Lost wrench
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Lost wrench
I have been able to deal with most aspects of my 1972 C3, but this problem baffles me; While changing from the vacuum wiper door to electric, thanks to Richard454, I dropped my favorite wrench down the 'hole' in the right rear area of the wiper grill attachment on the passernger side. I can see the wrench with my borescope, but all my efforts to snag it have been unsuccessful and I can't find any other access to that area. I've tried magnets on a string and a hooked coat hanger but no success due to the curve in the sides of the 'hole.' Is there another way to get into that area?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,108
Likes: 4,170
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
I've done that a couple of times... once a small wrench and once a nut.
I tied a magnet to a piece of string and fished down into that 'dark hole'.
It took considerable time.
Don't give up!!!!!
Regards.....
I've done that a couple of times... once a small wrench and once a nut.
I tied a magnet to a piece of string and fished down into that 'dark hole'.
It took considerable time.
Don't give up!!!!!
Regards.....
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,487
Likes: 6,967
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Is it possible to remove the kick panel....release the door hinge pins....remove the door and reach inside the "box" to find the wrench? OR maybe '76 models do not have an opening behind the kick panel?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 529
Likes: 104
From: Chicago, IL
when i was cleaning the area behind the vent door in the kick panel area on my 69 i found some bolts from the wiper door, and a wrench! i tried everything to get that wrench out and guess what its still in there. hate leaving it there but couldn't get it, front clip was replaced at some point, so who knows if its even possible to get out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 712
From: Marietta GA
On my 73 convertible there is a metal with rubber seal splash cover that is mounted to the bottom of the fender and lower sill moulding. They are located on the driver and passenger sides. I have painted and also replaced the rubber edge covers on my car. You will see them when you get under the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 789
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When working in that area i stuff a towel in the opening. Ive succeeded and have failed in retrieving items from that area. At some point it may be easier to buy another wrench.
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Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 74
From: Colonial Beach Virginia
I was replacing the vacuum headlights in my 73 about a week ago. My car sat for 20+ years after a new ZZ4 and a lot of mods were accomplished by the PO. He got real sick at that time and the car just sat until his wife got around to selling (gut wrenching story). Had no history of the car, at all. Anyway, I was working in the front end replacing the vacuum headlights with electrical, removing all the old vacuum stuff, replacing grills, lights etc, when I came across an ancient Snap-On rachet with a 1/2 socket still installed. It was just sitting on the ledge under the grill on the passenger side. Could have easily fallen off, but it was so encrusted with dust and grime that it just stayed there. Not the first tool I have found that was "lost" by a PO.
Just thought it was an interesting story. If you can't get this tool out, the next owner will have a story when he finds it too. So you got that going for you at least! :-)
Just thought it was an interesting story. If you can't get this tool out, the next owner will have a story when he finds it too. So you got that going for you at least! :-)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 665
From: Northeast
FWIW, . I have headers and often will need to tighten the header bolts, 3/8inch, and use a small 3inch long wrench. Many times on the drivers side rear it has dropped. Now I tie a 2 foot long thin string to the tool. No matter what tool I use. If it drops I just pull up on the string like fishing and there it is 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
I have been able to deal with most aspects of my 1972 C3, but this problem baffles me; While changing from the vacuum wiper door to electric, thanks to Richard454, I dropped my favorite wrench down the 'hole' in the right rear area of the wiper grill attachment on the passernger side. I can see the wrench with my borescope, but all my efforts to snag it have been unsuccessful and I can't find any other access to that area. I've tried magnets on a string and a hooked coat hanger but no success due to the curve in the sides of the 'hole.' Is there another way to get into that area?
As others have pointed out you can pull the kick panel and remove the vent door (very simple to do) and reach in.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,887
Likes: 4,071
From: US-PNW
Take some poly batting (used for upholstery or quilting) and place a wad of it down each side, just over the visual drop. The poly will allow water to easily drain through it, won't hold moisture but will trap objects headed to no-man's land. It's easy to remove by hand if needed.
