Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Crank · 01-06-2007, 12:14 AM

Okay, so I was trying to break the nut loose on the back of the wiper motor, well it happened to pop loose and drop to the bottom on of the inside of the firewall. I dont know of a way to get anything out. Is there a drainhole in the firewall? or an access hole to where I can get it. I tried using a long magnet to get it but it just stuck to everywhere leading down to the bottom and then broke. Kinda thought about getting one of those little flexible grabber things... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Brandon

**Palf70Step** · 01-06-2007, 10:01 AM

A skinny kid with a long arm

Russell · 01-06-2007, 11:58 AM

Mine has had one of my favourite screwdrivers stuck in it for like two years now

Still haven't found a way to get it out..

boatpuller · 01-06-2007, 12:55 PM

i have one of those long flex tube grabbers with the 2 prong hand on the bottom.it gets to some hard to reach places.if you can see it you can get it.they don't cost very much,i've had mine for years,payed for itself.or you can come borrow it.(might be cheaper to buy one

)

wedgemon · 01-06-2007, 12:58 PM

[QUOTE=boatpuller;1973367] long flex tube grabbers with the 2 prong hand on the bottom.QUOTE]

The term at my house for this is "The Hooky-Grabby Thingy"

boatpuller · 01-06-2007, 01:01 PM

that's the one!

Crank · 01-06-2007, 05:33 PM

Yes, I was gonna try to get one of those, I cant even see it tho, but I'd still like to get it out of the firewall. The ones I've seen have 4 prongs and I've tried them in the store, they seem strong enough to pick up a wrench if you could get a good grip on one or even grip it... So is this about my only answer short of flipping the truck dukes of hazzard style and see if it falls out? Thanks guys
Brandon

project1971 · 01-06-2007, 06:09 PM

My instructor in college has a '48 Ford with a injected 5.0 with a 1/2 wrench in the bottom of the oil pan. Fell down Dist hole and landed flat, said he won't get it out unless he overhauls the motor. Been driving it that way fro years! Good luck with getting yours out!

piecesparts · 01-06-2007, 09:30 PM

Get a heavy duty magnet on one of those extending arms. I have one on an aluminum rod that can be bent to any angle. It has gotten a few wrenches out of holes like that.

mrjs80 · 01-06-2007, 10:30 PM

If it's a non-A/C cab can't you just take the inner kick panel cover off and stick your arm in the hole? On mine that hole goes all the way up to the inside of the firewall.

Crank · 01-07-2007, 01:06 AM

Kickpanel cover... Does an A/C cab have this??? I already tried a extendable magnet, but it needs to be able to flex, and it broke... so that idea is out. I'm reduced to a grabber thinga majig and a possible kickpanel cover... very well.
Brandon

Bishops Trucks · 01-07-2007, 02:13 AM

Get one of those Hookey-Grabby-Thingies or turn the truck upside down.

Good luck!

68GMC454 · 01-07-2007, 06:42 AM

hey those hooky grabby things are cheap,,i bought one just for the heck of it,,then a week later i had to get a bolt out of somewhere..sure came in handy..and they pay for there selfs the first time you got to get something..also a wire coat hanger with a magnet works better for tools..holds better...

**crossy** · 01-07-2007, 09:48 PM

If it's a male wrench then wave a female wrench in heat up around the top of the cowl vent----he'll come out on his own.

it's possible to get them from inside the truck if you remove the kick panel vent and if it is that far down.

Crank · 01-07-2007, 09:56 PM

Oh yea, it's definately that far down. There is a little shelf almost right under the wiper motor, then it slopes down at the edge of the firewall near the fenders, it definately is at the bottom... I gotta tear into it soon, need to put the wiper motor back, it's been drizzling around here, I just hate to seal it up with that wrench still down there.
Brandon

**crossy** · 01-08-2007, 03:38 AM

pull the kick panel, re-seal well when finished cause that is one of the places that water gets into your floor.

Crank · 01-08-2007, 07:25 AM

What kind of sealant should be used to seal it back up? Silicone or that yellow stringy stuff?? Thanks
Brandon

TireSmoke420 · 01-09-2007, 08:08 AM

that yellow stringy stuff is called yellow death around my place. thats funny no one knows the actual name of the "hooky grabby thingy" ive called it that for years too lol.

pharcyde05 · 01-10-2007, 08:56 PM

i sell those thingys at work and on the package its called
(3-in-1 retriver) claw & lighted magnetic pick-up tool it sells for 14.95

01-06-2007, 12:14 AM	#1
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Okay, so I was trying to break the nut loose on the back of the wiper motor, well it happened to pop loose and drop to the bottom on of the inside of the firewall. I dont know of a way to get anything out. Is there a drainhole in the firewall? or an access hole to where I can get it. I tried using a long magnet to get it but it just stuck to everywhere leading down to the bottom and then broke. Kinda thought about getting one of those little flexible grabber things... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Brandon

01-06-2007, 10:01 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,223	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? A skinny kid with a long arm __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-06-2007, 11:58 AM	#3
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Mine has had one of my favourite screwdrivers stuck in it for like two years now Still haven't found a way to get it out.. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

01-06-2007, 12:55 PM	#4
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? i have one of those long flex tube grabbers with the 2 prong hand on the bottom.it gets to some hard to reach places.if you can see it you can get it.they don't cost very much,i've had mine for years,payed for itself.or you can come borrow it.(might be cheaper to buy one ) Attached Images Last edited by boatpuller; 01-06-2007 at 12:55 PM.

01-06-2007, 12:58 PM	#5
wedgemon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Spanish Springs, NV Posts: 1,171	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? [QUOTE=boatpuller;1973367] long flex tube grabbers with the 2 prong hand on the bottom.QUOTE] The term at my house for this is "The Hooky-Grabby Thingy" __________________ 2003 Silverado K1500 Z71 - Arrival Blue 1973 K5 Cheyenne Blazer 350/TH350/NP203 Kids Trucks:92 K1500 Blazer 5.7/700R4 4" lift. RETIRED: 1980 Scottsdale 4x4 Founding Member: "TILT WHEEL BELLY." Club

01-06-2007, 01:01 PM	#6
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? that's the one!

01-06-2007, 05:33 PM	#7
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Yes, I was gonna try to get one of those, I cant even see it tho, but I'd still like to get it out of the firewall. The ones I've seen have 4 prongs and I've tried them in the store, they seem strong enough to pick up a wrench if you could get a good grip on one or even grip it... So is this about my only answer short of flipping the truck dukes of hazzard style and see if it falls out? Thanks guys Brandon

01-06-2007, 06:09 PM	#8
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? My instructor in college has a '48 Ford with a injected 5.0 with a 1/2 wrench in the bottom of the oil pan. Fell down Dist hole and landed flat, said he won't get it out unless he overhauls the motor. Been driving it that way fro years! Good luck with getting yours out! __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)

01-06-2007, 09:30 PM	#9
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Get a heavy duty magnet on one of those extending arms. I have one on an aluminum rod that can be bent to any angle. It has gotten a few wrenches out of holes like that.

01-06-2007, 10:30 PM	#10
mrjs80 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 62	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? If it's a non-A/C cab can't you just take the inner kick panel cover off and stick your arm in the hole? On mine that hole goes all the way up to the inside of the firewall.

01-07-2007, 01:06 AM	#11
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Kickpanel cover... Does an A/C cab have this??? I already tried a extendable magnet, but it needs to be able to flex, and it broke... so that idea is out. I'm reduced to a grabber thinga majig and a possible kickpanel cover... very well. Brandon

01-07-2007, 02:13 AM	#12
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Get one of those Hookey-Grabby-Thingies or turn the truck upside down. Good luck! __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

01-07-2007, 06:42 AM	#13
68GMC454 THE VILLIAGE IDIOT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tooele, Utah Posts: 1,405	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? hey those hooky grabby things are cheap,,i bought one just for the heck of it,,then a week later i had to get a bolt out of somewhere..sure came in handy..and they pay for there selfs the first time you got to get something..also a wire coat hanger with a magnet works better for tools..holds better... __________________ honestly honey,,i have no idea how that truck got here.

01-07-2007, 09:48 PM	#14
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? If it's a male wrench then wave a female wrench in heat up around the top of the cowl vent----he'll come out on his own. it's possible to get them from inside the truck if you remove the kick panel vent and if it is that far down. __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

01-07-2007, 09:56 PM	#15
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? Oh yea, it's definately that far down. There is a little shelf almost right under the wiper motor, then it slopes down at the edge of the firewall near the fenders, it definately is at the bottom... I gotta tear into it soon, need to put the wiper motor back, it's been drizzling around here, I just hate to seal it up with that wrench still down there. Brandon



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01-08-2007, 03:38 AM	#16
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? pull the kick panel, re-seal well when finished cause that is one of the places that water gets into your floor. __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

01-08-2007, 07:25 AM	#17
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? What kind of sealant should be used to seal it back up? Silicone or that yellow stringy stuff?? Thanks Brandon

01-09-2007, 08:08 AM	#18
TireSmoke420 One of the few GMC'ers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Des Moines, Iowa sometimes Butler, PA Posts: 146	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? that yellow stringy stuff is called yellow death around my place. thats funny no one knows the actual name of the "hooky grabby thingy" ive called it that for years too lol. __________________ 87' Silverado 4x4 "Young, Dumb And Full Of Cum"

01-10-2007, 08:56 PM	#19
pharcyde05 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: modesto CA Posts: 239	Re: Lol. How to get a wrench out of the firewall? i sell those thingys at work and on the package its called (3-in-1 retriver) claw & lighted magnetic pick-up tool it sells for 14.95 __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2461088

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