Cannibalize a car

[Triple-sod]

My neighbours used an old (early 80

[hua man]

I read an article where a russian village used a paddlewheel boat plus an alternator to power their automotive household fixtures. Headlights became lamps, dome lights illuminated dark areas. I also know of a US soldier who took a car radio and speakers and made a system for use in the newer vehicles, those with a 12V plug. Know of an old Redneck (self proclaimed, I might add) who uses the seats from cars as his "Around the Fire Pit" seating. Lot more comfortable than lawn chairs. And the Fire Pit made from an old truck rim.

[Bill Foster]

It has been said that automatic trans fluid makes a great gun oil. Most vehicles have 4-7 quarts of the stuff. Power steering fluid has about the same lubrication qualities and flash point. Tires are for Ho Chi Minh trailblazers. (talk to a Nam Vet for explanations on that one).

[Grand58742]

Depending on the type of vehicle.

Bed of a truck can be lined to catch rainwater.

Gas tank (after serious drying and cleaning) could be used for water storage (non potable)

Leaf springs have a variety of uses. They could be made into tools and implements as long as you could form or sharpen them. I know some people make knives out of them.

Makeshift air filtration system out of the air filter and various hoses. Maybe not for gas, but for smoke inhalation? Not sure about this.

On the moccasin idea...I'm pretty certain one could fashion an entire pair of shoes or moccasins out of materials taken from a vehicle. Tires for the soles, upholstery for the uppers or webbing for a sandal style, wiring or sliced seatbelt for the laces and seat cushions formed and cut for the insoles if desired. Might make a neat project for someone more talented than I am in this field. May not be pretty, but would probably be functional.

Still trying to think of something for the axles and frame.

[ssonb]

You can make all types of tripwire and security devices from the airbag modules.............

[Bill Foster]

I have an aquaintence that puts the aluminum engine pars on a stack of wooden crates and set them on fire. The fire is so hot it will melt the aluminum engine parts. The aluminum drips down, separates from the steel. He digs a trench that the molten alum. runs to and it makes a clump of alum. that he sells to a scrap metal yard. If one put a mold, or set of molds that the aluminum would run into...

[adoy]

Signaling from a cannibalized car

Lots of signaling opportunities.

From a wrecked vehicle that you want to be noticed for a long time to come,, turn on the turn signal and pull all flashing bulbs but one. Yank the dash light fuse(s) and the signal will continue to blink for a very long time.

On some cars you can strip a short piece of wire and connect power from (in the fuse box) the now blinking turn signal to the horn fuse. You now have a long term horn intermittently beeping on autopilot.

Rubber and foam for easy to see smoke signal.
Signaling mirrors.

Hang a bunch of the mirrors from a branch by a piece of string or wire,,,, let a bit of fabric dangle below and when the wind blows it will reflect the sun to searchers.

[arcangel911]

Before you do all that, perhaps a word of safety.

Please make sure that the battery is dead or no longer near the car. Also, for OPSEC and saving your own butt, please make sure that it is an older car.

Some of the newer cars out there, have parts that still maintain one hell of a charge after the battery is disconnected. Also, airbags can sometimes go off, if you hit certain parts just right. Being in the front seat sitting their doing your thing, and getting hit with a air bag can be deadly.

Tires as shoes.... probably as good as Croc's.... Also, tires can be used to build houses and green houses if needed. (used for walls) But I am sure that they would make lovely planters...

[Davar]

The copper can be melted down and used in some casting applications. It would takes some know how and a hot fire.

[Davar]

This idea isn't original, but in the novel "Patriots", a man took tires and used them to make rubber soles for moccosans. I think this is one of the best ideas I have heard yet. The one thing that will wear out that will leave so many SOL is shoes. Even if you have ten pairs of shoes stashed away, they will go faster than you can wear them out. It would be hard to see my brother walking around with rags tied to his feet, when I have two pairs of size 11s hiding.

[mosinfan]

you could also use things like transmission pan,oil pan and read end cover as pots and pans for cooking.may take some time and effort to get rid of the grease/oil but i think it would be worth it

[Klayton]

@eeyore: interesting

I made a vertical axis wind powered generator from the motor of a treadmill about 4 or 5 years ago, for the neighbor kid's treehouse (only renewable energy treehouse I know of-LOL) powers a 4-led light and a very small television...

[Gordon]

The fluids are useful, some can be burned for fuel. Once you gut the inside, you can make a fairly decent place to live. Take the hood and deck lid off to make a porch or some shade. Tires are good for planters, even for fuel if you don't mind a lot of smoke. The hood and trunk probably have some insulation in them. Parts can easily be fashioned into weapons, knives and other tools. If you are careful with the old sealed beams you can probably get one apart to make a small solar oven. I have seen old cars used for chicken coops and dog houses too. That is hard core country.

[eeyore]

The following article, has a use for some of the cables and the alternator

http://www.theepicenter.com/tow082099.html

[EX121]

I know that some Bow Makers now will speed the curing time of staves by placeing them on the dash of the truck. this helps speed the drying time.