If anyone's been paying attention to my endless ramblings (and I know that's a big IF), you all know that I've been having terrible radio reception problems. I've tried installing an am/fm signal booster, unplugging the diversity antenna, unplugging the primary antenna, and, tonight, I attempted to add on an aftermarket antenna. Well, I got the new antenna hooked up and the radio reception was actually worse. Fine, no problem, I'll just take it back to Auto Zone. So, I unplugged it, rehooked up the factory antennas, and began to put my head unit back in its place.

I've got 3/4 bolts secured and am in the process of securing the last bolt when disaster strikes. My worst nightmare has come true -- the bolt slipped out of my hands, and, as if in slow motion, slowly tumbled down the inside of my car into that black hole behind where the ashtray goes. Not only did I lose the bolt (no big deal, that can be replaced), but now I'm stuck with what I am sure will be the most annoying rattle for the rest of the time I own my car.

Anyway, I still needed to replace the bolt, so off to Home Depot. While looking at various bolts, I noticed some magnets hanging on the wall. One of them caught my eye -- it can best be described as a telescopic pen with a small magnet on the end of it. For $8, I thought I would give it a try. Anyway, I got home, took my car apart and began fishing for the loose bolt. As I inserted the magnet into the black abyss, it caught on literally every piece of metal on the way down. I came up for air, nothing. At this point, I'm doubting that this thing is going to work. On the second trip down, I was able to navigate past all of the metal obstacles and reach the bottom. To my surprise, I heard a slight click. I figured there was no way this could be it, certainly not on the second try. I pulled out magnet, and sure enough, I had retrieved my bolt. Whew. What a relief. That rattle would have definitely sent me to an early grave. Anyway, I never knew something like this magnet pen existed, and to anyone out there who loses a small metal object in a hard to reach place, this thing is worth much more than the $8 it costs. Hope this helps someone.

e-man

 

hehehhe good story

ive used that tool many times

try dropping a bolt or nut on to the lower apron

nice getting on the 2nd try

 

Funny story. Just about every car mechanic I know carries a telescopic magnet device in their tool box. It helps with all the screws they drop on a daily basis. Another handy device is the LED pen. Those badboys are very bright and so small. Anyway, i'm moving this to the car chat. Sorry to hear about your poor radio reception..

 

Lower apron?

 

i think thats what its called

under the radiator that black piece of plastic?

 

Ugh, the under engine cover? aka the black abyss

 

That was hilarious dude...

 

TLW -- so how many tries did it take you?

 

haha this is funny man

so botherline car related i guess

 

Good story. Well not sure if this will help anyone, but when my pioneer was being installed, the flip monitor goes in the dash while the brain unit was in the trunk. This means you need an extension for the antenna. When they hooked it up, horrible radio reception. They tried so many things, but basically, it came down to a bad radio extension. They never checked that b/c we assumed that it was in good working order considering it came fresh out of the package. Wasn't sure if you're radio was stock or aftermarket. Hope this helps anyone

 

Thanks for the info. Nope, stock Pioneer radio with stock connections. The weird thing about it is that the bad reception comes and goes, and often times, it depends on the type of music that is playing. Anything with a lot of background acoustics usually comes in much less clear than a softer, quieter song. I think I might think about installing a noise filter.

 

Yeah, I also have one in my tool box. It is very handy!

 

Yep...you need one of those...actually I have got two (one telescoping and one that I can bend into any shape)...

 

I've got to find a bending one. That would have been much more useful in this case. I wouldn't have had to take the whole dash apart to get down in there.

 

still trying LOL

i dont really know about 75 cursewords 5 beers

and then someone telling me why dont i use a magnet

he got the big "couldnt have told me that 30 minutes ago mother%$%#^%$^



and then i calmed down and said thanks man