DIY - Cheap Easy Modification of Central Console Lid (keeps lid open / upright)

[2door]

If you get irritated every time the central console lid falls on you, you may find this write-up useful. This modification cost me $8 and took about 15 minutes from start to completion. Now the lid stays upright when open and doesn't slam on me if the car is parked on an incline. Another benefit of this mod is that it allows me to adjust the spring tension if I decide to do so in the future.

For this modification, I used 2 Sliding Screen Door Latch Strike Plates. They are exactly of the same width as the lid hinges. The strike plates are sold as 5 pack, so you can share the expenses with your friend who also owns a Bronco.

I drilled pilot holes in the lid hinges and utilized 4 automotive-grade screws I happen to have had in my garage. I suggest using the screws that are long enough for going all the way through at least one cell in the cell structure.

If you need to increase the spring tension, simply slide the strike plates farther up (in the direction pointed by the strike plate hook).

Here's the part number of the teal clips; just in case some of them break during the removal of the back panel.
W720456-S300

The pictures are self-explanatory for getting the idea, but feel free to ask your questions.

--
Update: I noticed that the strike plates rubbed against the back panel when closing the lid. I shortened the hooks using a Dremel rotary tool and slightly flattened them with a vice and pliers. No more rubbing – everything works perfect now. The lid stays open no matter what angle you leave it at.

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[Tricky Mike]

Clever

 

[Preheateddinner]

Thank you!! One of my least favorite things about my Bronco is getting my hand smashed in the console. I was shocked to find out there are springs in there at all. I tried to shorten and re-bend the springs like another guy on here did, but I couldn't do it. I'm ordering these right now.

 

[2door]

Thank you!! One of my least favorite things about my Bronco is getting my hand smashed in the console. I was shocked to find out there are springs in there at all. I tried to shorten and re-bend the springs like another guy on here did, but I couldn't do it. I'm ordering these right now.

You're welcome!

I decided not even try to shorten the torsion springs because the wire they're made of was too stiff. It would have been a real PITA to re-bend them.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Thank you! I 3D printed the solution from another thread, and it does not add near enough tension. this is super easy.

 

[mikec426]

I actually don’t understand what’s going on here… I’ll have to look at my console lid I guess.

 

[Area51BS]

One of the first things I disliked. I thought of adding 1/2 lb of lead in lid towards the hinge point

 

[2door]

I actually don’t understand what’s going on here… I’ll have to look at my console lid I guess.

Are you sure you have a Bronco?

 

[2door]

One of the first things I disliked. I thought of adding 1/2 lb of lead in lid towards the hinge point

I think I know where you got this idea from.

 

[Area51BS]

I think I know where you got this idea from.

View attachment 658833

Where? I think I posted about this over a year ago. Hasn’t really been an issue again until a recent road trip.

 

[2door]

Where? I think I posted about this over a year ago. Hasn’t really been an issue again until a recent road trip.

There were supposed to be the image of a trebuchet under my comment that didn't attach for some reason

 

[L&Ebronco]

Is there a write up or link to removing the console lid to get to the springs to do this? Very clever hack. I just me ford forgot to put springs in there with the way it falls forward so easily.

If you get irritated every time the central console lid falls on you, you may find this write-up useful. This modification cost me $8 and took about 15 minutes from start to completion. Now the lid stays upright when open and doesn't slam on me if the car is parked on an incline. Another benefit of this mod is that it allows me to adjust the spring tension if I decide to do so in the future.

For this modification, I used 2 Sliding Screen Door Latch Strike Plates. They are exactly of the same width as the lid hinges. The strike plates are sold as 5 pack, so you can share the expenses with your friend who also owns a Bronco.

I drilled pilot holes in the lid hinges and utilized 4 automotive-grade screws I happen to have had in my garage. I suggest using the screws that are long enough for going all the way through at least one cell in the cell structure.

If you need to increase the spring tension, simply slide the strike plates farther up (in the direction pointed by the strike plate hook).

Here's the part number of the teal clips; just in case some of them break during the removal of the back panel.
W720456-S300

The pictures are self-explanatory for getting the idea, but feel free to ask your questions.

 

[Preheateddinner]

Is there a write up or link to removing the console lid to get to the springs to do this? Very clever hack. I just me ford forgot to put springs in there with the way it falls forward so easily.

You remove the rear of the console by pulling back on it, it's just held in with clips. Here's a video I found with a quick search that shows someone removing the console back at 47 seconds in: hope that helps!

 

[L&Ebronco]

Awesome. Thank you very much. Will be doing this very soon.

You remove the rear of the console by pulling back on it, it's just held in with clips. Here's a video I found with a quick search that shows someone removing the console back at 47 seconds in: hope that helps!

 

[2door]

Is there a write up or link to removing the console lid to get to the springs to do this? Very clever hack. I just me ford forgot to put springs in there with the way it falls forward so easily.

1. Climb in the back seat and gently pull the back panel of the center console. No tools needed.
2. Unplug 2 electrical connectors.
3. Remove the long pin that holds the lid by sliding it to the left. No tools needed.
4. Open the lid all the way up, so that both springs don't push on the hinges, and slide it off of its place.

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