Econoline cat converter protection

[Stitebunny]

The catalytic converter on my van was stolen recently.
Before I get the replacement installed for good I’d like to have some type of protection to install along with it.
My internet research has showed various cables, chains, cages, and plates. But not too many econoline specific designs. It seems as if there is mostly just the frame rail to work off of.
I think I like the cage or big skid plate as the best idea.
Does anyone have an example that is mounted on a van?

Here are some of the examples I came across.
I Like the plate and rebar one the best.

 

[shenrie]

Recent conversation on the smb forum that might help.

Catalytic converter protection? - Sportsmobile Forum

Hey all Sprinter-people: how concerned are you re keeping your catalytic converter intact? Ive asked Agile Off-Road, M-B dealers & other companies if they have or know of a product that would

www.sportsmobileforum.com

^^^ not the thread I thought it was. This isn’t it either, but I can’t seem to find the recent one that I thought had a few examples of what people are doing.

A fight to protect my catalytic converter - Sportsmobile Forum

Last week at 9am, a chevy tahoe pulled into my driveway like they were going to turn around, pretty typical and parked on the side of the road. They sat for a minute, also pretty typical around here,

www.sportsmobileforum.com

last one. Thought there were more pix. Sorry, was just skimming since our van isn’t required to have one.

Tips/help looking for stainless exhaust - Sportsmobile Forum

Last night someone stole the catalytic converters off my van and cut out a portion of the exhaust. I found magnaflow has stainless catalytic converters but a stainless cat back portion is not

www.sportsmobileforum.com

Honestly though, after paying a little closer attn to the threads it seems like every one of those examples could be worked around by the same tool the crook would have with them to get the converter.

Is the objective just to make the theft last a little longer in hopes of catching them pos’s in the act with those designs or to stop the theft altogether?

 

[Stitebunny]

Thanks Shenrie. Will read through those.
I suppose the goal is really to have them take a look and think “that looks like it will take too long, let’s move on”.

That is only based on my recent experience though.
4:40 in the morning I heard them cutting. Ran to the front door. Found it “locked” from the outside with a piece of lumber and zip ties.
By the time was in the driveway, barefoot and underwear, they were driving around the corner, out of sight.
So they must know time is a big factor and I would like to make it take much longer for them next time.

A cat isn’t required here either. Well, no more emissions testing anyway. I don’t really want the stink of it though.
Is that not a big issue and I’m over thinking that?

 

[shenrie]

Ok, hearing that scenario makes a lot more sense. First I’ve heard of the home alone tactics. Messed up crap. Sumbitches man, I swear. Sorry for your experience.

Our van is diesel so it stinks either way, so can’t comment on if there’s stank or not.

 

[Stitebunny]

Here is what I came up with.

I went with an aftermarket Flowmaster cat.
A little worried it may not be as efficient since it’s quite a bit smaller than the original. Also installed a new Bosch post cat o2 sensor since they cut the wires.

Did a 2 part deterrent system. 3 lengths of 1/4” steel cable through welded on nuts and a skid plate I guess you could call it. Bolted it to brackets on the frame with anti theft bolts (wheel lock bolt) recessed in some round tube to avoid pliers or whatever being able to remove them.

 

[norcalvandwlr]

Here is what I came up with.
View attachment 690733View attachment 690734
I went with an aftermarket Flowmaster cat.
A little worried it may not be as efficient since it’s quite a bit smaller than the original. Also installed a new Bosch post cat o2 sensor since they cut the wires.

Did a 2 part deterrent system. 3 lengths of 1/4” steel cable through welded on nuts and a skid plate I guess you could call it. Bolted it to brackets on the frame with anti theft bolts (wheel lock bolt) recessed in some round tube to avoid pliers or whatever being able to remove them.

Love to see more about the plate bolt on moutning, just nuts welded to frame?

 

[Stitebunny]

I used cut down angle iron as L brackets with a hole drilled for the bolts. Welded brackets to the bottom of the frame. Then used nuts on the top side of the bolts so you have to get an arm and a wrench up there to loosen them.
Can probably get some more pictures this weekend if you need it.

 

[Translations]

Unfortunately, you have to protect your catalytic converters these days. Mine almost got stolen (idiots couldn't figure out how to finish the cut) so I welded it back together and installed four thick steel rebar through the whole length of the system. Surely won't stop the next guy but it'll add a whole lot more time to the job.

 

[timmbojones]

i often wonder how many people have crawled under mine to find it has'nt got one. 7.3l for the win....

 

[Bikersmurf]

i often wonder how many people have crawled under mine to find it has'nt got one. 7.3l for the win....

My '97 7.3 PSD has a Cat... the complete '01 exhaust I haven't installed yet doesn't have a Cat. I feel like someone would be doing me a favor if they took the Cat out of my Diesel since Ford stopped putting them in to 7.3 PSDs.

 

[timmbojones]

My '97 7.3 PSD has a Cat... the complete '01 exhaust I haven't installed yet doesn't have a Cat. I feel like someone would be doing me a favor if they took the Cat out of my Diesel since Ford stopped putting them in to 7.3 PSDs.

well mine is an 01, ive owned it over ten years and believe its still factory exhaust. probably long overdue but its intact so.....i have heard/read older ones had them.

 

[IdaSHO]

The 96' PSD I had had a cat.