Catalytic converter protector for $55 for Gen 4, will it fit Prime?

Can you provide more info? A link to the product?

 

Yep, It works. Installed it on my 2021 Prime. I think the standard Prius is missing one of the two cross braces that this cover requires - but I know it fits on our Primes.

See this post Catalytic Converter Protector | PriusChat

 

Just wondering. If it only rivets to the cross braces, can't the scumbags just cut through those light aluminum braces in a few seconds?

 

My understanding is that if the thugs find out that you installed a catalytic-converter protector, they destroy your whole car in retaliation. These are very dangerous low-life criminals and there is no winning around them.

 

They certainly can try, but the Miller cat shield is of the same design and footprint. The Miller cat shield simply uses the same bolt holes as those braces; so it can be installed without drilling and riveting. That particular shield, covers those bolts - making them inaccessible. Bottom line; If they can cut this shield off; they should be able to cut out a Miller shield just as easily. That's why I recommend installing a motion alarm trigger in conjunction with the shield - to make your car a less appealing target.

@Gokhan; you are correct; but in most cases the thieves will simply look for an easier target. You've got to remember that those videos posted are the exception, not the norm. Some of us carry high deductibles - which I'm thinking of lowering. Unfortunately; better the insurance company total out the entire car than to have to deal with squeaks, rattles, pops, and weird mechanical issues. IMHO.

 

Like many things, catalytic converter theft varies.

See:
stolen catalytic converter & aftermarket replacement through insurance- some takeaways | Page 5 | PriusChat

For Southern Calf, imho...
Get a Stainless Steel MillerCat shield. They are harder to cut through.
They are more of a deterrent.
A properly installed CatStrap ( https://www.catstrap.net/ ) is an added deterrent. Imho, secure a CatStrap with at least 6+ heavy duty muffler clamps. Then, it would be even more of a deterrent.
Imho, as sold, it's not too hard, or too time consuming to bypass.
Also, add some JB Steel Epoxy all around the Heavy Duty Muffler Clamps. Then, it would require even more time and effort to get a cat out.
Keep increasing the deterrent level.

 

Fwiw, below looks like the same thing, but cheaper:

Code:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MVRBZ17

QYMOPAY Catalytic Converter Protection shield, Fits - Toyota Prius 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 for Catalytic Converter Anti Theft
Brand: QYMOPAY
Price: $42.99



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This is the United States.
Just like each State has it's own laws, every State, and multiple areas within States, can vary massively in crime and 'personality'.
Read the link I posted.

Imho, a great thing about living in New England, is that for the vast majority of people in New England, within an hours drive from where they live, they can see very rural New England, and Very Densely populated Major City New England/New York.
All these places are in the USA. Many are in the same State. But, other than trees growing everywhere and no such thing as flat level natural ground for more than 1/10th of a mile, many things can vary a lot. Even snow fall amounts/rates.

There is pretty much zero chance that some catalytic convertor thief in Northern Maine (or just about anywhere in Vermont), would "trash/damage a car" because there was a catalytic convertor shield.

In Southern California, gangs, drugs, screwed up culture and values, mental illness, and homelessness run rampant.
The fact of the matter is that the weather, the local governments, the local people, and the massive volume of people are all conducive to those circumstances.
I also wouldn't be surprised if there where areas around NYC, where things where even worse than typical areas in Southern Calf.

On the other hand, life in Northern VT, Northern NH, and Northern Maine is very far from being at all conducive to the above circumstances. On the other hand, it is conducive to other "human frailties" - heavy drinking, abuse (many types), and so on.

So, different areas have different considerations.

Btw, the relative average cost of a house in an area is not a good metric for crime. Again, there are dense portions of NY, Boston, Miami, and many Southern Calf areas, where the average cost of a house is very high, but the crime rate is also "higher" than very spread out suburbia.


Also, where a car will be parked is also important.
Imho, over night, low traffic, commuter parking lots are like magnets for thieves. Many are drugs users, and/or can have other issues.

So, no "one fits all" solution.
Imho, I doubt that anywhere in New England would see outright car vandalism as result of a protected catalytic convertor.
Still, it wouldn't surprise me if a thief got PO'd and heavily kicked the door. Basically no noise or risk, and frustration/anger relief for a clearly troubled person.


Good Luck!

Summary: Move to Vermont.

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If your using your friend's lift; it's literally a 5-10 minute job. Start with the first hole on the T portion and everything should line-up.
You'll need: a sharpie marker, drill bits, good variable speed drill, rivet gun, and screw drivers.

I bolted mine on w/tamperproof torx bolts; needed it to be removable for CARB inspections. If your going this route; you'll need (8) M4.5x12mm, of those tamper-proof bolts and a M4.5 Greenlee drill-tap bit. Otherwise, just follow the instructions that came with the shield.
TIP - When using the Greenlee; tap ONLY 2-3 rotations in; the drill tip will be at the other side of the brace - without proper pressure; it will strip out those threads at the bottom of the brace. If your not familiar with using this type of tool; you should 'hand' tap the holes. Slower and more tedious, but you won't strip out the threads.

Hope this helps...

 

I wonder if that Prius at the 0 minutes 45 seconds had a catalytic-converter protector installed.

 

Mine came with (4) bolts; which were removable. The other holes are supposed to be riveted in. You'll need to install the bolts on the edges to center and align the rest of the holes for drilling. IMHO; once you drill all the holes; I would remove the bolts and rivet the edges down. If the thieves can pry up an edge; they can sneak a saw blade in to cut thru that cross brace. But the shield should be enough of a deterrent, when accompanied by an alarm with flashing lights.
Here in California, a new car is exempt from smog checks for 8 years; 4 years if the car is preowned. Depending on the smog shop; most probably won't ask to verify if it's a CARB legal CAT; but they can lose their license if another state entity finds out it isn't. That's why I made sure it's removable; if they need to 'eyeball' it. Most of this hassle can be avoided by leaving your engine compartment looking stock. If you start hanging a bunch of aftermarket junk on your engine - they'll likely take a closer look at your car.

 

There was nothing you could've done to prevent this; except park it in your garage. This was a criminal GANG; where getting incarcerated is a badge of honor.

 

I got my Stainless steel MillerCat installed by my Toyota dealership during my first inspection/maintenance visit. They charged me 30 minutes to install. Cost $65 CDN plus tax. Not bad !

 

I like the Mendel Leisk chain-gang protector idea myself. The shields on my two Prii rattle as the exhaust system contacts them under high power.

 

At least on the Gen 2, that can often be a problem if you don't install shorter rubber supports for the cat. The shorter supports hold it up high enough to keep it from rattling. I'm guessing something similar is available and helpful for Gen 3 & 4.