A while back, someone posted something about a rattle. I had the same rattle and couldn't find it. Since the weather was decent today, I figured I'd have another look. I hate squeaks and rattles, especially in a new car.
Armed with a pipewrench, skilsaw and roll of duct tape, I was determined to find the source of the annoyance. It sounded like it was coming from the right side of the trunk, maybe the spare tire? maybe the jack? maybe a loose shock? The more I thought about it, the more sure I was that my new toy was going to be in a thousand pieces before sunset.
My warped reversed logic took over. I removed everything that wasn't nailed down, and a few things that were. Well, not nailed exactly but loosely attached with those plastic thingys.
Confident that everything would now be rock solid, squeak and rattle free, I left the pile of stuff in the garage, jumped behind the wheel and headed for the nearest pothole or railroad track, whichever came first.
The results were disheartening. It was still there. I thought for a minute. This called for more serious analysis. I headed for the big red box, rummaged around in the top drawer and found the ultimate in analytical tools.
My glasses. I put them on, looked around and found the seatbelt guide was causing the noise. I moved the seat forward one notch. No more noise.
I felt a sense of accomplishment, like when you first fire up that newly built engine and you can almost feel the horsepower pounding in your ribs. Ok, not like that at all, but you get the idea.
Soon, however, my optimistic outlook was replaced by a sense of stupidity as I started picking the parts from the garage floor. I looked at each part (as I put it back in it's proper place) and thought........you idiot, that thing would never have made that noise. What were you thinking?
Lesson learned. Look for the simple stuff first. I knew that. I learned that lesson before, many, many years ago. Guess I forgot.
Now what did I do with those damn glasses.........
