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Our catalytic converter was stolen a few months ago. It was strange because we were parked in front of a government building -- library and courthouse -- and we

by l320093jj 5y ago

Our catalytic converter was stolen a few months ago. It was strange because we were parked in front of a government building -- library and courthouse -- and were only inside for about 15 minutes, in the afternoon. Came outside and the car sounded like the muffler was missing, or like I was driving an old tank. Our new car came with installation of a catshield. When talking to various autobody places, they were skeptical it would matter because if they'd cut out the catalytic converter, they could just cut out the shield. It would be nice to see if they had data on this, but I haven't seen any (I even asked our insurance agency if they knew of any analyses on it but they said they didn't).

reducesuffering 5y ago
The thiefs like to be in and out very quickly for obvious reasons. Without the shield it's a couple minutes. If they jack it up and there's a shield, that's going to take 15 minutes, they'll likely just abandon it as the risk/reward isn't there.
- sawjet 5y ago
  A skilled jackman can lift a car in mere seconds. Just watch some NASCAR
  - blinkingled 5y ago
    Unless you're saying all thieves are NASCAR level skilled jackmans - I don't see how it is not a deterrent. Sure some maybe but if most aren't it still slows them down and adds noise.
cartoonworld 5y ago
It is indeed a huge pain in the ass to chop out exhaust components behind anything at all. Cutting tools are all speed and no torque. If you use stainless or something it will really piss them off. Aluminum will deform, frustrating cutting attempts. Mesh will block access just as easily, maybe go for a stainless mesh so its really annoying to cut through and bank the weight reduction/cooling benefits. If you use a grinder, the abrasion will take a lot longer as you have to clear both spots where you would like to cut. If you use a sawzall aka reciprocating saw, the blade has to have totally clear movements or else it will flex and slow down. If you use a torch it goes quicker, but the set up and hauling the tanks is not easy, torches are fiddly, especially if not properly maintained, the smoke is poison, and theres fuel lines down there to boot. Unpleasant. They'll just curse and roll onto the next mark.

reducesuffering 5y ago

The thiefs like to be in and out very quickly for obvious reasons. Without the shield it's a couple minutes. If they jack it up and there's a shield, that's going to take 15 minutes, they'll likely just abandon it as the risk/reward isn't there.

sawjet 5y ago
A skilled jackman can lift a car in mere seconds. Just watch some NASCAR
- blinkingled 5y ago
  Unless you're saying all thieves are NASCAR level skilled jackmans - I don't see how it is not a deterrent. Sure some maybe but if most aren't it still slows them down and adds noise.

cartoonworld 5y ago

It is indeed a huge pain in the ass to chop out exhaust components behind anything at all. Cutting tools are all speed and no torque. If you use stainless or something it will really piss them off. Aluminum will deform, frustrating cutting attempts. Mesh will block access just as easily, maybe go for a stainless mesh so its really annoying to cut through and bank the weight reduction/cooling benefits. If you use a grinder, the abrasion will take a lot longer as you have to clear both spots where you would like to cut. If you use a sawzall aka reciprocating saw, the blade has to have totally clear movements or else it will flex and slow down. If you use a torch it goes quicker, but the set up and hauling the tanks is not easy, torches are fiddly, especially if not properly maintained, the smoke is poison, and theres fuel lines down there to boot. Unpleasant. They'll just curse and roll onto the next mark.