84 4Runner


The consol that covers the rear heater is missing the hinge. Also missing is the lid. It has the metal stay that prevents the lid from going back too far.

Who has a creative idea for hinge/lid replacement? The non-rear heater lid and hinge wont fit as it is too long.

Can you cut down a standard 2" hinge, and attach it to a new lid?

I had the front latch break on my consol lid. Took the broken piece to the junkyard and looked at the Toyota cars and found a few that had the same part. You might get lucky and find the same for the hinge or modify one.

I saved a Celica lid/hinge from a junked car. The lid is the same as non-heater lids (too long) but the hinge is close to dead. The latch is good.


I dont have a problem making a wood lid and using the latch. The problem is (I think) that the hinge is about 6-8mm taller than the box. What I mean is that the hing will look like a "C" in profile. The actual hinge part will be at the top.

I dont think hacking a 2" hinge will work out to well. Maybe a 3/4" piano hinge will.

i have a top cover from my truck that needs to be recovered (or atlest re-foamed) that i can sell you really cheap (i picked up a good original one).

I couldn't remember how wide the stock hinge is, that is why I mentioned the 2". Regardless of the size needed, you can cut down hinges and still have them work fine, you just have to add a new pin, or weld/glue the old one.

Since you have to build a new lid, you could recess the stock hinge into the new lid, or build a lip on the new lid. The stock lids are a 2 pc. design, the armrest and a metal plate.

Recovered ? W/vinyl ? Metal plate ? I have only seen solid plastic lids.


Anyone have a pic of a working factory hinge or a fixed up alternative?

The '86 SR5 Runner I reconditioned this past spring had the center console with rear heater in it. The cloth covering was well worn and the foam padding had also deteriated. The foam was attached to a metal plate and then covered in cloth, then there was a metal trim plate that covered the bottom of the armrest(hid and helped hold down the edges of the cloth on the armrest), there was an inset in the metal plate for where the hinge went. This metal plate is why the hinge sits taller then the top of the storage bin.

Since you want to use the stock hinge, I would use a 1/2" thick piece of wood for the bottom of the new armrest and notch out a spot for the stock hinge.