T@B 320 back shelf repairs/modifications

scaup
scaup Member Posts: 82
in Modifications & Upgrades
The plastic hinges on the back shelf of our T@B 320 broke years ago and I finally got around to installing hew hinges. I installed 6 hinges as I plan on cutting the shelf into thirds for easier access to each compartment. Currently I have not cut the shelf yet but have installed the 6 hinges. I installed 3 sections of heavy duty (according to Home Depot) velcro to hold the shelves up. The velcro didn't hold.

Questions-

What have others used to hold the shelf up when accessing the compartments?

How thick is the curved paneling behind the shelf?

Thanks

Gene

Comments

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    Maybe eye bolt hooks?
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • scaup
    scaup Member Posts: 82
    If the back paneling is only 1/4", as it seems to be, eye bolts would pull out after a short time. Any other ideas?
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    Maybe a hinged leg to support the opened shelf?
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • mom2pwd
    mom2pwd Member Posts: 2
    I added cabinet magnets to mine. I have the dark brown cabinets, so used dark brown cabinet magnets, and you can barely see them. They screw into the thin wood with tiny screws. They work great to hold up the door while you're doing gymnastics to get into the cabinet.
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
    edited July 2023
    Here's what I did..
    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7052/back-shelf-lid-stay-holds-lid-up-easy-down/p1
    However, this probably requires most of the weight of the entire shelf to close itself.
    There is another cheaper lidstay shown there that may work for you.  Or use "Lid Stay" to search Amazon for many other options.

    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
    edited July 2023
    PS:  It looks like many supports for a top closing lid are designed to fit on a side wall, and may not work for your middle section.  However, there may be another that could work - a piece of tightly coiled spring that, when straight & unstretched, can support the weight of the lid.  When the spring is bent sideways, then it collapses & would allow the lid to close. It doesn't have a brake though, to prevent it from slamming.

    PPS:  Maybe this could work..
    KEILEOHO 8 Pack 6.7 Inch Spring Lid Support, Universal Down Hinge Left Right Box Lid Support Hinge Antique Brass Hardware with Center Spring, for Cabinet, Door, Chest, Luggage https://a.co/d/d4SfOVp

    Or this..
    T Tulead Spring Lid Support Left Right Lid Support Down Hinge Red Bronze Iron Support Box Cabinet Hardware Pack of 2 with Mounting Screws https://a.co/d/193AAwO
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 

Categories