cheap and easy home fixes for common problems..

**0rion** · 06-09-2009, 05:48 PM

the battery thread got me to thinking about this. I know a bunch that my dad taught me but I'll start with the battery one and see what you guys have. We get enough of these together and I'll stick the thread. Might be some handy info to have around. Requirement is it has to be something most people would have around the house.

Coca-Cola and an old toothbrush will clean up corroded battery terminals and wires. It will also take bug guts off of windshields but then you have sticky coke on there.

WD-40 is great for getting bugs off the front of the car.

**pajeff02** · 06-09-2009, 06:04 PM

I'll add the candlewax trick I recently posted. For a rusty or stuck bolt, simply heat the bolt and surrounding area with a propane torch. Once hot, press a candle against the base of the bolt head. The wax will melt and wick into the threads. This method is more controlled and far less traumatic than using a full blown heat wrench.

**karpetcm** · 06-09-2009, 06:05 PM

actually wd40 would do wonders cleaning my 93z's cloth seats basically made them look brand new and my wifes 04 honda civic and that was tan cloth interior and left no residue.

**0rion** · 06-09-2009, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I'll add the candlewax trick I recently posted. For a rusty or stuck bolt, simply heat the bolt and surrounding area with a propane torch. Once hot, press a candle against the base of the bolt head. The wax will melt and wick into the threads. This method is more controlled and far less traumatic than using a full blown heat wrench.

I've never heard of this one.

Originally Posted by karpetcm

actually wd40 would do wonders cleaning my 93z's cloth seats basically made them look brand new and my wifes 04 honda civic and that was tan cloth interior and left no residue.

it doesn't discolor the seats at all? I would think it would leave at least an oily look to the cloth. I may have to give this one a try......on my wifes durango.

**karpetcm** · 06-09-2009, 09:59 PM

Ive tried it on several different cars and my dads cargo van seats as well, has absolutly no residue left over at all and i was in the same boat thinking the same thing but ended up coming out perfect. You only need a small amount and wipe it off gently and that area you just cleaned you may think the rest of your seats are clean but that one specific area you clean will put the rest of your seat to shame, lol.

**suede** · 06-09-2009, 10:47 PM

waterspots come off great with a fine grade steel wool and vinegar as a lubricant....

also when trying to figgure out how to remove something or how something works.... i have found another beer to be very helpful...

**JoshieDoom** · 06-10-2009, 01:13 AM

Water spots also come off with tint remover... btw the steel wool is grade OOOO.

**Smittro** · 06-13-2009, 01:16 PM

subscribed

**pajeff02** · 06-13-2009, 01:19 PM

A light coat of Vaseline will keep battery terminals from corroding.

**mark21742** · 06-13-2009, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by karpetcm

actually wd40 would do wonders cleaning my 93z's cloth seats basically made them look brand new and my wifes 04 honda civic and that was tan cloth interior and left no residue.

zippo lighter fluid works great too! but just test on a hidden spot first

**Dewman** · 06-13-2009, 09:33 PM

coke seems like too much of a hassle since baking soda and water cleans batteries just fine.

**karpetcm** · 06-13-2009, 09:41 PM

lol i actually purposly scuffed up my wifes brand new 09 civic's seat with my shoes. These shoes scuff things up bad, im gonna use WD40 tomorow and see who well it removes it, yes im bored and the scuff is not in a obvious area so its a good test for this type of stain. Usually ive removed bad grease and dirt which is what mostly gets on seats especially from mechanic's.

**pajeff02** · 06-14-2009, 03:29 AM

WD-40 on a shop rag works well to clean grungy engine bay wires and other underhood plastic and rubber parts.

**Dewman** · 06-14-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

WD-40 on a shop rag works well to clean grungy engine bay wires and other underhood plastic and rubber parts.

can lead to premature cracking, wd-40 degrades the rubber

**karpetcm** · 06-14-2009, 10:45 AM

I have a quick question my clutch pedal will squeek as its coming back up, is there any fixes or anything i can do to fix it. Its not always but when it does its noticable and i know it will get worse.

**karpetcm** · 06-14-2009, 08:09 PM

Well something just happened i wasnt expecting the brake disc quite just blow up in the back trunk and man that crap got everywhere. I was panicking because that stuff is sticky as hell. I sprayed WD40 and it picked it up, thank god. Took me a while though to figure out why my eyes are burning and the hairs in my nose are falling out, the smell is insane lol.

**pajeff02** · 06-15-2009, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Dewman

can lead to premature cracking, wd-40 degrades the rubber

Interesting. I have cars I used this technique on 15+ years ago with no wiring problems or other apparent degradation. It is a one time wipe down, not a repeated application, so that may be the difference.

**mark21742** · 06-15-2009, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by karpetcm

I have a quick question my clutch pedal will squeek as its coming back up, is there any fixes or anything i can do to fix it. Its not always but when it does its noticable and i know it will get worse.

you could try alittle white lithium grease at the pedal hinge points

**pajeff02** · 06-18-2009, 05:59 PM

Use kitty litter for cleaning up any spilled fluids in your garage -- oil, antifreeze, trans fluid, or brake fluid. It's far cheaper than the commercial stuff and works as well or better.

**mark21742** · 06-18-2009, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Use kitty litter for cleaning up any spilled fluids in your garage -- oil, antifreeze, trans fluid, or brake fluid. It's far cheaper than the commercial stuff and works as well or better.

once you put it down, step on it and twist your foot to crush it and it works even better! saw dust works too.