This one takes the cake (help needed)

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Jul 29, 2004 | 09:16 AM

#21

NHvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 8,339

Likes: 24

From: I can walk to MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dude

There's an access hole on the outside of the frame inside the wheel well itself. It's used to remove/install the captive bolts that attach the steering to the frame. That may give you a little more room. Other than that? Magnet or live with it.

I'm having a tough time figuring out where the hole is that it fell into.
However, if it is near the steering box, then the access hole on
the side of the frame (behind driver's front tire) is your best bet.

Jul 29, 2004 | 09:36 AM

#22

pws69

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 2,668

Likes: 43

From: Eastern US XX

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRND21

... perhaps because I am scheduled for one on Friday morning!

It's a WONDERFUL experience.......

Jul 29, 2004 | 09:47 AM

#23

EDDIEJ82

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 1,325

Likes: 6

From: FRANKLIN GA

If you end up not being able to find it or get it out and the rattling drives you nuts get a few cans of expandale foam insulation and spray the frame rail full

It should stop the rattle anyway

Jul 29, 2004 | 10:13 AM

#24

Wrencher

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 4,101

Likes: 10

From: NorCal

Here's what worked for me. I dropped a small 5/16 bolt in my shift tunnel on my Corvair and couldn't get it out no matter how much I cursed it. The d**m thing rattled forward and back for a month before I hit on the solution. I attached a ring magnet (like they put in automatic transmission pans) to the end of a coat hanger, fed it down the hole and secured the other end to a bolt outside the hole. Then I just drove it 'till it occurred to me that it had quit rattling. Pulled the magnet back out and not only did it have the bolt on it, but 2 small sheet metal screws as well!

Hans

Jul 29, 2004 | 10:14 AM

#25

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7,720

Likes: 12

From: Chattanooga TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by DollaGreen

I would not give up on getting it out...I have had things like that come back to haunt me.

About 1988 I was changing out and dropped a speedometer driven gear into a M21 4-speed. It was in a 69 camaro, I had a friend coming in town and I wanted to take him for a ride. I thought "what can it hurt, the gears will grind it up" WRONG! We got out on the main road, 1st and 2nd were fine. Turning about 5000 I tried to speedshift 3rd- my motto at the time was "never lift". Thankfully I had a rev limiter because the shifter went through neutral and then would not move. I rolled to the side of the road and after some words and pushing and prying I finally got it back in gear. My friend was not impressed. About $800 later I had all new insides in my trans.

Jul 29, 2004 | 10:14 AM

#26

427basketcase

Drifting

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 1,546

Likes: 5

From: Sacramento California

Using a combination of ideas listed here, this is what I would do. Obtain a "rare earth" magnet, they are VERY strong. If you have an old computer hard drive, disassemble it and under the read/write heads there will be the magnet. Stick that magnet in or around the hole that the socket fell into. Drive around and if it wanders into that area again the magnet will snag it and keep it there for later retrieval. If you don't have access to a rare earth magnet, e-mail me your address and I will send you one. (I have a lot)
Mick

Jul 29, 2004 | 02:11 PM

#27

Kevin Mason

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 1,125

Likes: 145

427basketcase:

Since I don't have a rare earth magnet or a hard drive available for disassembly, my address is:

Kevin Mason
415 Parham
Muscatine, IA 52761

Any help or magnets are appreciated, and thank you to everyone who has posted so far.

Edit: Actually, a couple of magnets might not be a bad idea. One at the front and one at the rear.

Another edit: 427 - let me know if you want my email addy.

Last edited by Kevin Mason; Jul 29, 2004 at 09:38 PM.

Jul 29, 2004 | 06:00 PM

#28

Michel B

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 758

Likes: 14

From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.

Go out and buy a new socket,,,,,

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Jul 31, 2004 | 12:17 AM

#29

Kevin Mason

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 1,125

Likes: 145

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Mason

427: could you confirm that you are shipping? Forgive me if I am coming off like a jerk, since you offered to do this gratis, just want to know if I should expect a shipment or I should try an alternative means of sourcing up some powerful magnets.