the $3 glove box fix

[waldo1324]

So, after soaking up the knowledge from the mighty AZ, i figured id post my first DIY to give back a touch of love:

This is the same thing as the bracket fix, but for $3.

First, get you sum of these here from The Depot. Make sure you find the thinner guage (there will be a few different kinds).



Take out that busted ass glove box, knock out the hinge pins and remove the door (disconnect the dampner piston lever, you should be able to just pry out the connector pin). The pins are in there pretty good, they have knurled ends that seat in the hinge so it ill take some big boy whacks with a flat screwdriver and hammer to dislodge.
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Now comes the part that brought me the most joy, dremel that back of that effing piston off to defeat the dampner. This little piece of crap is the cause of all your woes. Be careful not to mess up the glove box light switch while vengefully mutilating this little bastard. You may feel that a good "take that bitch" makes the experience much more enjoyable.
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There are other ways to fix the piston, but this way was way more fun.
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So, now that your piston has been terminated, take your trusty hammer and gently shape one arm of the bracket to match the hinge curve as such:
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And yes, much beer makes the process mo better.
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Also match the slight curve on the door as well. Trial and error.
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So now predrill the screwholes, paint (rough up the surface with sandpaper), and install ( you may need to dremel out the hinge reciever area a touch to get clearance):
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Id suggest lathering on the JB Weld in the hole left by the broken bracket just to be sure. Also fill those two rectangular holes on the underside with JB or superglue or whatever you have. This will give those screws somthing to bite into. I did this after i put the bracket on and noticed an exposed screw:
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If you use super glue like i did, watch out for the white vapor haze.
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Now reinstall and love life.
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(sorry my pics and post format sucks! first DIYish thing)

[aspw]

I assumed the B7 globebox hinges are the same as the B6s?
Bookmarked. Thanks for posting.
Gotta try this soon. I refuse to shell out moolah to get a new glovebox.

[waldo1324]

I assumed the B7 globebox hinges are the same as the B6s?
Bookmarked. Thanks for posting.
Gotta try this soon. I refuse to shell out moolah to get a new glovebox.

i would guess so, it cant be too much difference if the B7s break like the B6s (that cursed dampner piston). And heck yah, $3 is better thatn $300 or whatever ridiculous price it is.

[Rob_M]

Thanks for the DYI!
I think I will do this on mine now that I have seen how easy (and cheap) the fix is....

[the sheriff]

how did you hammer that curve almost perfectly round?

[waldo1324]

how did you hammer that curve almost perfectly round?

pretty close to round, it will take a touch of finesse / trial and error to match it up to your tolerances. But its really not hard, from glove box out of Quattro to setting the door for drying was like 30 mins. Once you get the door off the angle pretty apparent.

[CrazyCal]

Fantastic write-up. STICKY! I will be doing this asap. Thank you for the great write-up.

[TwinTipSkier]

"Awesome DIY, Great Job!"

Not broke yet, but when they do I'll be back... Stick-E

[waldo1324]

"Awesome DIY, Great Job!"

ah spoo gett

[old guy]

Nice job Waldo!

Here's a little tip for those of you that haven't managed to break your hinges yet. If you remove the glove box and flip it over you will notice that the hinges have a honeycomb construction. You can fill the honeycomb compartments with either a two part epoxy or a liquid steel (JB Weld, Pig Putty, etc) as a preventive measure to strengthen the hinge and prevent it from breaking in the first place.

And while you have it out go ahead and grease up the door damper located on the riders side while you have easy access. It tends to dry out and lock up which contributes to the hinge breaking.

[itzjuzme]

I did this a few weeks back and it works quite well. It hangs a little on the right side of the glovebox so make sure it latches properly. The lid dropped on the Gfs lap and she's complaining about it ever since hah

[waldo1324]

I did this a few weeks back and it works quite well. It hangs a little on the right side of the glovebox so make sure it latches properly. The lid dropped on the Gfs lap and she's complaining about it ever since hah

yes lining up the OEM configuration gap is paramount. since i did mine, the latching is way smoother than before the fix. id have to slam the door hard as balls to get it to latch. id check the gap you are working with on that right side.