ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Processes, Products & Techniques => Topic started by: J_Speegle on February 21, 2013, 02:20:21 AM
-
In the spirit of getting our hands dirty I offer the following tips
Know allot of you have never visited a vehicular resting ground (auto wrecking yard ) but here is a trick that might serve you well one day at other locations.
Found through the years that an automatic dip stick can be used for a couple of additional uses
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/Jeffsyardbackright_zps955a1fb0.jpg)
1 - At yards you'll often find the trunk locks missing but the trunk is closed/locked. Yes you can use you long shaft screw driver if you have it with you or a dipstick . This worked well for years in auto extrication classes (was a Firefighter for 33 years) I taught. Punch the lock and use a dipstick
a- find the rectangle hole that the lock rod passes through (between the lock cylinder and trunk latch)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/DipSticktrick3_zps8fb14a08.jpg)
b- insert the dip stick into that opening
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/tRUNKtRICK3_zpsc60aad62.jpg)
c- twist and the trunk will pop open
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/tRUNKtRICK4_zpscb7328de.jpg)
Second usage
Out in the yards and you have a nut or bolt that is a little stubborn. Of course not all of us carry a cam of WD 40 with us with everything else. In a pinch you can do try the following - worked for me many times
a- locate an automatic transmission dipstick. Hopefully the trans has not been drained already and it has plenty of fluid on the end as you remove it. As you move to towards your target hold the dipstick level so that the fluid does not collect and the end and dribble off, wasting the effort.
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/DipSticktrick3_zps8fb14a08.jpg)
b- holding it at an angle downward towards the tip place the end on your target and the oil on the dipstick will transfer to the area of need. IF you need to tap the side of the bolt or the nut, this will work it deeper down the threads
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/DipSticktrick7_zpsd32a3fc1.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/DipSticktrick6_zpsfa479af3.jpg)
The oil spreads and travels downward and across the object. May need to take another second dip from the transmission to get as much oil as you need but a little goes along way
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/ConcoursMustang/Tools%20and%20products/DipSticktrick4_zpsffedd75c.jpg)
Automatic transmission fluid is a thin lubricant similar to the oil Marvel Mystery Oil for the old timers ;)
Hope one or both of these will help some of you in the future
Enjoy!
-
All the junk yards must know you on a first name basis by now :P
-
All the junk yards must know you on a first name basis by now :P
And this is a bad thing?
Jim
-
wish we had junk yards like that around here... :'(
-
All the junk yards must know you on a first name basis by now :P
Yes - my regular ones. Over the years some of them have offered me jobs and even the keys to the place. Did have on in Oklahoma that unlocked the yard and asked to lock up when I was done - first and only visit ;)
-
Why would you need oil on a bolt in a CA junkyard? ;D
-
The oil is used for sticky hardware on cars imported from rust belt states.
Jim
-
Why would you need oil on a bolt in a CA junkyard? ;D
If close to the Pacific Ocean, rust never sleeps.
-
At another time in my life, was consumed with solid axle Corvettes. looking for headlights, etc. So.....going to a yard in East Naples, Fl.(probably gone!) first thing was to pick up a steel trim strip, etc. to "spank" the cars when moving around, to check for snakes! No sneakers please!! At another yard in the Miami area, DID see a diamond back!! A little one but STILL capable!
-
As a farmer I used the tractor dip stick to oil a rusty bolt for a quick field repair many times.
-
My original cheap steering wheel puller bolts had just worn out when I needed to pull a rimblow steering wheel, I popped the hood on a Ford pickup and liberated two fan bolts.
Ford fan bolts (the long ones used with fan spacers) have the same fine threads needed for removing Ford steering wheels.
-
Hey Jeff, that a PS car? If so I'll take the idler arm ;D
-
Hey Jeff, that a PS car? If so I'll take the idler arm ;D
That was months ago - need to pay them another visit ( need some seat material) before it starts getting hot again.