Topic: Thieves cutting out catalytic converters from vehicles in BC

[nickjtc]

Apparently it's a new crime wave in the lower mainland, although no one knows why they are doing it. Here is a quote form a lady who had hers cut out:

Whalley resident Betty Charles described how she discovered the theft when she started her 1993 Mazda MPV in her townhouse complex parking lot.

"It sounded like a couple of Harleys," Charles said. "I thought I blew my muffler."

Isn't it nice when the public does not blame bikes like ours for excess noise!

[Gordon]

Never heard that one before!
They do contain platinum, but I wouldn't think it's enough to be worth much.

[mcpuffett]

price of scrap metal has soared here in the uk , i have heard reports of manhole covers , cars roadsigns etc being stolen to cash in  ,    mick.

[number13]

It's no different here in Tejas. Window air conditioners are a favorite,
for the copper coils of course. A business near me had their central unit
ripped right off the side of the building. Apparantly the thieves backed
up to it, wrapped a chain around it and drove off, leaving thousands of
dollars worth of repair and replacement. All that for abour 30 bucks worth of scrap.

[jsaab2748]

Never heard that one before!
They do contain platinum, but I wouldn't think it's enough to be worth much.

You'd be suprised what these things go for. My boss just sold 3 used up ineffective converters for
100.00 to a guy who makes his living buying used and otherwise junk cat. converters. Who'dve
thought? Some are worth more than others too, don't know why though..

[eldar]

Platinum is pricy. There is quite a bit of it in certain cats. I think some may even contain other "precious" metals.

[Gordon]

Platinum is pricy. There is quite a bit of it in certain cats. I think some may even contain other "precious" metals.

Isn't it just coated in a very thin layer onto a ceramic base? 

Is "The Club" going to come out with a new version for your catalytic converter?

[nickjtc]

The rest of the article said that the scrap value of the converters was about $40cdn, but that they were probably being sold to unscrupulous shops who then charge top dollar to install them on older cars.

[Gordon]

Are there strict emmissions laws in BC?

[nickjtc]

Are there strict emmissions laws in BC?

No stricter than anywhere else, I think. Except that if you live in the lower mainland, ie close to Vancouver, you have to have your vehicle 'air cared' on a regular basis after it reaches a certain age. That's where they stick a CO (and other noxious gases) sensor up the tailpipe to make sure that your fuel and emissions system is tip-top.

I guess if you fail significantly then you have to get the problem fixed, which may mean a replacement catalytic converter, which you may choose to get from Ricky-the-rip-off-artist.

[Gordon]

I guess if you fail significantly then you have to get the problem fixed, which may mean a replacement catalytic converter, which you may choose to get from Ricky-the-rip-off-artist.

That's what I was thinking.

[ProTeal55]

We have people at my work (Freightliner dealer) remove the top stacks from the 18 wheelers all the time.
If it is bolted/welded/tied down they will take it if they want it..

[ElCheapo]

I guess if you fail significantly then you have to get the problem fixed, which may mean a replacement catalytic converter, which you may choose to get from Ricky-the-rip-off-artist.

That's what I was thinking.

Some of them can cost several hundreds of dollars - so this makes sense. However there is universal cats we can use here in the states, maybe you can't use them there. These cost about $100. I do know from experience oif being a smog tech for a time and a mechanic, the sale of smog equipment (cats) as a salvage part is illegal and they do prosecute.

[cmorgan47]

airbags are big here.  specifically hondas for some reason.

my wife had both of hers stolen from her car while it was parked in our driveway.  the cops said about half a dozen other people had reported the same thing that morning.

[ElCheapo]

airbags are big here.  specifically hondas for some reason.

my wife had both of hers stolen from her car while it was parked in our driveway.  the cops said about half a dozen other people had reported the same thing that morning.

Now air bags are another story.... These can be about $1,000 us  depending on model plus labor to replace. These I understand, but the cats I do not.

[my78k]

The Cat in my little Escort was like $400...damn that was almost as much as the car was worth...

My buddy had his airbags ripped out in his work parking lot...on the plus side my other friend get his $1000 stereo out of the desl..guess he figured if he was filing a claim anyways he might as well "upgrade" his stereo...