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

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1981 300SD, odometer stopped at 188,000

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.

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1989 300E 144K

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.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

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.

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

That should work perfectly, thanks!

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1981 300SD, odometer stopped at 188,000

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.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

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.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

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)

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1987 250D
1984 300TD
1983 300D
2002 Chevy 2500HD Diesel
1995 Dodge 12 valve Cummins Dually
All Biodiesel Powered

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

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

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

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Satan creates nothing: he only ruins everything. He does not invent: he tampers. And his followers are no different ~ Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigaṇ

Works fine as long as you have solid floors.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Or ask for somebody else's help.

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

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