Not sure how to DIY install the CCM CatSecurity shield

With the increasing rates of Catalytic Converter thefts where I live, I decided that I would get myself a CCM CatSecurity Shield, which at $340 shipped and the added benefit of being a skid plate for some of the lower hanging parts under the Tacoma, didn't seem all that bad. It looks like Prii are the prime target for cat thefts, but Tacomas aren't immune

Searching TacomaWorld, it looks like most of the threads that feature the CatSecurity shield are either debating the pros/cons, or are talking about cat thefts in general. I'm having troubles with the installation, because although the manual is fairly well-written, I've run into some questions. Posting to see if someone else who installed them has solved them (I see some pics on here).

BTW, this install video is quite good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK9riqCU7tY

1. How does one even tighten the M10x90mm bolt that goes onto the square washer plate with a Nylock nut? I'm still in the early step where you place a non-locking nut to mark the holes. I tried pushing my hand through the gaps to catch the nut, but could not reach it. I'm not sure if they put some sort of adhesive to make it work or something. If it matters, I got the TRD Pro Skid Plate installed.

2. How do you lift your vehicle safely for it? My truck has OEM non-TRD-Pro clearance, which was enough to install the TRD Pro Skid Plate, but doesn't seem to be enough to get a drill with the shank under. I noticed a photo here where someone used a jack at the center of the vehicle, not a bad idea, but is it safe to jack the truck up there? Would be nicer to have a real lift.

 

I installed that shield on mine, probably a year or more ago. I have a pit for oil changes, so room for a drill was not a problem. A lift, or some other way to raise the truck, is probably necessary otherwise.

I don't recall any hassle with a nylock nut. I don't have the skid plate you mention, tho. My guess is that has to be removed to give you access to the bolt. I don't recall any hassle marking the holes, either. Guess my memory is slipping--I don't recall using a non-locking nut, unless that was to use on the long bolt to allow marking the holes.

The installation was easy. I used the simple method they suggested for installation of the rivet nuts instead of the more expensive tool for the job.

 

Thanks a ton for your response!

Yeah, I am actually talking about the non-locking nut to use on the long bolt to allow marking the holes. I believe it is later replaced with a nylock locking nut unless I misread the manual (will double check). Perhaps the skid plate is the culprit, but there's a comment in the video that I shared where he responded that the TRD Pro skid need not be removed for the install. I also noticed he does the long bolt the opposite way from what I did; perhaps there is an advantage to doing it that way, but I don't see how. Maybe a sufficiently long wrench will do the trick without me having to remove the TRD Skid and re-torque the bolts on it.

Good to know -- I was going to try their DIY method for riv-nuts too.

 

I'm glad that company prints "cat security" on there so the thieves know exactly where the cats are located lol

 

Muffler guy is on crack regarding install times. They're padding hours to bag potential clients. I did mine last August, in my driveway on a creeper and it "MAYBE" took me an hour? And that was working at the speed of smell as I took in all the sights and sounds of my brand new Taco at the time.

I love how in all the different threads here on the security issue cap on the "cat security" labeling. First, you have to be on your hands and knees crouched down to see this thing and if there's a Hunter Biden style Crack Head spying my cats, I prefer that he sees and recognizes the security measures put in place so he'll just move on to the next available vehicle.

 

Hi wondering did you paint / coat your wheels ? or did they come like that ?

thanks

 

Plasti-Dip rattlecan.

Stuffs awesome and holds up well and if you don't like it, peel it off!

I just put new wheels on it and peeled one 1/2 way and it came off in a nice sheet.

 

Yeah your wheels are awesome.

Thanks for the tip. As a novice, I’m not worried about my install time. The more I DIY, the more I learn and the less time another DIY task will take in the future. So it’s time invested in learning.

 

Here on the new Catalytic Converter lies a clever solution to my "how do I tighten the nut" problem!