Fix something.Break something

[weber92037]

The story of my life. Seems every time I go to fix a problem, I break something else. Just a "heads up" for anyone who may think (or not think) about doing something this stupid. I was working in the baggage compartment and had the carpet folded forward. I set my trouble light too close to the carpet and guess what!!! It melted two nice holes in it. Owch!!! Anyone have an extra center portion of the baggage compartment carpet? I thought that perhaps some other dummy did the same thing but melted the side portion. Oh well!!!

[2.7911E]

I did that last year. While replacing the water pump on the '71 Sub, I set the trouble light on the battery. I didn't save much doing it myself that day. Luckily the battery just melted and didn't explode. I have asked for a flourescent trouble light for Christmas, though. Michael

[Wayne 962]

I used those awful incandescent lights for years. Then I got a flourescent one. I'm never going back. Try spilling gasoline on one of those - that will get your attention real quick!

-Wayne

[bigchillcar]

I'm looking at a burn on my little finger, right hand from last weekend... Fluorescent is sounding good...my light lost the metal guard long ago...I got burned by the bulb!
Ryan

[weber92037]

You are right!!! Flourescent sounds safer.

[Elombard]

Sounds like my life, I always do stuff like that!!!

I got a flourescent a few years ago, I had forgotten how often I used to burn myself on the old style light until I read this.

I might have that piece of carpet, It came from a 73, its gray and I am not sure how good a shape it is in. Got anything to trade??

[carreradpt]

I did the exact same thing last year. Only right next to the master cylinder. I was able to trim that piece off and you can't really tell. Shortly thereafter I picked up a flourescent and boy does that make a difference. No more burns on me or the car. Those darn carpets are expensive to replace!

[weber92037]

Hey, Lombard. I don't have much in the way of extra parts around except for a new switch for power windows, but that probably won't help you. Check out the condition of you carpet piece and maybee we can work something out. Thanks. I think that Santa my bring me a flourescent light (hope, hope!!).

[mm86911]

Take a look at the self-retracting units that mount to the ceiling - been using one for a few years and makes life alot easier. Mount it in the center of a 2 bay garage and the cord is long enough to reach every corner.

[weber92037]

Thanks, Mike. I have one hanging in the center of the garage, right over the car and I use it all of the time. The retractable feature is great. I may try to find a flourescent bulb to use in the unit I have, because I really like it (or did until it ruined my car). May try to cut a small piece of carpet from another area with excess and try a precision splice.

[Porschedude]

I have used the flourescent type drop lights for over 25 years in the aircraft manufacturing business. The are the best. The only problem with some of them is, they need a shield to shade the direct light from the tube to your eyes. We used to apply a strip of alu. tape along the lenght which acted as a shield and a reflector. Some of the newer one have a shield.