3055 cooler storage access improvements-gctid348596

[Guest]

We're into that cooler a LOT, and it's a pain. I've been thinking about adding a gas strut and possibly reconfiguring the hinge to make it easier. Anyone seen something like that so I don't have to reinvent it myself?

[Guest]

I remember seeing quiet a few mods in completed projects for this.

[JimMc]

I took the seat hinge off which make access quick and easy. But did not like the seat being loose and re-installed the hinge.

In hind sight a set of pins to keep the seat in position and no hinge might be an option.

[Guest]

Hi Carlos,

Louis put a "slip hinge" for his seat to get better access to the cooler.

Not sure how that is working out for him. I need to do something for better access to the cooler as well. I actually really use it especially if the table is up.

The gas struts sounds like a cool idea. The only real problem I see is when the seat lifts up it bottoms out against the back cushion. Hence, the reason for the double hinge. If there was a way to have it slide forward and then gas strut hinge up that would be sweet.

I'm working on about 10 projects simultaneously so when I go over there tomorrow I'll give it some thought.

One of us will come up with something more effecient.

Thanks,

Steve

[Jeffw]

I took the hinge off mine, the seat stayed put OK. But I kept my BBQ in that spot and just had the cooler loose on the floor, extra seating sometimes.

[Guest]

I removed the hinge, been happy with that...

[Guest]

The gas struts sounds like a cool idea. The only real problem I see is when the seat lifts up it bottoms out against the back cushion. Hence, the reason for the double hinge. If there was a way to have it slide forward and then gas strut hinge up that would be sweet.

My initial vision was for it to just open to about 45 degrees, which would only press slightly against the seat back. (And I just learned this week that the seat back lifts up.) At the same time I think I'd put a strap from the seat to the cooler lid so it would self-lift and close when you pull the seat up.

[Guest]

Oh, and a sliding hinge idea sounds pretty good, and could be done if the strut pressed from the front to the rear. That would require the base of the strut to be visible and attached to the side seat though.

[carguy]

Carlos,

Just try removing the hinge.....you can always put it back if you don't like it. It's worked fine for me as the seat seems to stay put.

[Guest]

My annoyance is having to hold the seat up, I don't see why the hinge is an issue. I don't want it all the way up or off, just tilted up to reach in and grab a beer or some ice.

[Guest]

Hi Carlos,

Took a more detail look at the seat today. I like the vision of when you lift the seat the cooler lid comes with it. Gives you an extra had to grab another beer .

I think removing the hinge is a given. The seat lays on two white plastic strips which you could drill a hole on each side and install a peg on the bottom of the seat so the seat stays in place in the holes.

In addition I am getting two gas struts and seeing how I can hid them but only have the seat come up about 30 degrees or right before the table would bottom it out.

I'll take a picture when it's complete. In the meantime if you find a solution keep us posted.

Thanks,

Steve

[JimMc]

Bayliner 3-0-5-5 wrote:
Hi Carlos,

Took a more detail look at the seat today. I like the vision of when you lift the seat the cooler lid comes with it. Gives you an extra had to grab another beer .

I think removing the hinge is a given. The seat lays on two white plastic strips which you could drill a hole on each side and install a peg on the bottom of the seat so the seat stays in place in the holes.

In addition I am getting two gas struts and seeing how I can hid them but only have the seat come up about 30 degrees or right before the table would bottom it out.

I'll take a picture when it's complete. In the meantime if you find a solution keep us posted.

Thanks,

Steve

The bold statement is exactly what I was trying to describe.

[Guest]

[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/652037=24460-cooler 1.jpg[/img] Took the back cushion off to get a better idea also elimanated the double hing.Took a couple of pictures. I'm envisioning a hinge for the back cushion like you see on a sliding keyboard for a desk (but smaller) therefore when you pull the seat up the back cushion will slide up also and gravity will bring it back down when you seat the seat back down.Two gas strut shocks should do the trick but I'll need to get the right length and angle.Two pics attached for ideas. Any other suggestions or thoughts would be great.Thanks,Steve

[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/652037=24459-cooler with shock.jpg[/img]

[Guest]

Have you guys also had the problem with the fabric on the bottom of the seats just start crumbling also? Mine first started with the seat above the cooler and now the two rear sections are doing it. Does it serve a purpose. The seat bottoms are not wet nor rotted so its not from moisture. I attributed it first ti rubing it with the cool. Any thoughts? I would also like to make that same type of improvement, maybe I'll first try to just remove the hinge. Thanks!