Every once in a while you encounter something strange or unusual with a vehicle.  And this past Saturday was one of those times.

Throughout the vehicle rescue technician training program at Gratz Volunteer Fire Company, as we do in all programs, we were stressing the increased use of high strength metals in vehicles.  These metals are creating scenarios where even the newest cutters are or will have difficulty severing these metals.  Now when working with a mid 90’s GM vehicle, most rescuers will recognize that this vehicle will not have the exotic metals present, but looks can be deceiving. 

On Saturday, we had such a vehicle in a rescue evolution.  Rescuers were severing posts in preparation for a roof removal, when they went to cut the passenger-side c-post.  The interior plastic had been stripped to identify any potential SRS.  Rescuers attempted to cut the post with the hydraulic cutters, but were unable to, and they observed what appeared to be a metal rod.

The cut was moved several inches farther up the post and was able to be completed.  Upon closer examination, we were surprised to find that it was not a high strength structural component of the vehicle.  What it was was a ratchet for a socket set.

How and why it got there will probably never be known, but in reinforces to the concept of being prepared for anything when working on vehicles...

What was your weirdest find or experience in a vehicle?  Talk about it in the forum...