Stolen Cats ?

I’m wondering if anyone that has painted their cats with high temp paint and etch the VIN # still had them stolen? Appears one has to buy a $350 cover or as a few have mentioned, paint them. Thanks

 

I went the CCM cover route.

I'm still not clear on purpose of the paint. If it works, that seems to be the way to go.

 

The paint is not going to stop them, it may cause them some headache after the fact to find a shady enough scrap yard to take it but its essentially pointless IMO. You are better off with the shields for the peace of mind.

 

One of the local Subaru dealers has around 50 cars that are waiting for CATs, some for a long time. The service adviser said on least 6 of them had CATs that had been painted and etched VIN (the dealer had done it to these vehicles).

I had mine painted and VIN etched at the Toyota dealer (they offer this service also). They said in "might" help dissuade someone. I have watched as CAT thefts have gotten closer and closer to my neighborhood. Valhalla's are now on order. Luckily I live in a cul-de-sac which may help as there is only one way in and out.

 

Painted cats would only deter the small time dirt bags, and even that is doubtful. The organized elements are shipping them overseas in bulk, so paint doesn't do anything to stop that.

 

The paint can also be removed.

 

A painted or etched catalytic converter doesn’t change the value of the platinum, palladium and rhodium inside. Once it gets past that first sale by the thief nobody cares and the first sale they look the other way in order to make a profit.

 

I'd imagine it wouldn't be too hard to file off or otherwise hide an etched VIN as well if they were motivated.

 

Cover it with paint. Nobody cares.

 

Seems painting your cats would only make the thief giggle as they cut your exhaust pipes.
As far as etching them, one wouldn't notice they were etched until they were already removed.

I'm on day 166 with my truck at a dealer waiting on the passenger's side cat to come in..
Saturday they told me possibly mid-June it will arrive..

 

@1lowlife’s story is what pushed me to get plates. I highly doubt paint will deter these asshats. Get some plates and have better peace of mind.

 

I’ve never believed in the theory either to paint/etch. I just wondered if someone actually had it happen personally after taking those steps. Thanks