Tricks to retrieve things from under seat, without removal?
 

I don't know if you all feel the same pain I do, but it seems I have lost more things under the seats of this car than any other I've owned previously: There is probably a small fortune under each seat after 28 years of quarters finding their way out pockets and under the seats.

What I am wondering, is if any of you have your own little trick to retrieve lost goods without removing the seat. I would take the seat out, but my arm is messed up from a dislocation/fracture of the elbow, so I'm not going to be turning any wrenches any time soon (plus I just learned the seats way about 65 pounds.) It's kind of an urgent deal, I lost the one-and-only key to my house to the seat, and I'm moving out next week. If I can't get the key back to the rental agency they'll charge me a nice bit of money as a fee.

Thanks,
Geoff

Go to an auto parts store or hardware store and get one of those telescopic, magnetic pickup tools. I can count how many times this has come in handy; its one of my most used tools.

sounds like you need a strong magnet on a long dowel or something similar.

I usually just stick one hand as far up under there as I can and feel around, but if you've got fractured elbows you don't need to be doing that.

Having retrieved many an ring, earring X 2, and other misc. valuables I learned it's not bad to get access under the seat. Push seat forward as far as it will go. Remove 2 bolts in track. Push seat back as far as it will go and remove the two bolts in front track. Tip seat forward against steering wheel. Collect your treasure. 15 minute job.

That should work perfectly, thanks!

I have a tool that looks something like this. You don't need to worry if the item you're trying to retrieve is magnetic either. It works great.
http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/upl...rabbertool.jpg

Reach from the back.

That particular tool, has saved my butt several times, when it comes to dropped nuts (the kind with bolts!), and other asst. things.

Best 5 bucks I have spent, in a long time.

If the magnet doesn't work...

I think that removing the two rear screws, loosening the two in front, pushing the seat slide forward and pushing up in the seat back to tilt it toward the steering wheel should give you a way better view of what's under there with out a lot of straining, grunting, and squeezing an injured arm under the seat.

(but I guess TX76513 already suggested that)

I have the magnet and the claw. Both are very handy in their respective uses.

But really you can reach most stuff from the back or front. Taking out the mats will make it easier to see under there too.

Tom W

As I've mentioned before in this forum, be careful when sticking your hands under the seats. There are very sharp metal edges under the seats.
Ask me how I know.

I use an air compressor and blow all the crap out.

Works fine as long as you have solid floors.;)

Or ask for somebody else's help. :)

Keys are usually made of alumnum or brass and aren't attracted to the magnet