Catalytic Converter value ?

[Ray G.]

Hello TDB brain trust;
Wondering if catalytic converters are currently using platinum ?

In 2012 when taking a functional 1970s catalytic converter to a scrap yard I received premium dollars.

Is there a method of retrieving the valuable catalyst ?

Always enjoy the thoughtful threads on this TDB.

Thank You for any thoughts.
Ray

[Joe L.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

Hello TDB brain trust;
Wondering if catalytic converters are currently using platinum ?

In 2012 when taking a functional 1970s catalytic converter to a scrap yard I received premium dollars.

Is there a method of retrieving the valuable catalyst ?

Always enjoy the thoughtful threads on this TDB.

Thank You for any thoughts.
Ray

Ray-------


Yes, they still use precious metals, including platinum, rhodium and one or two others. It is recoverable. In fact, this is exactly what has spawned catalytic converter thefts right off vehicles. mostly pick-up trucks.

As to what the value is, I don't know. There are usually catalytic converter recycling companies in most major cities.

[Edward J.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

Ray, I run a small auto repair business and convertors are still valuable some more than others generally I have 3 or 4 buyer at my shop the values are different depending on makes and models. There is no need to take anything apart the buyers like them together and there are many things that can be done with the precious metals when recycled. most places that buy these have a pretty good idea as to there value. generally I see there worth about 40.00 as a low and 250.00 as a high. back in the 70's the pellets were worth a lot. and today they would also have good value. Like gold and silver there prices go up and down daily.

[Ray G.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

Thank You gentlemen;
Are you thinking a smelter would be necessary to actually retrieve the precious metals ?
When buyers come to my place of business looking for items I'm wondering if there is a way to skip that buyer and get more dollars for my salvage.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Ray

[Edward J.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

Ray, Yes there are precious metal buyers and sellers You will have to find them in a area near you but generally they buy big quantity's. The buyers that come to my shop buy up all my metal, inc. brake rotors, a radiators, A/C parts, and some rebuildable parts,

[Steven B.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

Ray, I run a small auto repair business and convertors are still valuable some more than others generally I have 3 or 4 buyer at my shop the values are different depending on makes and models. There is no need to take anything apart the buyers like them together and there are many things that can be done with the precious metals when recycled. most places that buy these have a pretty good idea as to there value. generally I see there worth about 40.00 as a low and 250.00 as a high. back in the 70's the pellets were worth a lot. and today they would also have good value. Like gold and silver there prices go up and down daily.

'Remember in the mid '70's when guys would remove the plug and drive hard to "shoot the pellets out"? 'Thought they were gaining a bunch of HP. Steve

[Edward J.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

I do remember the plug removal , and installing the by -pass pipe. the late 70s and 80"s were really loaded with emission crap and to top it off low horsepower.

[Joe L.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

I do remember the plug removal , and installing the by -pass pipe. the late 70s and 80"s were really loaded with emission crap and to top it off low horsepower.

Edward------

Those catalytic converter "test pipes" are now illegal under USEPA regulations. It's also illegal to ship one into California. It's also illegal to ship any non OBD-II certified catalytic converter into California for use on ANY catalytic converter equipped vehicle (including OBD-I vehicles).

[Paul J.]

Re: Catalytic Converter value ?

'Remember in the mid '70's when guys would remove the plug and drive hard to "shoot the pellets out"? 'Thought they were gaining a bunch of HP. Steve

Steve, it was called "dropping your beads". The fine used to be $10,000 if caught doing this, although I know of several individuals that did it.

Paul