Vehicle: Traffic Jam
Diagnostic Catwalk   (+1)  [vote for, against]
Where is that blasted noise coming from?

A lightweight catwalk that temporarily installs around the perimeter of a car. Padded straps criss-cross the car and suspend the catwalk without damaging the vehicle. I guess the doors wouldn't open, but at least one could move around the car and pinpoint the source of a noise while the car is moving (with someone else driving of course).
-- half, Sep 11 2003

Running boards?
-- Shz, Sep 11 2003


haha. this is awesome. i can see this making its way into a Jackie Chan movie.
-- DeathNinja, Sep 11 2003


I don't want to disillusion you, blissy, but I don't think that coffee *can* cure squeeks and clunks.
-- DrBob, Sep 11 2003


What about just some cylinders to drive on so that the car stays in place while the tires spin?
-- jivetalkinrobot, Sep 11 2003


If I do my little turn on the catwalk, I am afraid I will fall off and be crushed in traffic.
-- bungston, Sep 11 2003


jtr, that would only work for duff bearings. Any noises induced by vertical movement of suspension, engine, or badly-retained bits of bodywork wouldn't show up.
-- egbert, Sep 11 2003


blissmiss - actually, that was StarChaser's idea.
-- thumbwax, Sep 11 2003


try organizing your glove compartment.
-- Eugene, Sep 11 2003


Of course the weight of the catwalk would probably bottom out the car's suspension, changing the dynamics enough that the mysterious noise would never be heard. How about just a microphone boom that can be swung around to different parts of the exterior? It could be mounted where those dorky roof mounted antennas on volkswagens screw in :-)
-- tmorrow, Sep 12 2003


how about having a raised platform with some geared wheels as to allow someone to pass UNDER the vehicle while in motion ... would make for some odd looks ... not much good at high speeds, however, but an easy spin arround the block would allow a further diagnosis ...
-- Letsbuildafort, Sep 12 2003


makes drive-thru dining and picnics FUN!
-- Letsbuildafort, Sep 12 2003



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