Handy Hints

[Michael2]

I propose a new subject HANDY HINTS where we can add unusual but effective short cuts to getting the job done.

I'll start with one.

Have you ever tried to clean an oil and dirt soaked diff housing, scrubbed with degreasers and a wire brush. Or tried to clean rusty and grimey springs? .... Anyway, you get the hint. Instead of using a degreaser, spray on some OVEN CLEANER, let it sit for awhile, (a shorter while if you're cleaning aluminium) then rinse it off. You get a clean surface, almost ready to paint on. Take a can when you go camping for side of road repairs, and then your arms won't be coated in grime when you get back in the car.

Looking forward to further Handy Hints.

[VladTepes]

I second that proposal. Great idea, Michael2 :!:

The oven cleaner would be good for old rusty BBQ plates and stuff too, I imagine.

And just imagine how impressed your friends will be if you come across an old oven in the middle of the Simpson desert, and someone says "If only it was cleaner".... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

So I agree, anyone with tips... here's your chance....

[Phoenix]

This will be handy as I am writing a page on restoration hints for REMLR at the moment.

What hints can I offer ..... mmmmmm.

If you are bellding brake lines, rather than let the brake fluid drip everywhere, get a picece of hose or that clear plastic tubing (whatever fits, and put it over the bleed nozzle. Put the other end in a container and collect the drained fluid.

[Cul]

Good idea too Phoenix.
The REMLR page could really do with something along those lines.

If you ever want me to add anything just let me know.... I should have a few hints after I finish my first one and start on restoring the other two ex-army landies.....

"One at a time" the girlfriend keeps saying....
(I have trouble keeping my mind out the gutter too sometimes....)

Cheers,
Cul

[Phoenix]

See the REMLR thread along the same lines, but for restoration Cul.
(ok it isn't there yet, but give me 30 seconds :wink: )

[Cul]

Yeah I'm aware of the one on the REMLR website which I refer to all the time... I was talking about an additional one for here too....
I won't stand on anyones toes though... it was just a harmless Idea afterall..... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Cul

[Phoenix]

Oh, I see what you mean, a forum one.

The REMLR one that I was refering to was the one that I am writing, but doubling up on it here isn't a problem.

Another hint while I am here.

If you are pulling apart anything that has bolts, washers nits or screws, get a piece of cardboard to attach all of the bits to, it saves time looking for lost bolts. If it is something specific, draw a diagram on the cardboard and put the parts in the coresponding places, very good if there are different bolt sizes or screw threads involved.

[Michael2]

:idea: Chequer Plate :idea:

Have you seen chequer plate guard tops for about $180 a pair!? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Get some cardboard cut outs and take them to your local alum. engineering workshop and get them made cheaper. Alternatively you can buy 2nd hand chequerplate alum. from a scrap yard for about $4 per kg and use a jigsaw to cut it out yourself.
:?
I got 5 inner door panels (for a s/wagon) with map pocket holes cut, plus 2 wing tops, plus 12 external panels for only $200.

Secure them with rivets or tek screws and sikaflex.

I've posted pics in the Michael2 album on page 8 of the gallery.

[Lance]

If you have old oil containers and you want to make trays for bit as you are pulling things apart or to store odd ends just cut around the bottle long ways wipe out witha rag and theirs your tray and they can be stacked on top of each other on the shelves too save room. Cheers ,,Lance

[Bushie]

For filling gearboxs etc and all those awkward bits under the vehicle I have started using an old pressure garden sprayer with the gun cut off.

Fill with oil a few pumps stick the hose in the diff etc and sit back. Its a little slow with the heavier oils but sure beats laying underneath with a hand pump etc.

Have marked the levels/quantities on the outside of the container so you know when its getting close to the full mark.


Bushie

[Michael2]

When you're camping, what do you use to lift pots and pans off the fire? :? A stick, or perhaps a prod with a hook. What do you use to reposition slipped logs? Do you push it in with a stick and it slides sideways, throwing embers into the air? :x

Carry some decent WELDING GLOVES then you can pick up and reposition anything hot with the precision and dexterity of your hands instead of a clumsy tool. :wink:

[-Macca-]

Originally posted by Michael2
When you're camping, what do you use to lift pots and pans off the fire? :?

The missus! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

<span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%">OK, I'll go and hide now! </span>

[bigbugga]

You better hide REAL well :wink:

[Moses]

Those "twist and turn" wheel chocks that come in the wheel kit of Discos (and I suspect other Landies) are great for levelling the 3-legged portable bbq I take on picnics.

And my plywood jack base board also makes a good cutting/chopping board but clean it first.... :oops: Puts new meaning into "sand"wiches....

Put some blu-tac on the adjuster of a shifting spanner to stop having to constantly re-adjust the thing when working in a confined area. Blu-tac is also good on the end of phillips screwdrivers to hold screws in those awkward places and stops low pressure leaks in just about anything.

Shell Tyre Shine works well on the plastic skirts under the doors of Discos.

Stingoes! Always pack the Stingoes!

VEET wax strips or similar are an excellent remedy if you have been stung by a Gympie Bush (Stinging Tree). Just use it as per the instructions on the pack. Gympie Bush hairs or human hairs - it's all the same to a wax strip.

A pair of pliers with a hefty rubberband around the handles makes a handy hose clamp for small diameter soft hoses if you have to remove one end.

[bigbugga]

Wax strips???


Now thats a new one.



At least I will have nice smooth legs while out bush.... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif



Sorry I had to say it.

It is honestly a really good idea when you think about it

[Moses]

My son's legs are still hairy but the backs of his hands are sooooo smoooooth!!! :twisted:

[Lance]

Speaking of camping a good and easy meal for the camp fire is the old potato. Cut the top off a potato just enough to get a raw egg into and keep. Then dig out with a spoon and drop egg in and put the top on hold in foil add a dolop of butter and rap and chuck in the fire coals for half an hour and eat when cool um,um. Quick.

[GWH]

sick of blindly searching with ya fingers for tools, screws & nuts when working under the beast, or losing small bits when taking it apart.

Rip the magnet out of the back of an old speaker - stick it on the chasis etc near where you are working - stick the bits on it - you'll never lose your nuts again 8O ...

you know what I mean.

chris