Unhinged Storage Lid is Now Hinged

BrianZ
BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
edited November 2019 in Modifications & Upgrades
Alas, no more unhinged storage lid flopping around, and no more holding it up with our heads!  

I used the leftover hinges from the shutter hinge kit shown in my rear lid stay topic (http://tabforum.nucamprv.com/#/discussion/7052/back-shelf-lid-stay-holds-lid-up-easy-down) to attach the lid, then added the two struts removed from the front upper cabinets after replacing those hinges with the popular Amerock BP2811J23-14  "all-the-way-up" hinges.


These shutter hinges are made for 3/4" thick boards, but this lid is only 1/2" thick, so I added a 1" scrap of 1/4" plywood as a spacer.  I still had to chisel out a thin layer of the plywood for a more perfect fit, and that also helps protect the seat cushion from metal corners.  One could just get some half inch hinges, but since I already had these, I wanted to use them.  I also thought there may not be enough clearance with the wall to use standard hinges.


The extra 1/4" height in the corner does not adversely effect the cushion - it still fits just fine.  I also added a couple of screws between the three hinges.  It could have been better to make the extra plywood strip the same length as the lid, but I used what I had on hand.


In case anyone wants to try reusing the struts leftover from the kitchen cabinets, here are the measurements of my strut placement.  Yours may be different, depending on how the lid is mounted & type of hinge.


How it looks when closed.


The two struts have just enough strength to keep the lid up, which is a welcome relief for me.  I go into this cabinet frequently, because it's where I store my tool bag & spare parts bag.  When I need a tool outside, it's convenient to just lean in the doorway & grab the tool bag through the side door of this storage area.
We also have a collapsible broom & dustpan combo & plastic can with roll of trashbags in here.  I plan to add more storage above the bags, but still mulling over ideas for using that 8"W x 5"H x 28"L remaining space.

By the way, those bags were a bargain at Lowes & fit the space perfectly...

https://m.lowes.com/pd/AWP-Polyester-Zippered-Closed-Tool-Bag/50175657

-Brian in Chester, Virginia
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 

Comments

  • JonW
    JonW Member Posts: 37
    Nice mod.  Where do you store your bed slats?  Mine came in that space
    JonW - 2018 T@B 320U
    Marlborough, Mass
  • Travelin3D
    Travelin3D Member Posts: 174
    Nice mod and you got to recycle some old parts: win-win!
    Richie, Mickie and Satchmo
    2020 320S Boondock Lite (silver w/blue)
    2019 Subaru Ascent Premium
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
    edited June 2018
    Thanks, @JonW and @Travelin3D.
    We've been storing bed slats across the front of the under-back-seat storage, although now that we have the wire rack mod above the rear of that compartment, we have the option of putting them behind the rear seatback with our bed topper roll.
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 
  • Freshaire
    Freshaire Member Posts: 97
    @BrianZ, you seem so versatile in what you are able to do.  Any chance you can clone yourself and send the second you my way? 

    Well done and just another mod I will be lusting after.  : )
    2015 T@b 320S Maxx Outback, aka "Alie Cat"
    TV:  2012 Honda Ridgeline

    Alice
    Crozet, VA
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Someone on Facebook turned me on to these gas struts at Walmart.com 
    Very good quality and a super price with free shipping. 

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/2-pack-100N-Hydraulic-Gas-Strut-Lift-Support-Cabinet-Hinge-Kitchen-Cupboard-Door-Gas-Spring-Shocks/739533359

    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Freshaire
    Freshaire Member Posts: 97
    @Dalehelman, these struts look great for underseat access.  Thanks for the link too.  I've already put in my order.  And you are right, what a great price.
    2015 T@b 320S Maxx Outback, aka "Alie Cat"
    TV:  2012 Honda Ridgeline

    Alice
    Crozet, VA
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
    edited May 2020
    Thanks, @Dalehelman, those look like a very nice alternative.  If mine should fail, I'll give those a try. The piano hinge looks like a nice option too, though would have required some trimming of our lid.
    Update:
    Dale's struts are too long to fit the space remaining after my tiered storage mod..
    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7146/2nd-tier-storage-method-under-seat

    -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
    PS:  I have since moved the gray bag to the space behind the wheel, so I could use the main floor space for my new DeWalt cordless drill bag.  I got the drill for use with Dale Helman's power tongue jack & rear leveler jack mods, plus front stabilizers & nice to have for any drilling or power driving screws.
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 

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