Broken Console/Dash Plastic Tabs - Here's a Fix

[kojohns]

Some of you may have already done it this way or simlar, but thought I would post my method for fixing these broken plastic tabs between the lower dash and console panels:



I was wanting something that would be a "permanent" fix without having to worry about breaking the tab again. The solution was to epoxy new hand-made metal tabs onto the broken plastic tabs.



Supplies:
- Simpson Strong-Tie A21Z Angle Z-Max (2” x 1”) Local hardware store – Lowes/HD/ACE
- Tin Snips
- 5-Min Plastic/Metal Epoxy
- Drill Bit – 3/16”
- Washers – 3/16” hole in center
- Original speed nuts from broken tab

Steps:
1) Cut down the sheet metal angles to approximately same dimensions as the original tab. Leave a lip on the tab the can be epoxied to the backside of the trim panel (aids in adhesion and strength)
2) Using pliers, slightly bend the existing 90deg angle to a slightly larger angle (maybe to 100-110deg) for perfect fit on trim panel. Test fit to ensure the entire metal bracket makes flush contact with the existing trim panel.
3) Cut off any remaining plastic tab that would interfere with the washer you would be installing in step (6).

Note: I decided to go ahead and cut off the tabs that weren't broken since they would likely break the next time I need to get behind the console.

4) Now mark where the new hole should be for the screw/speednut
5) Drill with 3/16” bit
6) Epoxy the washer to this hole so that the metal thickness of the tab now approximates the original thickness of the plastic tab. This also strengthens the end of the new tab.
7) Epoxy the new metal tab to the trim panel
8) Done

Note: I actually performed steps (6) & (7) at the same time. You should also be able to use a very similar procedure for repairing other mounting points such as where the lower glove box section mounts to the upper dash. Both of these mounting points were also broken in my vehicle.

[Vinci]

Good idea. I'm pretty sure that I buggered one of mine when I had the glove box out last.

[Waterguy]

Thanks for the post. I broke mine doing the glove box repair and didn't know how to fix the broken tabs. Now I do!

[Radojko]

This is brilliant... and very creative! I only wish that I had seen it 3 weeks ago, before I re-assembled my console. :-(

[robrez]

Great solution. Thanks for sharing.

[BenFenner]

Another thing to add to the To Do list!

[jajou318]

Wow this is old but useful. Strange I never saw it nor did it seem to get much attention.

Thanks Kurt!

[Radojko]

Absolutely brilliant... and so creative! I wish I'd seen it months ago. Next time for sure.

All the best,
-Bob-

[328 Power 04]

Looks sturdy! I did this http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...%28glovebox%29 holding up well. If it fails, I'll try this method.