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Catalytic Converter Theft?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Captain Caseous, Apr 24, 2022.

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  1. Captain Caseous

    Captain Caseous Junior Member

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    Like other places, catalytic converter theft has taken off in my area. Before I installed cameras, set up man-traps, and post sentries, I'm wondering how vulnerable a 2012 Gen 3 with 100K+ miles is? Are mostly new Priuses (and thereby, newer catalytic converters) the target for resale or is it just the platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which would mean any Priuses are vulnerable? What do you think?
     
    #1 Captain Caseous, Apr 24, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    very vulnerable. the age doesn't matter. gen 2 have the most precious metals, gen 3 next and then gen 4.
    order yourself a trunk monkey ;)
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 24, 2022
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    For starters a prosecutor and judge will only look at the fact that you deliberately intended to seriously injure someone with your man trap and the fact that you were defending your property from theft will not be considered in your sentencing.

    That being said, they overbuilt Gen2 Prius cats to be as clean burning as possible so you have roughly a couple grams each of Rhodium, Palladium and Platinum. Currently the value per gram is: Rhodium ($598), Palladium ($78) and Platinum ($31).
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Apr 24, 2022
    johnHRP likes this.
  4. johnHRP

    johnHRP Active Member

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    We should add any kind of protection. I use simple D shape catalytic converter and it works fine.

    I put secure bolt on the rear side where there are 4x3.2mm washers/spacer to avoid exhaust rubbing. The secure bolt is the same as secure bolts for VW wheels. M12x1.25 pitch.
     

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    #4 johnHRP, May 8, 2023
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    We noticed this book at Lee Valley Tools, recipes from the late 1800's through early 1900's: Lee's Priceless Recipes. One page caught my eye:

    upload_2023-5-8_8-39-21.png
    (Apologies to the long-sighted, you will need a magnifying glass for this)
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, May 8, 2023
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