N
Neilster
Guest
While it's a little early to tell for sure how long these fixes will work, nonetheless, I've gotten to know my Mark VIII a lot better recently.
Thanks to a hint that removing the Message Display will reveal the elusive 4th mounting bolt, I think I may have fixed the split lever. Basically, I needed to remove some dash pieces first, then the message display. Now I could easily see the split. I was able to position the lever so that the split closed up. Then I was able to put a plastic tie wrap around the lever where it was split and tightened it right up. To keep it from coming off, I then applied a dab of 5 minute epoxy and let it dry. To my delight, I seem to have temperature control back. Let's hope it lasts. If not, then I still have the new part on hand to replace the unit.
As for the coffee holder, I had the console out anyway while I considered the blend door fix. While it was out, I decided to see if the coffee holder could be fixed. I disassembled the console into its main components, (coffee holder/ashtray, rear heater plenum, storage unit, storage cover) then split up the coffee holder assy. It breaks down into three sub components. Yes, you have to break some plastic to do this. Once apart, I was able to reattach the broken post mount and support flap with some epoxy reinforcement. The only part I lost was one of the return springs, but I was able to improvise with another spring I found in one of my many "junk drawers". Then I reassembled the unit using some screw technology. The good news is, if I have to fix it again, I can probably do so now that I know how to.
Let's hope these McGiver's last!
Thanks to a hint that removing the Message Display will reveal the elusive 4th mounting bolt, I think I may have fixed the split lever. Basically, I needed to remove some dash pieces first, then the message display. Now I could easily see the split. I was able to position the lever so that the split closed up. Then I was able to put a plastic tie wrap around the lever where it was split and tightened it right up. To keep it from coming off, I then applied a dab of 5 minute epoxy and let it dry. To my delight, I seem to have temperature control back. Let's hope it lasts. If not, then I still have the new part on hand to replace the unit.
As for the coffee holder, I had the console out anyway while I considered the blend door fix. While it was out, I decided to see if the coffee holder could be fixed. I disassembled the console into its main components, (coffee holder/ashtray, rear heater plenum, storage unit, storage cover) then split up the coffee holder assy. It breaks down into three sub components. Yes, you have to break some plastic to do this. Once apart, I was able to reattach the broken post mount and support flap with some epoxy reinforcement. The only part I lost was one of the return springs, but I was able to improvise with another spring I found in one of my many "junk drawers". Then I reassembled the unit using some screw technology. The good news is, if I have to fix it again, I can probably do so now that I know how to.
Let's hope these McGiver's last!
