Share Your Favorite Repair Tips, Short-Cuts, Tricks etc ....

[Polaris]

I keep old hotel key cards for cleaning and polishing - wrapping the rag over the card gives you a nice edge to get up close or cut the card to the shape you need. They're also great for picking off over-spray (my bane)!

[uptheorg]

bump for a thread that I'm sure can draw a few more posts!

[stretch]

Buy yourself half a dozen of these clip on lights from ikea whilst doing your welding.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...-art-40386316/


They clip anywhere and you can get the light exactly where you want it. Best welding tool i ever purchased.

[Haasman]

Electrical connector jackets
Over years the rubberized insulators fail. Often a small section of black non-glossy heat shrink tubing is a good substitute. Typically harder material but appears correct in color and texture. Not concour but good.

Removing old fasteners
Have often found that by slightly tightening before attempting removal of old rusted and stubborn fasteners helps in removal.

Stainless Steel Fasteners
Rarely used on Porsches, never-the-less good reminder to always lightly lubricate threads on SS hardware. The threads tend to easily gall when not lubricated.

[michaelaiellosr]

The very best window cleaner by far is 25% white vinegar in distilled water in an old spray bottle. Zero streaking.
Using clay before you compound, polish or wax is worth the effort...incredibly smooth finish.
For critical electrical connections throw away those stacon connectors. Use these https://www.posi-products.com/installer.cfm

[Haasman]

With electrical issues, such as weird bulb not illuminating consistently etc., "Don't assume and rush to the wiring. More times than not its something very simple such as a bulb holder or its connector(s), or loose ground(s)." (Thank you Ed Mayo)

[Haasman]

How to get rid of old hardened contact cement?

I found 3M's Adhesive Remover works well, especially after letting it soak for a period of time. I folded pieces of paper towel, soaked them and let them sit. I used a plastic tool to gently move the pieces off the surface.

As always, try on an inconspicuous spot first. Keep it away from anything but hard surfaces. Follow instructions on the car regarding ventilation and correct usage.

[uai]

When searching for a leak pressure wash the area. Let it dry. Dust generously with French chalk.
You can even spray the chalk with compressed air. Drive a little and you’ll see exactly where it leaks

[SIMI BOB]

I've got a few tips to pass on.
The first one is a small light I made up more than 20 years ago. It runs on any 12V supply (I use an old PC power supply set up to run outside a PC, but you can tap 12V anywhere in your car). The bulb is commonly used as an instrument light, but just peruse the bulbs at your local auto parts store and pick the one that works for u. Please note that the smaller bulbs don't get very hot, that's a good thing. Seal up the bottom with some heat shrink tube. The bulb shown will fit thru a spark plug hole, and has spent some time down the distributor hole in a 912 motor.
Next up are some small absorbent pads disguised as "Dog Training Pads". 30 pads in this bundle available at Walmart or Target, 26" x 30". Sealed on the far side with plastic and an absorbent top. Put them on the floor before starting to work on your brakes or doing an oil change. When u are done and they have brake dust and fluid on them, bundle them up and throw in the trash.
Bob B
P.S. Hey uai, what is "French chalk"? Same as Baby Powder?

[Haasman]

To find an exhaust leak- reverse flow your shop vac and insert the hose into the exhaust outlet. Plug extra outlets where more than one.

Spray mixture of soapy water around suspect area. Bubbling will indicate leaks.