Dropped antenna wire down hole

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Apr 12, 2007 | 12:54 PM

KimChee75

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Junior User

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 64

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From: Cincy, OH

Dropped antenna wire down hole

Hey guys

This is a small stupid problem but..I was putting on a new wire for my antenna on the Aero and dropped the plug through the hole..I spent about 5 minutes trying to get it with my magnetic retriever with no luck..the antenna hole is too small to see in there, probably not enough metal in the antenna wire anyways.

Is there anyway to get it out short of removing the fender..I really dont want to do that..

thanks in advance

Apr 12, 2007 | 01:16 PM

96_4wdr

Post Fiend

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 5,720

Likes: 5

From: Washington state

get some small stiff stainless steel wire at fishing store and make a retrival hook

Apr 12, 2007 | 02:04 PM

krankshaft

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 718

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From: North Jersey, New Jersey

If you have any strong magnets place a piece of cloth over it (to protect the piant) and run one over the fender until the piece clings to the inside wall of the fender move the magnet up towards the hole and hook it with a piece of wire. Remove the magnet and pull it up.

That would only work if the metal piece is ferrous (magnetic) however.

Short of that the hook that 96 suggested would be the only other option aside from removing the fender.

If you have to remove the fender be sure to draw marker marks around the bolt holes so you can realign it easily.

Apr 12, 2007 | 04:21 PM

KimChee75

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 64

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From: Cincy, OH

Thanks guys I bent a hanger and made a hook and pulled it out..

Apr 14, 2007 | 11:16 AM

bozzzz94

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Joined: Nov 2004

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NAW----The best way is to remove two plastic screws holding the plastic inner fender to the fender. Right in the middle which is just below the ant. and one more to the left which will allow your hand to fit through. "BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PLASTIC SCREWS?"---WON'T THEY GET DAMAGE?"---yEs--if you remove them any other way than what I tell you. Take a piece of wire-wrap it around the head of the screw them pull it out. The treaded teeth won't be damaged and you can reuse them. Reach your hand up and grab the ant.--Boz

Apr 14, 2007 | 12:23 PM

xlt4wd90

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 7,015

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From: SoCal

I've removed the plastic screws before...just carefully unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver.

Apr 14, 2007 | 02:22 PM

bozzzz94

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

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True-but the ones I'm talking about are like plastic rivet buttons. These have the threads or "teeth" if you must call them that on the bodies of these plastic buttons. They are normally for one time use, but i've gotten about 3 uses before. Don't ever go to Ford for replacements. The "HELP" area at auto zone and simular stores carry them.

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Apr 14, 2007 | 04:30 PM

xlt4wd90

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 7,015

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From: SoCal

OK, I think I know what you're talking about.

I was talking about the type that is just like a plastic screw with a coarse thread and Phillips head. They screw into these plastic socket lag sockets that expand behind the sheet metal as you turn the screws in. They're used around the grill and headlight buckets.

I think what you're talking about are those studs that look like straight blades that push into their own plastic lag sockets that expand behind the sheet metal. If so, I've used the upholstery plug removal tool to pop up the stud, and then both pieces will pull out of the panel.