regtocruiser
Member
- Joined
- December 24, 2006
- Messages
- 19
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Binghamton, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2006 Black Limited V8 4x4
This is a great fix. Ordered up the springs. Works better than when new!
Great fix with the springs. I'll also mention that when trying to mend something like the broken plastic piece I've had luck using the concept of lamination. Don't just try to glue the pieces back together at the break - take another piece of flexible plastic (or two) and also glue them over the joint - extending out past the break as far as possible in both directions. Looking for a piece of plastic to use? If you have kids then keep those plastic pieces they use when packaging the toy to hold it to the cardboard.
None of the pics seem to be working on this thread. Can anybody re-attach a pic of the final solution? I have the specs on the compression springs, but want to be sure I know how to install. 1 side of mine is broken. It still latches, but it's just a matter of time before the 2nd side goes.
Know this is an old thread, but on mine, I took the MacGuyver route.
I took a zip tie (one of those foot long ones, that I had in my tool box for years) and zipped it into a loop (about the size of a half dollar) that fits into the area where the broken plastic tab was.
Nestle it in there and it'll want to stay round. Important trick is not to put a hard fold into it.
Once you've got the right fit, snip the excess off.
There is enough tension on it, that acts like a spring, putting the cover back on is all that is needed to keep it in place.
Worked like a charm for me, I only had one broken tab, but it should work even if both sides had failed.
I didn't think to take a pic, but if anyone is interested, I'll pull it back off and post some.
I took a pick, forgot I left a little tail on it for a bit more spring. The zip tie should be about the same width as the broken prong...View attachment 169347
just did this fix myself however I moved the springs closer in.. right under the ford logo that is stamped in.. like a charm.. thanks for the tip and saving me money!!!