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Topic: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea (Read 353 times) previous topic - next topic
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Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Stealing cats is a big problem.  Cats have long lead time waits to order and replacement cost continues to sky rocket.  Installing theft prevention cages and straps are costly and not fool proof.    What if a new design could be developed that would limit opportunities to steal cats?  Here is an idea.

- Develop a way to remove cats via a quick connection, snap off and snap on.  Also develop a straight pipe with the same snap off and snap on design.  So when placing RV in storage just snap off cat and snap on straight pipe. 

I wonder if a custom exhaust shop could come up with something like this?  Heat of the cat would be a problem along with crawling under the RV.  Flexibility of the pipe may also be needed.  A good design and patent could make one some cash!!

Ron
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #1 –
Or, raid every metal yard in the country. Those businesses possessing CAT’s without documentation to be shuttered, lose their their business licenses and owners arrested.  High bonds, quick trials and long hard prison sentences.

Send the thieves to me. I  have a large barn in a remote area of Nevada where these good for nothings would be re-educated.

Ok, I am just fantasizing but what the heck. I  feel better already.

Cheers

Tony R (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
- Develop a way to remove cats via a quick connection, snap off and snap on.  Also develop a straight pipe with the same snap off and snap on design.  So when placing RV in storage just snap off cat and snap on straight pipe. 

Then why put the cat back on? I think you'll find a removable cat would be a violation of law.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
- Develop a way to remove cats via a quick connection, snap off and snap on.  Also develop a straight pipe with the same snap off and snap on design.  So when placing RV in storage just snap off cat and snap on straight pipe. 
I wonder if a custom exhaust shop could come up with something like this?  Heat of the cat would be a problem

The automotive performance world beat you to it. Racers need to disassemble their vehicle quickly for repairs and adjustments.
Interlocking V-Band Exhaust Clamps.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-694400
The flanges need to be welded onto the pipes. Once constructed, the connections are quickly disconnected or connected with tight seals.
Buyers can watch how Exhaust V Band Clamp is used and the details are...

From the practical side of things, the cat is dirty, heavy, and not located in a spot that most would be willing to crawl under every time they wanted to travel. Steve is probably right about it being technically illegal.
The best we can do is add a cat-strap or cage and keep our auto insurance paid up.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #4 –
Quote from: codefour  - 
Or, raid every metal yard in the country. Those businesses possessing CAT’s without documentation to be shuttered, lose their their business licenses and owners arrested.  High bonds, quick trials and long hard prison sentences.

Send the thieves to me. I  have a large barn in a remote area of Nevada where these good for nothings would be re-educated.

Ok, I am just fantasizing but what the heck. I  feel better already.

Cheers

Tony R (aka codefour)

Now that is out of box thinking!
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #5 –
Quote from: codefour  - 
Or, raid every metal yard in the country. Those businesses possessing CAT’s without documentation to be shuttered, lose their business licenses and owners are arrested.  High bonds, quick trials and long hard prison sentences.

From what I have read, most of the catalytic converter problem is controlled by organized crime and the recycling is done outside of normal commercial enterprises.
Once the converters are collected in an unmarked warehouse, they are either containerized and shipped or they are cut open and the valuable ceramic matrix, coated with precious metals, is dumped into barrels and shipped somewhere for processing, probably out of the country.
Any identification of where the cats come from is lost when the cats are cut open. Other than specification numbers, catalytic converters do not have individual ID numbers unless added after purchase. It doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

Looks like the Feds are starting to get involved, I bet the auto insurance companies are 'encouraging' them.
Catalytic converter theft ring that made hundreds of millions is busted,...
DOJ Tackles 5 Million Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

As for re-educating the thieves, I have a couple of friends who would like to help.
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Converter Steal Prevention Idea
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Then why put the cat back on? I think you'll find a removable cat would be a violation of law.

Steve
I found that out recently when I asked a muffler shop to do this. He said he could lose his business license, and could be fined and serve jail time.   If only the same penalties could be imposed on the Cat Buyers
I try not to break the rules but merely test their elasticity.  '88 22RL converted to Rear Dinette