To cat shield or not to cat shield?

Finally a little justice when it comes to the thieves. I hope he now feels that it was worth it.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/georgia-man-crushed-death-attempting-steal-catalytic-converter-police

 

After having all my work vehicles hit 3 different times, (Even with a fence, Barbwire and cameras) I am not sympathetic. Play stupid games win stupid prizes

 

Another case of stupid people doing stupid things and paying the ultimate price just to make a few bucks. Messed up priorities.

 

Yp...Bradenton Fl on this one.....

https://www.snntv.com/story/48551154/catalytic-converter-thefts-on-toyota-trucks-continue

 

I saw this on local news this morning that thieves are hitting Toyota trucks in my town which prompted me to do thinking…

1. Florida doesn’t have emission testing so we don’t technically need catalytic converters , o2 sensors, egr valve, charcoal canisters, etc (in theory).

2. apparently local metal scrap yards still buy them for other “valuable materials” and not for emission purposes.

3. now I care bc Fl is rich in crackheadz.

4. cat gaurds cost $300+

5. cats cost under $100 new

6. IF mine are stolen then hopefully they do clean cuts so I can either replace with straight pipes or cats if it’s too loud or something? I can weld and have the equipment for a DIY fix.

7. Sure I can fab up some DIY plates but do I really want to carry around extra weight under my truck and deal with taking them on and off for maintenance etc?
I really don’t know the answer yet but don’t want someone under my truck messing it up.

8. what if I put plates but then the crackhead gets pissed and cuts all my brake lines, other wires and lines under truck, pops my 37s, and does more damage then just taking the cats bc they are mad I blocked them?

 

You sampling that crack the crackheads have? Where are cats only $100?

 

Most scrap yards will refuse them now in certain areas. As far as cats, these trucks do not like aftermarket cats. They will give check engine lights. As far as shields and weight, the truck doesn't even notice it honestly. It's different than unsprung weight such as tires. By the way, I think removing cats is against federal law.

 

Unfortunately I go to scrap yards sometimes due to coming across lots of scrap cat 5 cable from my brothers company. Scrap yard don’t give a shit and neither do the crackheadz selling their stolen goods. Do you visit local scrap yards?

Again, Florida doesn’t have emission testing so federal law doesn’t apply, not sure what you are trying to say here? Do you drive to DC to get inspected?

as far as tundras not liking aftermarket cats, I have no experience here, so you may be correct but don’t wanna have to go down that road if I can avoid it.

 

That's fine if you want codes and issues. If you're lucky you'll get three months before aftermarket cats cause you problems.

 

Why are you so pleasant?

 

Just trying to make sure you make an informed decision. You can do as you like, but I don't know of anyone that hasn't had trouble with aftermarket cats on the Tundra.

 

As to #6, what if they don't make clean cuts when they take your cats? I believe a couple members have had fuel lines cut.

 

Y U so angry at cat shields?

....Also you forgot a bullet point.

Many people have had extensive electrical damage along with the need to replace expensive exhaust components.

How expensive is a new ECU thru the Amazonians?

Take whatever risks you want with your truck. Most people posting here are just looking to save major headaches for others, with an ounce of prevention.

 

yes and sensors damaged or destroyed.

 

My T***T*** plate arrived yesterday. I will have it installed this weekend. It has a nice large hole for TF drain access and plenty of cooling vents. I talked to our local Toyota service department and they have no issues warranty-wise with the plates being installed. I will uninstall it if they ever need more access. I may fill the security bolts with epoxy to make it not worth the effort of removing the plate. I've heard sawing off these things is crazy loud and usually draws lots more attention than just the pipe being cut. Chipping out the epoxy for removal would take me a while but it adds some extra deterrent which is all we can do. Hopefully Ohannon7's truck will be parked nearby. ;-) If you add epoxy to your security bolts, quickly apply some tape until the epoxy sets up.

 

Get true security hardware. Don't fill them with epoxy.....you are just asking for a headache.

 

Agreed. One must balance the annoyance to thieves, with the annoyance to one's self (or preferred shop).

 

My truck finally came in to the dealership and I’m having them install the same one but they said they are going to rivet it in which I thought was odd but apparently that’s the way they are doing it so it stays nice and snug.

To post number 168, I will tell you nobody will want to saw through those. They are looking for low hanging fruit. They hit two of my work trucks in under four minutes. They want to get in and get out quick so having one of these they will look under there and just move onto the next and not even mess with it. Here in Portland the thieves are so brazen they will go to Home Depot in broad daylight and hit 10 cars or trucks until somebody figures out what’s going on. Again having one of these will definitely prevent you from being a target.

 

They need to be bolted with security hardware, not rivets.

 

I agree, actually told him that waiting to hear back. I think it would be more secure with that verses rivets that can be pried out

 

Geeez. Definitely request a proper installation, with bolts.

A transmission service (and undoubtedly other maintenance) will require removal of any cat shields.

Plus, rivets would require drilling many holes in your frame which would then require proper painting in order to prevent corrosion. Bolts in the existing holes will ensure this is not a problem.

 

I work with epoxy all the time. I can pick it out of a security torx in 5 minutes each but a thief wouldn't want to. They may carry one of the security tool bit sets off Amazon though. It's doubtful they would mess with a plated truck anyway but who knows..