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

 

so they unbolted yours? usually they just cut them off. wow. got lucky.

i posted about this a few weeks ago. seems to be really really popular...

 

I think this doesn't happen only with our 4runners. I've read this in another forum where I'm a member of. Not in SOCal though but the news is true.

 

What would one want with the cat (unless of course to put on their runner).

 

recycle value for contents inside

 

I never claimed to know anything... but seriously... what's inside that is valued for recycling? I'm curious

 

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.

 

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

 

wow, this is the first i have heard of cats getting stolen, jeez, i hope this doesn't happen in norcal.

 

very valuable metals inside...hence why they are so expensive for us to buy in the 1st place...

 

platinum

 

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.

 

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"

 

I'd love to catch one in the action. I think a good wind up to the pills when they're busy under my truck would be a good opening move...

 

Sad times indeed, it seems to be happening on the west coast mostly. No one I know has had one stolen.

 

There are 4 Precious metals to be found in a Toyota (and others) Catalytic converters.

-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

 

thats the #2 reason to steal em...see my post for the #1 lol

 

btw these prices are verified by the NYSE as of 1:29am EST March 6, 2007

verified At this site

 

Oh my gosh. That is absolutley ridiculous that they are stealing just cats for that stuff. But some dang good prices there!

 

that is so rediculous!! stealing cats. metal recycler should just report people trying to recycle cats in good condition.