BEWARE! Gen 3 catalytic converters are as easy to steal and Gen 2's.

Finally had a good drive, today, and no rattles. Will get the front back up and apply Permatex Red ThreadLock to the bolts at the outside of the chain wrap, 3 of them.

 

Did you have success with the aftermarket cat?

Is it for a 3rd gen?

I was advised to avoid the $100-200 eBay/amazon cats as they will constantly throw codes but I'm tempted to do the same thing. Just having a hard time finding one that is highly reviewed for a 3rd gen.

 

So this is the chain method I read about but actually see the application 1st time.
This seems to be the cheapest yet quite effective method.

Can the whole thing be unwound by cutting a single link ?

 

No, there's multiple bolt-and-nut between pairs of links on the way in. Two on the outside layer have permanent loctite on them. With concerted effort and an angle grinder you could get it off, but I'd speculate it'd slow them down about 15 minutes, and be protracted noisiness.

 

Now this gives me an idea...I'm thinking of barb wires...flexible type of course.

 

Do use stronger barbed wire than anything I've seen on the ranch. All those are easily clipped.

And longer sharper barbs too. Ordinary leather gloves are adequate for protection from common wire, and cows love them for scratching their many itches.

 

Just a comment on the chainmail wrap. While I think its a good start, what actual deters thieves with bike lock chains is a nice floppy chain. that way, as the sawzall is attempting to take a first bite, the chain is flopping all over the place. Hence, the thief can never get in a good first cut. With a nice tightly wrapped chain, suspect said thief will plow through those links pretty quickly. In fact, those links could be cut with bolt cutters quickly. bike chain links are much thicker to deter such activity. Lastly, if chain is wrapped and you only need one link cut to start unravelling - well - the rest is history.

So my input would be to modify the design - maybe weld a circular or square tube-type thick-gauge collar around that weak point. it would be more work though, as you would have to bend in place. when it comes to sawzalls, and cuts, anything with a square edge on it - as opposed to round - it more of a deterrent. square is hard to cut.

 

Just in case would-be thief finds this link, here is a deterrent - LOL!

Man crushed by a Prius while trying to steal catalytic converter, deputies say (wafb.com)
https://www.wafb.com/2021/12/14/man-crushed-by-prius-while-trying-steal-catalytic-converter-deputies-say/

And supposedly G2 Prii have more valuable metal than G3 - not sure about G4, but think its probably less desirable too.

Here in Oregon, the real solution was to discourage the metal recyclers via legal changes. they basically cannot accept any more non-certified CC, or ones without some sort of auto registration. I suspect if we hold tight another year or two, this problem probably will go away or drastically drop off. If you live in a state with backwards legislatures, maybe it will take longer. Lobby your state government - nevertheless!

 

Did mine today just like your picture. Rather easy.

 

even a tight chain is likely to move enough to prevent the blade from cutting. thieves move on pretty quickly when things do go as planned.
there are plenty other prius in the sea

 

I like How much chain and what type of chain did you use ? How did you secure it?

 

I think it was around 6’ of chain (had it), inside dim of link opening about 3/8”, secured with 1/4” (or 5/16”?) bolts/nuts. I put on a bolt every wrap, and the two outermost have permanent thread lock on the threads (can be removed with some effort and a heat gun).

 

There is a local muffler shop that will weld rebar around the cat converter for 100 dollars
I think I will go with that

 

Has anyone used the Toyota OEM Shield ? Is it garbage?

 

Are you serious?, have you been sleeping under a rock for the past couple of years?.. lol

Prius Gen3 was one of the primary target around here for as long as I can remember since mid of 2020. We have tons of mid class and luxurious cars parked 24/7 on the streets but they targeting Priuses 95% most of the times while turning blind eye on the rest.
10 day ago cops catch another few individuals in my area (see Pictures below)

Note: there 5 Prius Gen3 cats and one from looks like new Toyota\Honda Suv or pickup.

 

Is there such a thing? Dealerships have been installing shields, but they're aftermarket as far as I know.

 

No kidding.

Off-topic: I can picture a discussion between a couple of semi-intelligent entities from different planets, different solar systems:

"What do you call your planet?"
"Dirt."
"Huh; we have pretty much the same name."

 

Yes, works great. Don’t do aftermarket no matter price