Some SOB stole our catalytic converter

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Sunseeker16

Fantastic write up on your install! I am unsure of the difference between an F 53 and an E 450?

Thanks. As far as the exhaust system goes I wouldn't think it really matters. Even newer F-53's are different from older ones. Perhaps there are some ideas in that PDF that you could use on yours.

Ray

[Scotty2]

Ours was recently stolen also, repair shop was unable to replace with an OEM. We now have an after market catalytic converter. Police told us at least for now thieves aren’t taking those. Also, our insurance company told us the Cat clamp and straps are not necessarily a deterrent but they will pay to have those replaced also if catalytic converter is still stolen.

[rollscanardly]

Is it true that diesel cats aren't as desirable to thieves because they don't contain as much precious metals and don't pay as well?

Rich

[robo44]

For those who care, just finished up with the orange VHT paint and adding VIN/CDL. While not 100% theft proof, (nothing is) i think along with the welding, paint & camera i just might deter thieves.

[Gruntlife0341]

Had mine stolen last months. So frustrating. I’m sorry that happened to you. I found a muffle shop that welded a thick pipe from my headers to a couple feet past the catalytic converter. Hopefully this will deter thieves.

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by RVwino

...if I have to wait a long time for replacement part to arrive.

Well, despite all the horror stories out there, everything fell into place. The Repair shop had the replacement catalytic converter within a few days of me contacting them. They booked me into their schedule for June 13th, but then an opening happened last week and the work is complete. A big shout out to Lockeford Auto Repair in Lockeford, CA!!

Also, Progressive Insurance was a dream to work with. Within a couple of days of me contacting them and sending them photos, they were ready to handle my claim. They gave me the choice of them either paying the repair shop or me. I asked the repair shop, and they said they'd prefer to avoid dealing with an insurance company. So, two days later, Progressive direct-deposited the funds to my account. Wow!

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by Gruntlife0341

Had mine stolen last months. So frustrating. I’m sorry that happened to you. I found a muffle shop that welded a thick pipe from my headers to a couple feet past the catalytic converter. Hopefully this will deter thieves.

Interesting idea! How much did that cost?

Also, I saw the saw marks on my exhaust pipe. It was clear that they cut from the top, downward. Will this prevent them from doing the same?

[Gruntlife0341]

Muffler Tech in Sacramento installed it. Cost me $550. This shop has a YouTube channel if you want to check them out. The thick pipe that is welded would dull out any cutting blade. It’s not theft proof but a good deterrent. If a thief has enough cutting blades, time, and dedication, then the catalytic converter can be taken.

The pipe is welded to the top of the catalytic converter, so it could prevent thieves from doing the same. Sorry the picture was loaded upside down.

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by Gruntlife0341

Muffler Tech in Sacramento installed it. Cost me $550. This shop has a YouTube channel if you want to check them out. The thick pipe that is welded would dull out any cutting blade. It’s not theft proof but a good deterrent. If a thief has enough cutting blades, time, and dedication, then the catalytic converter can be taken.

The pipe is welded to the top of the catalytic converter, so it could prevent thieves from doing the same. Sorry the picture was loaded upside down.

Doh! I didn’t notice where the tires were in the picture. I agree — nothing is theft proof. But, it would likely cause most thieves to move on to their next target.

[wmtire]

Just a FYI, here in Louisiana where catalytic converter thieves run rampant....we just had a new law passed that goes into effect August 1.


It provides a sliding scale of punishment based on the value of the converter(s) stolen and/or subsequent damage...with minimum and maximum punishments set. What I did like is that it has a clause (section D) in the law that allows them to add up the total of the damages for the penalty, example if they hit 5 vehicles/RV's at a lot, then all five vehicles damaged would be added together for the penalty.


It does require those buying converters not installed on vehicles to register with their local law enforcement offices....but doesn't set any major penalties for them. I think if you went after those purchasing the stolen converters, it would help curtail it somewhat.


https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewD...aspx?d=1285141

[RVwino]

I went with the cheap solution of yellow engine-block paint and inscribing my vin on both sides of the cat. If it gets stolen again, I’ll know that it wasn’t a deterrent. If it remains intact, then I won’t know anything. :-)

[rickthor]

Thanks!!

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by RVwino

I went with the cheap solution of yellow engine-block paint…

Son of a gun… The engine block paint burned off of the body of the cat. The only yellow that remains is on the extra bits of metal that are tacked to the body of the cat. So, that is where you want to etch.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by RVwino

I went with the cheap solution of yellow engine-block paint and inscribing my vin on both sides of the cat. If it gets stolen again, I’ll know that it wasn’t a deterrent. If it remains intact, then I won’t know anything. :-)

Originally Posted by RVwino

Son of a gun… The engine block paint burned off of the body of the cat. The only yellow that remains is on the extra bits of metal that are tacked to the body of the cat. So, that is where you want to etch.

Try orange paint next time.

Ray

[robo44]

Originally Posted by RVwino

Son of a gun… The engine block paint burned off of the body of the cat. The only yellow that remains is on the extra bits of metal that are tacked to the body of the cat. So, that is where you want to etch.

Try the High Temp
https://www.amazon.com/VHT-SP109-Fla...000CPIMV2?th=1

Mine is still there, some spots are faded, but still orange ..

[scotte303]

Originally Posted by robo44

For those who care, just finished up with the orange VHT paint and adding VIN/CDL. While not 100% theft proof, (nothing is) i think along with the welding, paint & camera i just might deter thieves.

Thanks for posting, what was welded?
Thanks again!

[robo44]

Originally Posted by scotte303

Thanks for posting, what was welded?
Thanks again!

Some aircraft cable wrapped & welded to the frame, points on the cat in like 25 spots making it difficult to remove.

[PodGeek]

Originally Posted by NXR

Try orange paint next time.

Ray

Gee, that worked like a charm, eh?