Need Creative Ideas

[awesomebase]

Well, there was a second "attempt" on taking my catalytic converters again:sad:. The first time was successful.. this time there was a cut through most of one pipe.
I know alarm systems aren't exactly great, but I was hoping for at least a bit of a deterrent.
So, though I would like to entertain my thoughts of revenge on the ba$tard$ that are doing this, I think my energies would be much better put to use actually catching them in the act, or at least dissuading them in a more profound way.
So here are a couple of my ideas; feel free to comment on them or just add any that you may have.
The first is to get a mini spy camera and dvr combo that I can use. The camera would mount under the truck and the PVR in a hidden area either in the truck. I'm trying to find something that can record when motion is detected instead of an "always on" option.
The other idea (and this appeals to me a little better) is to get an insanely loud horn and compressor (like from a place like hornbla$ter$) and figure out how to tie it in to the alarm system, mount the horns discretely pointed towards the area where the cats are. Enough power from those would make it insanely difficult for whoever is under there to complete the task without going deaf. I want to be able to have a switch on the inside of the truck so that I can manually "add" it to the stock horn of the alarm system.
I may even try a combination of the two (and if I get video of them hitting their head on the frame of the truck when the horn goes off, I'll be sure to post it here).
So, short of the flame-throwers and 10,000volt electrical blasts used on systems in Mexico and Brazil, are there any other ideas members here would have that would genuinely be a) useful, b) relatively affordable, and c) relatively easy to do? If so, please post!! I am eager to get some comments on this so I can create a plan soon. Take care!

[mendonsy]

Actually I am working on a way to solve that problem, but it's still at the blueprint stage. I hope to have a prototype built for my DC in the next week or two.

[thumbster]

A shock sensor mounted on the exhaust system would do the trick. You could then trigger some air horns mounted under the body from your alarm. You'd have to position the sensor somewhere that doesn't get too hot i.e. on a muffler hangar, etc.
The pipe would do an excellent job of transmitting any vibration from an attempt to remove the converters and would stop someone before even starting the cutting/removal process. If you have a remote keychain receiver with your alarm system you could then catch him in the act and teach him a lesson for good

[Rooster]

Where was the truck parked when it was stolen the first time? Parking lot somewhere or in your driveway?

Here's a few things I found that you may be interested in:
American Welding, Inc.
Catalytic Converter Theft + 9 Ways to Stop Catalytic Converter Thieves | Security Surveillance

Hope this helps.

[awesomebase]

I should have stated to forget the catalytic converter guards... I was quoted $750 for two of them from American Welding. The other system only charges $49 for each one, but doesn't look like it will do anything significant to stop an attempt.
I'm trying to find something that has more dissuasion than just protecting the cr*p out of my truck. Not that I want to "harm" them either... just want to really lay it on them to stay away. Things like the cat clamp they can only discover when they're down there and chances are that they will continue to check every so often and perhaps try taking it down a little at a time. I just want their attempt to be a "memorable" one... just not sure what the best ways to do that are.
Yes, I am parked at a train parking lot... it is there 10 hours of the day, so this is done during the day and I am out of the range of the remote control for my alarm system to alert me (if it will).

[thumbster]

A trunk monkey (or bed monkey for that matter) would do the trick!

Make sure he's really hungry and pissed off!

[awesomebase]

Originally Posted by thumbster

A trunk monkey (or bed monkey for that matter) would do the trick!

Make sure he's really hungry and pissed off!

lol, Yeah, I have all the Trunk Monkey videos... they're really hilarious. I like the one where he disposes the guy over the bridge when he's trying to hot-wire the car. Those videos killed me! Take care!

[XS Speed]

Place a small sign on the side of the tranny near the cats that says, Smile for the Camera. It will scare the crap outta them ........

[TX RN]

If you are going to go through the trouble (and expense) to wire up an air horn, maybe try wiring up a pepper sprayer. I mean the nasty stuff from a police supply. If you want to really incapacitate the perp, wire up your exhaust to 220V. This option may have you calling in the ME to haul a cadaver to the morgue. Or you could just zap em' with an electric fence controller from Tractor Supply.

I am a mean SOB when someone steals from me. I would go for the most lethal deterrant.

[Rooster]

Even a fake camera in the area of the cat converter pointing at it underneath the truck with a sign I would think should scare them.

Why couldn't you bolt a skidplate over the entire system to the frame so they couldn't just go under and cut, the skid would be in the way. It would take them a lot longer to get it off.

[awesomebase]

Originally Posted by XS Speed

Place a small sign on the side of the tranny near the cats that says, Smile for the Camera. It will scare the crap outta them ........

I like it!! I think I'll try this option out! I also found out from a friend that I can go to an alternate train station to park by the airport where parking is $9/day, but free if you get the monthly pass. That may be a decent deterrent as well...

[awesomebase]

Originally Posted by Rooster

Why couldn't you bolt a skidplate over the entire system to the frame so they couldn't just go under and cut, the skid would be in the way. It would take them a lot longer to get it off.

If I knew where to find something like this, I would give it serious consideration... I've been thinking a lot about trying to get one fabricated for me... it would probably, at the very least, make them reconsider the time and effort needed to get through it or unbolt it (though there are tricks to making the unbolting process much more difficult/impossible).

[mendonsy]

Originally Posted by awesomebase

If I knew where to find something like this, I would give it serious consideration... I've been thinking a lot about trying to get one fabricated for me... it would probably, at the very least, make them reconsider the time and effort needed to get through it or unbolt it (though there are tricks to making the unbolting process much more difficult/impossible).

This is essentially what I am working on. It's still a week or two away. Mounting to the Tundra frame without drilling is a bit tricky.

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by mendonsy

This is essentially what I am working on. It's still a week or two away. Mounting to the Tundra frame without drilling is a bit tricky.

Good, when you get it perfected you can market them and make millions.

[DavidTaylor9]

weld some razor blades on the top of it. The look for the guy missing a finger. Also i have seen people write on them that says "this is stolen"