Making a cache with a spare key on a car body

Somehow, my friend left the keys in the ignition, got out of the car, slammed the door - and the alarm went off, blocking access to the salon. It happened on the track, it was snowing, and nothing more relevant than breaking the glass of the back door did not occur to him. After this story, I decided, so to speak, just in case to "lay straws" and make a secret cache on the back of my car with a spare key.

What is necessary for work

• Metallized mounting tape for construction work;
• Metal brush, degreaser;
• Polymer-bitumen mastic in an aerosol spray can;
• Scissors;
• Spare duplicate key.

Choosing a place for a cache

The place for placing the cache should be located on the supporting elements of the body with a flat surface, which under no circumstances can come into contact with the road (that is, in natural niches or at the bottom stiffener) and be easily accessible. In my case, the placement of the cache will be performed on the carrier beam of the body, directly under the door lock of the driver's door. I chose this position, taking into account the fact that this bookmark can be unclaimed for a long time and at the moment when you need a key, I can forget in which place I made the cache. Therefore, be sure to choose a landmark.

Surface preparation and key bookmark

The surface should be flat, clean and free from peeling rust. After preparation, do not forget to degrease this area.
Next, cut a piece of metallized tape so that its length is 4-5 cm longer than the key, and place it in the middle of the side with an adhesive layer.
If the key is wider than the strip, you can take two segments and overlap them (at least 1.5-2 cm). After that, stick the adhesive tape to the prepared area of ​​the body and smooth it with high quality so that there are no air bubbles.

Bookmark Disguise

We spray the mastic onto the area with a glued key, capturing the untreated surfaces of the bottom. After that you can drive along a dusty road (dirt road) and repeat the procedure again. After the second processing, the outline of the key will be barely noticeable, and the dust (dirt) that subsequently settles down will completely veil the secret cache. Waterproof tape and a layer of mastic will securely seal the key and protect it from environmental influences, so that when you need it, it will be like new.
When performing this type of work, be careful when handling scissors, and do not spray mastic towards yourself or other people. And, of course, neighbors or friends should not be witnesses to this procedure - only the closest person you trust as yourself can know about the cache.

Summary

Of course, such a backup option may never be needed, but, as practice shows, the most unexpected things happen in life, and if you are ready for them in advance, they will only amuse you and will not bring any damage.
Original article in English