Seems like catalytic converts are being stolen at an alarming rate these days. I am thinking of adding some sheet metal under the cat to help deter crooks. I realize it will never be 100% effective but just might make them move on and leave my SUV alone. Does anybody know of an example of a cat shield being added to a 3rd gen RX. I would do the job myself as I have an electric arc welder, just wondering if I can get some ideas from someone that has done this already. Thanks.

 

This has already been covered.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-deterant.html

Then there are shields for other Toyota models, mostly hybrids which have 2 cats
https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase-online

 

I took a look under my RX350 and seems to me that access from the driver side under the car is pretty difficult for a crook lying under the vehicle as the cat is toward the RH side of the car. The cat is offset toward the passenger side of the vehicle and that would be the easier side to gain access. However the cat is right beside a frame rail. I am thinking of welding on a flat vertical plate to the side of the frame rail at this location , essentially blocking off easy access for a cut off saw. I am not saying the cat could not be removed but it would definitely turn the job from an easy access job to a difficult access job and might be enough of a deterrent. I will take pictures once I get this done.

 

Keep in mind that the cats get very hot and they need to radiate this heat. The heat shields that are there, try to keep the heat away from the cabin. Any additional theft prevention shield should keep thermodynamics in mind.

Salim

 

Yep, you don't want to create something that will cause your cats to bake even more than they do now. Whatever you decide to do, make sure there is some airflow around it.