*Warning* Catalytic Converter Theft
03-05-2007, 03:55 PM
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*Warning* Catalytic Converter Theft
All;
There were at least two 2nd generation 4Runners that had their catalytic converters stolen. Mine was one and I'm lucky when compared to the other victim - the thieves decided to break one of their windows and help themselves to the contents of their 4Runner.
What ticks me off is that this happened at my place of work, in a parking structure during normal business hours.
When I called the local Toyota dealership to see if they have a replacement one in stock, the guy at the parts counter asked my cat was stolen - when I said yes, he mentioned that there has been a rash of similar occurances here in Southern California. (just for your info - the stealership wants over $700 for a replacement cat, plus gaskets. I opted for a bolt-on one from Napa Autoparts - $144).
I'm thinking of getting the replacement cat welded on to prevent future opportunities.
So be aware!
-socal
There were at least two 2nd generation 4Runners that had their catalytic converters stolen. Mine was one and I'm lucky when compared to the other victim - the thieves decided to break one of their windows and help themselves to the contents of their 4Runner.
What ticks me off is that this happened at my place of work, in a parking structure during normal business hours.
When I called the local Toyota dealership to see if they have a replacement one in stock, the guy at the parts counter asked my cat was stolen - when I said yes, he mentioned that there has been a rash of similar occurances here in Southern California. (just for your info - the stealership wants over $700 for a replacement cat, plus gaskets. I opted for a bolt-on one from Napa Autoparts - $144).
I'm thinking of getting the replacement cat welded on to prevent future opportunities.
So be aware!
-socal
03-05-2007, 05:03 PM
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when I took my wife to test drive the 4Runner that we ultimately got, she started it up and it sounded like a lawnmower without the muffler. She got freaked out and jumped out with it still running, not realizing that the doors automatically locked and she locked us all out with the engine sounding like a 3.4L chainsaw. Turns out someone hacked off the catalytic converter - we bought the rig about 5 hours later, when it was all replaced. That was in good old Happy (Utah) Valley, too.
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03-05-2007, 05:58 PM
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Catalytic Converter "Luck"
yeah - I was lucky. They undid the 4 bolts and took the cat, leaving an empty space where it used to be. They were considerate enough to leave the bolts behind so I can use them with the replacement converter.
-socal
-socal
03-05-2007, 06:08 PM
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03-05-2007, 08:13 PM
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The main reason the theives are targeting 4Runners, and other 4wd vehicles is because of their higher ground clearance. Much easier to get under than a Corolla or Accord.........
Your lucky if they actually take the time to unbolt it from the system. In other areas, they are using battery powered reciprocating saws to cut them out, much quicker.
Your lucky if they actually take the time to unbolt it from the system. In other areas, they are using battery powered reciprocating saws to cut them out, much quicker.
Last edited by TechWrench; 03-05-2007 at 08:16 PM.
03-05-2007, 08:25 PM
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wow. thieves are finding a whole bunch of things to steal now a days. I remember a church back home got all their copper storm draining stolen. about 1k worth. from a church!!! sheesh, thieves gettin "balls-e"
03-05-2007, 09:35 PM
#16
-Palladium: $342.00/ounce
-Platinum: $1168.00/ounce
-Rhodium: $5800.00/ounce (this is where the real money is)
-Cerium: Couldn't find any numbers on this one...
Yes, you read that right. Five Thousand Eight Hundred ($5,800) for an ounce of Rhodium. Thats why they are being stolen at an alarming rate.
*edit* looks like Cerium may not be a precious metalm but still a necesary component none-the-less
