #57
    2mchfun

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

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Member:
    #56879
    Messages:
    5,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 White 4x4 CM Trail Ed. 2018 White 4x4 4Runner SR5 Premium
    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    Fwiw, you can usually rent a mag drill for a reasonable cost. Also, don't look down on a cheap like $300 plasma, worth every penny and many more!
     
    Sumo91[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Dec 8, 2021 at 10:17 AM
    #58
    Zeroman

    Zeroman New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2021
    Member:
    #71566
    Messages:
    16
    Gender:
    Male
    Cypress, TX
    Vehicle:
    2019 Gen 2.5 "Just a Stocker"
    Most Cat thieves are looking to get your Cats in 3-5 minutes. Any more than that they are more likely to get caught.

    Anything you can do to slow them down they will roll out from under your truck and go somewhere else.

    The Cat Protection Plate I made for my Tundra is kind of a minimalist form, but I think the rats will see it and say forget it.

    11 gauge hot rolled steel, powder coated black. Standard fasteners using existing holes in frame for simple installation.

    Yes, some would argue about the standard fasteners, but these guys are not toting around wrenches and impact guns...just sawzalls.

    They want quick money, not a drawn out CAT extraction. Here are some pics. I am in Cypress, TX.20211203_080209.jpg

    20211203_073514.jpg
     
    Rodbolt, NewImprovedRon, Ob1 and 10 others like this.
  29. Dec 8, 2021 at 10:22 AM
    #59
    alb1k

    alb1k Always Coming From Take Me Down

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2021
    Member:
    #60092
    Messages:
    6,564
    Gender:
    Male
    Left Coast
    Vehicle:
    05 2WD DC w/ attitude
    It's good
    that's really good!
     
  30. Dec 8, 2021 at 10:34 AM
    #60
    legiz

    legiz New Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2020
    Member:
    #46887
    Messages:
    86
    Do you guys think 3/32” aluminum is good enough? There’s some in Houston and have anti tamper fasteners. Worried it can cut off tho
     

Products Discussed in

To Top