Hey there @Sweetpea_Fidgettoe1! I know, it can be tricky. Do you remember the thing you crafted when you were stuck in the Grease Pits with Jefferson? The Dreamweaver that is in your Aethermeter? Well, when you're in the Abandoned Labs, just click and hold on your Aethermeter and find secret openings. Some of them just give cogs or other things, but one will give you the clearance card (and it is the same for the second level)! 
Let me know if you need any more help! 