Center console hard to open
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
Center console hard to open
Is this a common issue? Not the hinge issue but rather just getting it open. I had to pull rather hard to get it to open. The issue isn't the hook that's part of the lock, rather the plastic clip at the front. feels like it's going to break, but seems to work. Is this also a lubrication issue? If so, what's recommended for use on the plastic?
Mike
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,015
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From: Hilton NY
The console latch can be lubricated with silicone grease but the design is very strong for the application, the lid would stay closed if the car was updside down with lead weights inside. Here's a link to what the latch looks like apart, https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-replaced.html. Also, the lid will open better if some flat washers are placed between the console and hinge to lift it slightly, this requires removal of the console for access to the four small nuts that hold the hinge to the console. With both of these changes the lid opens easily without having to lift it first before opening and it doesn't require slamming to close.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
The console latch can be lubricated with silicone grease but the design is very strong for the application, the lid would stay closed if the car was updside down with lead weights inside. Here's a link to what the latch looks like apart, https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-replaced.html. Also, the lid will open better if some flat washers are placed between the console and hinge to lift it slightly, this requires removal of the console for access to the four small nuts that hold the hinge to the console. With both of these changes the lid opens easily without having to lift it first before opening and it doesn't require slamming to close.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Yes, a little difficulty in opening the console lid is normal. As said, it is a two stage open process - for the second stage pull up and towards you and it should fully open.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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I'd curse the GM engineer everytime I'd get gas. I'd say to myself why don't they make a lid that opens more than 3 or 4 inches? Stupid me!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
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From: Nappytown MD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,015
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From: Hilton NY
If the lid used a single pivot hinge with the pin placed at the right edge it wouldn't be able to open much because the lid would hit the left side of the passenger seat; if a single pivot hinge was placed inward from the right edge so the lid wouldn't hit the seat when open, the outer lid edge would jam on the console and not open much. The double pivot hinge design is supposed to move the lid pivot point inward so it will clear the seat when open and not jam on the console, however, it's just too close to the console and that's why it has to be pulled left to open completely. Spacing the hinge from the console some removes the tendency to jam so the left pull isn't needed.
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2nd Gear
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Montgomery Texas
I still remember after taking delivery of the car, on the drive home I stopped at the gas station for the first time. First, I realized that I had no idea how to open the fuel door, then came the wrestling with the console lid. It was a real clown show! lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
Actually the early C5 cars had a single action hinge but it created wear issues on something and they got a lot of warranty issues.
They redesigned the hinge to be double action to prevent the wear. This was in the book All Corvettes are Red.
I think test is where I read the real reason.
As for those who don’t know well we now know who did not read the owners manual.
I often wonder how. Any have damaged the lid not doing it right.
They redesigned the hinge to be double action to prevent the wear. This was in the book All Corvettes are Red.
I think test is where I read the real reason.
As for those who don’t know well we now know who did not read the owners manual.
I often wonder how. Any have damaged the lid not doing it right.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
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From: In the woods
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
And the story is the designer had 40 hours to come up with a fix. Not 40 working hours but calendar hours, a week. Having been under those constraints in my past career he did a pretty good job IMO.
