Rhodium In Catalytic Converters

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How Much Platinum / Palladium / Rhodium in Catalytic Converters – And Approximate Worth

Latest update: June 11, 2024. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile times change and the updates continue. Platinum, rhodium and palladium are some of the elements known as platinum-group metals, otherwise known as PGMs.

The PGMs reside in the honeycomb region of the catalytic converter. The much-older catalytic converters originally used pellets, before the more efficient and less expensive honeycomb design came into use.

The amounts and proportions of PGMs depends on the age and type of vehicle.

Cars, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles average total is 2-6 grams.
Larger-engine SUV's and trucks average total can range anywhere from 6-30 grams.

28.35 grams equals an avoirdupois ounce. 31.1 grams equals a troy ounce. Gasoline-powered-vehicle catalytic converters use all three of the aforementioned metals (update: at current prices, I highly doubt rhodium is still being used). Diesel-powered-vehicle catalytic converters use only platinum and rhodium (update: rhodium usage for new vehicles is questionable). As a side note, PGMs are also in heavy demand in the electronics industries.

How Much Is a Catalytic Converter Worth?

The Shorter Answer...

Depending on the age and type of vehicle, the PGMs in a catalytic converter can be worth anywhere from $100 to a rare $1,500 or more. The newer and/or smaller cars range from $100-$300. The larger and/or older vehicles could have catalytic converters worth $600 and up. As for the $1,500 and the rampant inflation, older vehicles with the original converter are becoming more and more valuable; something to consider when buying or selling an older vehicle. As a side note, oxygen sensors also use PGMs and have a recycle value. Hybrids can also have serious value. Regarding the catalytic converter, keep in mind that what the PGMs are worth is not what you will be paid. There is the labor, cost of metal extraction, overhead, and the buyer's expected profit margin; not to mention the greed factor. It would also be wise to be able to prove ownership. Otherwise, a phone call might be being made inside while you are talking with the potential buyer outside. Driving in with the actual vehicle or at least the vehicle's paperwork will give you more legitimacy and probably even a higher price. Do extensively ask around and shop around. Whether a buyer or a seller, do be careful as to whom you associate with: Justice Department Announces Takedown of Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring.

The Longer Answer...

As a general rule: the older the vehicle, the more PGMs present in the catalytic converter. Because of the high cost of PGMs, industry continually strives to reduce the amount necessary by the use of other metals and materials and/or design changes WebsiteWithNoName.com has over one million page views and is looking for reputable advertisers. Needless to say, catalytic converter prices can fluctuate greatly; not only the value, but also the quantity and usage ratio of the three metals aren't exactly carved in stone either. Depending on the price and efficiency of each metal and/or its alloys, the composition and design the catalytic converter manufacturers use may change frequently. Then again, each change buries the manufacturer in the government bureaucracies of retesting, recertification, and no doubt many other laws and regulations; both federal and for each state. This could very well obstruct the manufactures from being able to quickly respond to PGM price changes. This would be especially applicable to after-market manufacturers. Current prices for platinum and palladium can be found here, note the historical charts as well. Rhodium prices can be found here. Price information resources come and go. If the links stop working, a search will quickly find a new one. It turns out the information to write this page was not easy to find. Fortunately, I stumbled across much of it buried in a government-archived article about catalytic converter cerium recovery written by the USGS. The article has more information scattered around about catalytic converters, what recyclers might be willing to pay for them, about platinum and the other PGMs, and other recycling information, etc. The prices stated in the government article are woefully obsolete, but the rest of the information is still valid.

Platinum Nugget. Source: USGS

WebsiteWithNoName.com is For Sale! - End of Article - [There are lots of buy/sell leads and excellent advice in the following comments section. Be advised that the leads and advice have not been vetted, usual business caution applies.] By Person of Interest Labels: Auto

75 comments:

UnknownSeptember 25, 2019 at 7:02 AM
Can you explain why Palladium is still being used as a catalyst in cars and trucks when platinum is 40% cheaper? At the time Palladium was first used it was about 1/3 the price of Platinum, so that made sense at that time to use it, but why now? Thanks for this tip.C E Carl
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1. UnknownMay 12, 2020 at 3:37 AM
  Platinum is mainly used for diesel engines, which are being phased out in europe. Petrol engine cats require more palladium. That is why platinum is down and palladium is up.
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AnonymousJanuary 20, 2020 at 12:10 PM
How much palladium or other PGM is used in the average new hybrid? The electric car? I understand rare earth metals used in electric motors is also essential to production.
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1. MarkJanuary 1, 2021 at 11:37 AM
  I belive most electric motors use electromagnet not rare earth magnets.Copper is 2 bucks a pound clean scrap.50hp motor might have 100lbs of copper. I might be wrong though there are motors that use earth magnets. I though they were only pretty small ones.
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UnknownMay 12, 2020 at 10:33 PM
How much moneys worth of precious metals do u get out of one converter I and going to use a plasma cutter to open them up will that work
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1. shane sparksJuly 25, 2020 at 3:22 AM
  Every converter has a different amount of each of the platinum group metals. I am a converter buyer, the amount of each platinum group metal in each converter is what controls the scrap value and they are constantly changing. I have around 7000 different scrap converter prices on my price sheet. With some converters you would be lucky to get $10 worth of PGM's out and other converters have over $1000 worth of PGM's
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2. UnknownNovember 19, 2020 at 8:31 PM
  Hello Shane! Are you ok sharing your price sheet?
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3. UnknownDecember 10, 2020 at 5:32 AM
  I am a scrapper and would be interested if you could share that price sheet. I never know what to do with these things, open them and extract or ship whole. Maybe knowing prices would make it an easier decision.
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4. AliDecember 25, 2020 at 11:47 AM
  I can share some info with you about cats
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5. [email protected]January 18, 2021 at 9:08 PM
  I will pay you for your price sheet.Where would you go to refine .your converters.ty for your time
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6. shane sparksMarch 21, 2021 at 1:34 AM
  I do not own rights to the pricing data. Pricing changes daily with the market. The smelters and refiners control the price data and you have to start doing business with them and contracts have to be signed to get the info. They all have there own database for prices. They don't give it out freely because it cost millions to assay each part # converter to get the PGM content just to create a price list. If you plan on going in deep and being a top tier buyer you need to plan on investing $100,000 to $150,000 at a minimum and deal with a refinery or smelter. I started about 20 years ago as a small time buyer and built myself up. I eventually started dealing with a company that had a pdf file price sheet. I sold a few loads to them and then started working on dealing with a refinery. The refinery wouldn't give me any pricing data until I traveled to the refinery with a load of converters and signed a non disclosure agreement. I simply used the pdf file to buy converters with until that point. Refineries won't deal with you unless you buy loads. Most that I've seen have around a 500 piece minimum, or the equivalent if you are decanting. Bottom line is if your not going to be investing a lot of cash just shop around and find a reputable buyer, beware!!! a lot of buyers will pay real good and sometimes even lose $ on the first few that they price for you just to get your business and then start lowballing you later. If you go big set you a percentage that you want to make and just stick with it across the board. Don't try to double your money. Treat people right and the business will steadily grow into a lasting income. I run on a 10% profit margin. Doesn't sound like much but if you build your business right you can make a very good and lasting income.
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7. UnknownMarch 27, 2021 at 10:49 AM
  Shane SparksAfter searching the market of pgms I pretty agree with you.However, how is it possible to be some catalyst so cheap like 10$ ? Even the 100$ catalysts have very low percentages in PGM, therefore 10$ catalysts have no pgms, and their whole value are the ceramics, aluminium, iron etc. So, have I to suppose that many catalysts are not doing the work that were made for? And how is this not illegal according to the environmental laws? (pgms are the reason of making the exhaust fumes less hazardous for the environment)
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8. UnknownMarch 29, 2021 at 8:36 PM
  I'm in the state of Georgia I wanted to know is there any Refinery company out there that is willing to refine my converters for me Here is my contact number anyone with any information please feel free to contact me 706-308-5947 Dexter
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9. UnknownOctober 18, 2021 at 7:00 PM
  Have you did business with metallic metals It doesn't pay more to have them decant or just send them whole
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10. UnknownNovember 12, 2021 at 9:30 PM
  I have 8000 pounds of catalytic converters what refinement would you recommend
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11. UnknownNovember 12, 2021 at 9:31 PM
  [email protected]
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UnknownJuly 7, 2020 at 9:11 PM
Can someone sell the precious metals without the catalyic converter
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1. UnknownAugust 3, 2020 at 7:57 AM
  They are sold as bullion
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2. UnknownOctober 11, 2020 at 7:58 AM
  NO IMPOSSIBLE!!! KEEP.INTACT!!!
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3. UnknownJune 4, 2021 at 10:22 AM
  Does anyone buy new converter pellets? I have some from the early 1980's that was part of a general motors recall on the 307 Oldsmobile .
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4. UnknownSeptember 17, 2021 at 8:47 PM
  Did you find someone to buy ur pellets?How many lbs are we talking,before I even explain what we would have to do to shop,transport,etc..U know,the stuff can add up to be valuable and need be insured and tracked from weight and boxed to received.
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CARLOSAugust 12, 2020 at 1:58 PM
Where can one attain that price sheet
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UnknownOctober 6, 2020 at 6:55 AM
What are the possibilities of this business in india
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UnknownOctober 11, 2020 at 7:57 AM
DO NOT TAKE OUT TJE HONEYCOMB!!!! VERY HARD IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SELL THAT WAY !!!! KEEP INTACT NUMBERS ON SHELL DETERMINES PRICE!!! PROVES WHAT IT IS INSIDE!!!
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1. UnknownSeptember 17, 2021 at 8:51 PM
  Doesn't prove what's inside.I happen to know plenty of uneducated,or uncaring people that bust whatever is in the way of them getting the exhaust out their pipes..It's not a bit different looking on outside after a long metal rod has reemed everything out .or just burnt nd flew out in some engines I hear..Don't Know of that .but You Have To Look Them Up And Know Half Or Whole Cat..And Light It Up In Their..Take A Piece Of Wood and Measure What Depth..To Bad Can't Look That Up On Them..
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Abel MAGAÑANovember 17, 2020 at 6:06 PM
Hello, trying to sell a big volume of cat scrap from El Salvador Central America but kind of confused, some people recommend keeping the cats intact and sell them by part number and other ask us to use a decanner and just ship the honeycomb-dust to them. Our volume is big and we would like to get the best possible value. Your advice will be appreciated.
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UnknownDecember 2, 2020 at 11:48 AM
Who will buy my converters at the best prices in from Canada and I will ship as long as I'm getting the proper dollar for my converters
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1. AnonymousMarch 28, 2021 at 5:34 PM
  contact me at BBMsales@gmail for Canadian Cats. Thks
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2. AnonymousMarch 30, 2021 at 10:12 AM
  Send your price here: [email protected] a bunch
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AnonymousJanuary 3, 2021 at 12:52 PM
how much does my clk320 2005 catalytic converters have PGA?
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UnknownJanuary 14, 2021 at 8:35 PM
VW converters. Whats the best 1.
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UnknownJanuary 16, 2021 at 8:01 PM
On average how much rhodium is found in a gas catalytic converter?
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UnknownJanuary 27, 2021 at 10:54 PM
Price sheet
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UnknownMarch 5, 2021 at 4:59 PM
A dated price sheet would be a great benefit.But you guys with the sheets like to keep them secret, like Diamond dealers do a rap, (rapport) price sheet. Bottom line little guy, get it from a smelter/refiner.
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NoorainMarch 25, 2021 at 3:06 PM
Indian please contact in this no +917008098616- Noorain.
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AnonymousApril 2, 2021 at 7:23 PM
Please get in contact with me I need more information about this business thanks so much my whats app is +447570053565 email [email protected]
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UnknownApril 12, 2021 at 11:10 AM
I am from Pakistan. I can provide CC. 0092-317-1111101 Dont feel hesitate to contact.
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1. UnknownSeptember 20, 2021 at 10:12 AM
  I can help you with your CC sales and get you top value for each individual CC please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss 502-293-8670
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2. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 1:38 PM
  Hit me up, if your legit we can make big bucks. I'm In usa
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UnknownMay 7, 2021 at 4:28 AM
I am from Nigeria. I can supply you exhaust catalyst in large quantities. And I need your email address and your WhatsApp number too. Thanks
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1. UnknownOctober 9, 2021 at 8:36 PM
  Let me know
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2. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 1:40 PM
  Hey brother, Go ahead and shoot me an email on how many of what cats you have, I can give you a price, if happy we work out the details. [email protected]
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UnknownMay 10, 2021 at 8:21 PM
Contact me at804-661-4279My name is Samuel StephensonMy company name is: Sam Cores
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UnknownMay 13, 2021 at 5:18 PM
I have a bundle of cats who can I ship to for a good profit leave me your direct number hereof text 9515798051 John strickland
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1. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 1:42 PM
  If you still have , reach out to me, let me know how many of what you got, I will give you a price we can offer Cash, If both happy we can work the details. My email is [email protected]
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AnonymousMay 20, 2021 at 6:20 AM
I am located in Japan, in the used car export business and have just set up a shop for dismantling. Would be interested in working with someone who is interested in importing catalysts from Japan. Contact me if interested: Edward [email protected]
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1. AnonymousMay 30, 2021 at 7:13 PM
  Contact me with some details of what you have or may have in future. We are in Canada and we import from all over the world. [email protected]
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2. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 1:47 PM
  Hey brother, We buy , and contract with refinery. Anyone interested in a quote on larger amounts of cats feel free to reach out with what and how many you have , I'll give price , if both happy we orchestrate the payment details Easy, honest, discreet $$$$ payments in multiple ways- ACH, $-app zelle Venmo PayPal
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UnknownJune 13, 2021 at 9:29 AM
Have some converters from 3 lincoln town cars One us 1983,1996,and 1995How much are they worth
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1. UnknownJune 13, 2021 at 9:32 AM
  Email me [email protected]
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2. Lurch 5733093056 phone numberAugust 16, 2021 at 6:11 AM
  650 a set off each car the 96 and 95 cause they got a total of 4 2 half cats and 2 full cats for a total of 1300 if the 83 gots a torpedo style converter it can be worth 1800 by it's self
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3. UnknownSeptember 10, 2021 at 10:45 PM
  Lurch .. I text u about my list of cats I have bought today.. wanna see if I could possibly get more for mine elsewhere. I think my people believe their family is more worthy to eat.. than mine. So its time to find a new buyer. I am just starting out in this field.. however I bring about 500 cats a month at the moment
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UnknownJuly 15, 2021 at 2:23 PM
Have a cat off of a 2001 ford excursion how much is it worth
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1. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2021 at 5:00 AM
  $800-$1000
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UnknownAugust 15, 2021 at 6:31 PM
I am a buyer in New Brunswick Canada, looking for someone that can get me a real time price app. Yes I will pay the money. 100 too 500 a week. Thanks
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1. UnknownSeptember 10, 2021 at 3:03 AM
  U looking for somebody to by used cats in the u.s.a....for u..is that what ur asking
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2. AnonymousJuly 18, 2023 at 5:23 AM
  I can get you a real time price app. Txt +1(712)8238453 or email [email protected] subject CATS
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UnknownAugust 15, 2021 at 6:32 PM
[email protected] Thanks
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UnknownAugust 17, 2021 at 6:35 PM
price value for actual sreening in rolls ?
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UnknownSeptember 1, 2021 at 11:59 PM
Lol if ya don't have a sheet there's a reason it's tricky to the trade
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UnknownSeptember 7, 2021 at 4:50 PM
Hi I have 2002 0pel Astra with original catalytic converter how much can get in south Africa
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UnknownSeptember 8, 2021 at 12:11 PM
How much for 1999 ford taurus cats...looks like a mesh wiring around something and then in front of it is a cat I know that looks like a grenade kind of. How much for this style year and model? Best I'm able to describe...also hoe many cats are there ?
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UnknownSeptember 16, 2021 at 2:45 AM
Pls I need someone that will buy pt catalyst from [email protected] contact me
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UnknownOctober 22, 2021 at 7:54 AM
Need buyer my cats
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UnknownOctober 27, 2021 at 10:31 AM
I have an 02 Chevy avalanche how much would the cats be worth
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UnknownOctober 28, 2021 at 10:58 AM
Can u guys suggest me some refiner or smelter companies where I can do business with... BTW I am in the uae... Contact 0545601499
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UnknownOctober 29, 2021 at 12:46 AM
How much are the cats of a 2003 Nissan maxima
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UnknownNovember 26, 2021 at 2:52 AM
Very interesting post. So, do I understand correctly if I say that diesel catalytic converters are less worthy than petrol ones for thieves?
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1. AnonymousJuly 23, 2022 at 3:27 PM
  This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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UnknownJanuary 8, 2022 at 2:01 PM
I have a cat off my Ford RV numbers read 9u94-5k282-aa. I am in PHX. How much is it worth and is anyone local? Thank you!!
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RaybirdFebruary 10, 2022 at 8:56 AM
I'm wanting to start something legit on my end for what I can market to receive and then trade hands to a reputable and honest buyer, lmao I know that's probably tricky but I know it exsist I need some data and PDF sent with up to date prices and pictures to be able to give sellers the best possible price fast and effectively as anyone wanting to navigate the profits of a mobile buyer and sales service entrepreneur my # is [email protected].
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AnonymousSeptember 28, 2022 at 3:09 PM
i cut off my cat converter off my 1989 cruisemaster rv. im just parting rv off at this point. how much material would this yeild? its only got 35,000 miles on it.
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AnonymousJuly 24, 2023 at 12:15 PM
I'm in little Rock ark I'd be interested in buying on the mass if I could find out what my returns would be anyone got a sheet to go off of
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1. AnonymousOctober 17, 2023 at 5:24 AM
  I'm in Hot springs Arkansas I have a 5 gallon bucket of extracted metals from the catalytic converters for sale where did anybody know how much that would go for my email is t i m i b e t h r i d g w a [email protected]
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AnonymousOctober 17, 2023 at 5:25 AM
I have a 5 gallon bucket full of the extracted metals from the catalytic converters my brother melt them down for me and left him in case of an emergency I'm at 501-547-4070
ReplyDeleteReplies

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Tag » How Much Are Catalytic Converters Worth

How Much Platinum / Palladium / Rhodium In Catalytic Converters