Paint a catalytic converter

[perrymk]

The main reason for painting a catalytic converter is theft deterrence.

I spent the past couple of weeks researching (googling) how to paint a catalytic converter and spent this weekend actually painting the catalytic converter on my recently purchased SUV. I documented my experience and put it in a PDF (5 pages) that I am happy to share. It's not difficult but there are things that may be helpful to know before starting. I intend it a guide and idea source, but not as a last word on painting catalytic converters.

PM an email and I'm happy to send the PDF.

[One Half]

How does painting a catalytic converter deter theft?

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[peakbagger]

I had heard of engraving a VIN into a catalytic converter but painting it is a new one.

[perrymk]

Two things. First, the thought is that thieves don’t want something that stands out and is easily spotted. A bright yellow cat stands out. Second, the VIN makes it identifiable. It’s similar to the difference in reporting your stolen watch versus reporting your stolen watch with your name engraved on it. One can be identified if located. A thief might not want to risk having an identifiable item in their possession so move on to an unmarked item.

Or so I’ve read and it sounds plausible to me.

[perrymk]

I describe both engraving and painting. The problem I see with engraving is it might not be apparent if the cat is dirty and certainly can’t be seen from more than a few feet away. Think of what a cop might notice when walking through a scrap metal dealer shop.

[Venchka]

Am I to assume that you used high temperature paint?
Did the painting require removing the converter?
Thanks for the info!
Wayne

[perrymk]

There’s paint, high temp paint (500F), and very high temp paint (2000F). I used very high temp paint. I did not remove the cat.

[JNI64]

Is it on a need to know? Or is it too bold to ask color that you behold?

[JNI64]

I would remove mine and do the spray painting method like people do with dear skulls. Mine would be truly one of a kind.

[JNI64]

Sorry spray paint dipping I mean.

[ocourse]

I think the VIN engraving and the paint are good ideas. considering the cost of these things and the inconvenience one would encounter if it were stolen. Battery powered grinders are common. A dealer in a scrapyard should think twice before buying a marked cat. For those interested, there is a cage that seems popular on some RV forums. https://catclamp.com/ Thanks for the topic perrymk!

[zelph]

Are converter thefts taking place at parking lots along the AT?

[Seatbelt]

I would think that paint fumes could be a problem, also spray paint comes off pretty easily with brake cleaner and other chemicals.

[One Half]

Are converter thefts taking place at parking lots along the AT?

I have no idea. Though I vaguely recollect a thread along those lines from last year? I do know cat thefts are on the rise, generally.

[ocourse]

Good guide, perry. I read often about yet another string of thefts. It's extremely lucrative. I plan on doing this.

[ocourse]

Well, that was poorly worded! I mean I plan on marking my cat in the same way.

[HankIV]

Are converter thefts taking place at parking lots along the AT?

Yeah, for making heavy weight stoves….

[HankIV]

Well, that was poorly worded! I mean I plan on marking my cat in the same way.

No way am I marking my cat, I don’t want a urine soaked cat in my house….

[HooKooDooKu]

Are converter thefts taking place at parking lots along the AT?

I don't know about the whole of the AT, but in Great Smoke Mountains National Park, Catalytic Converter theft and general break-ins have gone thru the roof in the Big Creek area on the north-eastern end of the park close to the Davenport Gap park boundary. Davenport Gap is very close to a relatively remote section of interstate, and Davenport Gap has always has a reputation for a bad place to leave your car. It used to be stated that is was safe to park your car at the near-by Big Creek ranger station. But that suddenly changed this year. First there were tons of reports of Catalytic Converter theft of cars left parked over-night, especially SUVs and other high clearance vehicles. More recently, I've been seeing a big uptick on social media about busted windows in the area. This is the first time the Big Creek area of GSMNP has ever been considered an un-safe area to leave your car parked overnight.

[perrymk]

I should have been clear regarding my intent with my original post.

Catalytic converter theft has been a problem at trailheads as well as elsewhere. When I hiked the AT in the GSMNP last November I was warned of catalytic converter theft so paid for private parking. I even read that a trailhead in southwest Florida (I live in Florida) was hit a couple weeks ago.

I decided to go the PDF route as it might make a long, unwieldy post.

With this in mind I thought this a hiking related project. If the mods disagree they can delete this thread. It’s not a big deal to me.