[psschmied]

Just saw something to reduce the awkwardness of under-dash work.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97023&r=4941_109545

It's essentially a 16" x 22" board with an adjustable support leg. Someone with time, tools and talent could probably put something better from plywood, a carpet scrap and 2x4's, but at $15 it looks like a good value.

 

[protaganis]

Beats the heck outta straining, like I usually do...

 

[MikeQBF]

I simply consider under-dash contortions and straining the macho version of Pilates. Who needs a sissy ball?

 

[ramblerdan]

I've been using a step stool, but that looks better. Will have to add to my list. Thanks for the find, Psschmied.

 

[psschmied]

My back and neck still bother me from the last time I did dashboard diving, months ago. I was looking for a used ironing board and a stool to help when I do the wiring mods for DRLs when I saw this. I'm hoping that they carry it at one of the HF stores around Chicago or Rockford.

 

[Bowzer]

Good idea...and the low price actually suprises me.

My thought on a next evolution of something like this would be a rolling version. Think of those hospital bed tables but with enough structure to hold a person...wheels just roll right under the car. You roll yourself in and out via arm power...maybe even a handy slide out tray to hold tools and the assorted screws, etc.

But as is...a good idea indeed.

Thanks for posting!

 

[Serj22]

SO I didn't have to do all that bending to get the brake cylinder off the truck... I only put 3 of the 4 bolts back because I couln't take it anymore. This is actually a neat idea but looks like an ironing board with one leg...

 

[psschmied]

I simply consider under-dash contortions and straining the macho version of Pilates. Who needs a sissy ball?

I think the appropriate line is "strong back + weak mind = brutal life".

When doing mods to an Element ceases to be enjoyable, it's unpaid work. When doing such work injures you, it's very expensive unpaid work. As you get older and more aware of your own personal frailties, you become more willing to accept assistance in any form that helps you enjoy life.

 

[psschmied]

SO I didn't have to do all that bending to get the brake cylinder off the truck... I only put 3 of the 4 bolts back because I couln't take it anymore. This is actually a neat idea but looks like an ironing board with one leg...

Sometimes simpler is better. I think it's an elegant solution, an improvement over my original ironing board and stool idea, and it should work with most passenger vehicles.

The other "leg" is the threshold of the vehicle door running across the full width of the board, directly under where most of your weight is, which is more stable than any reasonably size ground-based leg could be. I like the idea of it being stationary with minimal footprint.

 

[bh241]

For the money, I would just buy one and be done with it.

Of course, anyone who happens to have a 'weight bench' laying around in the garage might be able to 'mod' that. ;-)

Seriously, getting under the dash was a lot easier 25 years ago.... :-(

 

[desinia]

You and your fancy gadgets! All we ever had was a creeper and a couple old cement blocks.

 

[carvingbarn]

That would be a good tool for me to get. I now have two new hips that do not work and bend quite as well as the OEM hips. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BigAl205]

That would be a good tool for me to get. I now have two new hips that do not work and bend quite as well as the OEM hips. Thanks for sharing.

OEM hips? :lol::lol::lol:

 

[psschmied]

You and your fancy gadgets! All we ever had was a creeper and a couple old cement blocks.

So, why did you get an Element EX with AWD and AT? You also had Model A's with crank starters.

Personally I prefer NEW cement blocks for that new block smell. :lol:

 

[PropCat]

"Weight capacity: 300 pounds"

Well, that leaves me out!

 

[bigblue]

Harbor Freight Under Dash Support

Brilliant! I just ordered one.

 

[Copper]

like one of these?

http://www.grizzly.com/products/H8099/images/

http://grizzly.com/products/500-lb-Hydraulic-Table-Cart/H8099

 

[BigAl205]

You could bolt a table to the top of this... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2792

 

[desinia]

I'm starting to notice something interesting about this crowd. How many people here have never been in a Harborfreight store?

 

[nacranym]

well, i haven't.
not ever.