Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device... Really needed?

[JohnMcClane]

I haven't looked into the skid plates but how are they mounted? Couldn't they just unbolt the skid plates?

Some skids just bolt in, some using security bolts, it’s not a anti-theft device really, it’s a theft deterrent, while the Talon Garage plate would be a “slight” deterrent imho, the aluminum ones might as well be warm butter if they’re getting under it with angle grinder and a cutoff wheel.

You’re best off having a local shop weld in some steel. Will it add more weight that the aluminum bolted in options, yes, but it will be a larger deterrent.

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[imnuts]

That likely won’t help the situation, most these CATs are high value because of the high Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium in them. While fencing the CATs is easier than extracting the precious metals, the precious metals will still hold value and if demand increases due to said laws, you can safely bet OEM manufactures and Junkyards will adjust there prices upwards to compensate. Unless you want to pass laws trying to control the price…

If regulations were in place to require documentation when selling cats to junkyards, etc., to prove ownership of said item(s), how would that not help the situation? If you get rid of the market where thieves are getting their money, why steal something they can't sell?

 

[Bluesman]

Anything to deter the chronic theft of these items would help. Plates or laws, whatever it takes to slow em' down or put a stop to it.

 

[JohnMcClane]

If regulations were in place to require documentation when selling cats to junkyards, etc., to prove ownership of said item(s), how would that not help the situation? If you get rid of the market where thieves are getting their money, why steal something they can't sell?

I think you missed the point of my post.

"Although the quantities vary by model, on average, only one standard catalytic converter contains about 3-7 grams of platinum, 2-7 grams of palladium, 1-2 grams rhodium. That provides serious gains when tons of scrap catalytic converters are recovered."

I'm sure the Powerboost cats are near the top or above each range and local meth dealers will likely be happy to exchange $20 in meth for a pair of those cats since they already have the resources to extract the 14 grams (two cats in each Powerboost) of palladium currently worth ~$1050... and we didn't even account for the platinum or rhodium...

Local pawn shops are going to give two farts less about the source of the palladium or platinum bars being brought in...

 

[JerseyGlock]

I haven't looked into the skid plates but how are they mounted? Couldn't they just unbolt the skid plates?

Stock shield is just a plastic, they can easily cut it with sawzall. Would like to see a skip plate made out from ar400 material.

 

[Avtech]

I installed a Talon skid plate on my 2022 PowerBoost. Catalytic thefts are prevalent in Texas. Makes access to the catalytic converters more difficult and protects the transmission. Well worth the money on a $65K truck.

 

[kevdog0710]

This is a great video. She was an off duty cop i think

 

[kevdog0710]

I haven't looked into the skid plates but how are they mounted? Couldn't they just unbolt the skid plates?

If they have tools to cut the cat out, they can probably get past skid plates. How much "extra" damage would be done? Its a f'in pain protecting ourselves from bad people

 

[kevdog0710]

I installed a Talon skid plate on my 2022 PowerBoost. Catalytic thefts are prevalent in Texas. Makes access to the catalytic converters more difficult and protects the transmission. Well worth the money on a $65K truck.

Is that tamper proof hardware?

 

[FrankThompson]

I guess the question is, will they risk the extra time to try and get through the skid plate or just move on to an easier target?

Even if the bolts didn't have security threads I would have to guess they want an easy target quick in, quick out.

 

[imnuts]

I'm sure the Powerboost cats are near the top or above each range and local meth dealers will likely be happy to exchange $20 in meth for a pair of those cats since they already have the resources to extract the 14 grams (two cats in each Powerboost) of palladium currently worth ~$1050... and we didn't even account for the platinum or rhodium...

I started my career at a plant that made catalytic converters (even for the F150 at times). Recovery of the prescious metals isn't something you can do at home. Even if you did have the necessary equipment to recover the precious metals, you may get $1-200 AT MOST, likely less, and you'd spend a decent amount in the process to recover it. There's more to the cost than the precious metals, and the only real valuable market is as a replacement in another vehicle.

 

[JohnMcClane]

I started my career at a plant that made catalytic converters (even for the F150 at times). Recovery of the prescious metals isn't something you can do at home. Even if you did have the necessary equipment to recover the precious metals, you may get $1-200 AT MOST, likely less, and you'd spend a decent amount in the process to recover it. There's more to the cost than the precious metals, and the only real valuable market is as a replacement in another vehicle.

While I agree it's not a not a quick "easy" process, it can be done at home...



Many meth/heroin producers/dealers already have the acids, ventilation, burners needed to do it and if they're getting several grams of palladium from a pair or several powerboost cats they traded for a few bucks in product to a junkie in search of a quick high, they're definitely making out on the deal.

 

[ptr0687]

Thanks, I'm very aware of PA. It isn't that easy just pack up and leave NJ.

Sure it is, just gotta pay the $15 toll to leave Jersey

 

[Avtech]

Is that tamper proof hardware?

It is the hardware that comes with the plates. Allen heads with fiber lock nuts.

 

[imnuts]

Many meth/heroin producers/dealers already have the acids, ventilation, burners needed to do it and if they're getting several grams of palladium from a pair or several powerboost cats they traded for a few bucks in product to a junkie in search of a quick high, they're definitely making out on the deal.

As I said, you're not getting several grams from a single cat, or even a pair of cats from a car. Did you see how many catalytic converters they had in that video to get 6 grams? And that's assuming they even showed you how many were needed to get that. If you got 1 gram from a pair of cats, that would be a lot.

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