T6.1 Upper Bed Hinge - DIY FIX

[Mattsv]

Like a few others, I learnt the hard way this weekend that leaving anything on the ledge below where the bed hinges, results in the plastic bracket snapping.

I managed to source a new bracket from Campervantastic which arrived very quickly and only cost £8 plus delivery. Upper Bed Hinges

Hardest bit was drilling out the old rivet - needed a bit of persuading but not too bad. Slid the old clip out (undid the torx bolt on the bracket to make it easier) and fixed the new bracket using a cabinet joining bolt rather than a rivet.

Straight forward job, no need to remove pop top at all. Left a couple of tiny marks on the frame but no one will ever see them under the mattress. Might have been covered under warranty easy enough job to DIY - if you can drill out a rivet then it is easy to do

 

[petercass1000]

This just happened to us. Anyone know a temporary fix? Currently away for the next three nights.

 

[Lisamad]

Like a few others, I learnt the hard way this weekend that leaving anything on the ledge below where the bed hinges, results in the plastic bracket snapping.

I managed to source a new bracket from Campervantastic which arrived very quickly and only cost £8 plus delivery. Upper Bed Hinges

Hardest bit was drilling out the old rivet - needed a bit of persuading but not too bad. Slid the old clip out (undid the torx bolt on the bracket to make it easier) and fixed the new bracket using a cabinet joining bolt rather than a rivet.

Straight forward job, no need to remove pop top at all. Left a couple of tiny marks on the frame but no one will ever see them under the mattress. Might have been covered under warranty easy enough job to DIY - if you can drill out a rivet then it is easy to do

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Hi this has happened to me I have managed to remove the rivet on one side but can‘t remove the rivet next to the pop top as it is too close to the canvas to use a drill how did you manage to remove this rivet

 

[Mattsv]

Hi this has happened to me I have managed to remove the rivet on one side but can‘t remove the rivet next to the pop top as it is too close to the canvas to use a drill how did you manage to remove this rivet

It was a combination of drilling (from the end you can get to) and using a punch and hammer. Bit of a PITA and needs a bit of patience. Good luck.

 

[markheathcote]

It was a combination of drilling (from the end you can get to) and using a punch and hammer. Bit of a PITA and needs a bit of patience. Good luck.

They did mine under warranty, but I guess you are too far down the road now.

 

[Lisamaddock1971]

It was a combination of drilling (from the end you can get to) and using a punch and hammer. Bit of a PITA and needs a bit of patience. Good

Shockwave Impact Duty Right Angle Attachment, Right Angle Drill Attachment, Drill Accessory, 90 Degree Angled Drill Adapter, ABS Handle Power Tool Parts Electric Screwdriver Repair https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JLYH9TJ/?tag=unique09f-21

I used this attachment on my drill so I could get access the the other side worked like a dream all fixed now thank you for your reply

 

[KGCali]

Like a few others, I learnt the hard way this weekend that leaving anything on the ledge below where the bed hinges, results in the plastic bracket snapping.

I managed to source a new bracket from Campervantastic which arrived very quickly and only cost £8 plus delivery. Upper Bed Hinges

Hardest bit was drilling out the old rivet - needed a bit of persuading but not too bad. Slid the old clip out (undid the torx bolt on the bracket to make it easier) and fixed the new bracket using a cabinet joining bolt rather than a rivet.

Straight forward job, no need to remove pop top at all. Left a couple of tiny marks on the frame but no one will ever see them under the mattress. Might have been covered under warranty easy enough job to DIY - if you can drill out a rivet then it is easy to do

View attachment 92082

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What size cabinet joining bolt did you use?

 

[Mattsv]

What size cabinet joining bolt did you use?

M4x30 mm - commonly available from 'all good DIY stores' - M4 (4mm) is the internal bolt size, the outer shaft/sheath is 5mm diameter.

 

[michelevismara]

Do you have the part number for the hinge? Broke mine last night....

 

[KGCali]

Do you have the part number for the hinge? Broke mine last night....

Campervantastic sell them ... or
VW 7LA067057 left. 7LA067058 right

 

[brcas64]

I have the same problem. the plastic end piece broke due to wife pulling the bed down with a loo roll underneath. Never knew she was that strong... I have ordered both parts from campervantastic at £8.50 each and will have a go over the weekend. Will let you know how I get on. I may as well change both as the other will probably go. I am hoping the the metal replacement is a straight swap and I do not need to change the base bracket as well.

 

[brcas64]

I ordered both brackets from Campervantastic. They are different from the original plastic ones and are handed left and right. I was going to do both but decided on the broken only. I will keep the other in case.

You can drill out the rivets from the bed side, You will run into trouble on the other side rivet and you will end up with a bigger hole or small holes on the other side. Take your time and you should be ok.

You can also raise the bed. I put it on a piece of 4x4 wrapped in an old curtain and was able to get better access to the rivets after I realised I could unbolt the bracket that is on the frame and lift the bed. Lifting the bed is easier and I found this after faffing about with the drill.

Make sure the gap at the end of the bed over the passenger seat is the same as the drivers.I used a masonry chisel as this was as close to the gap as I could get and it was not going to move. The Torx bolt hole is slightly longer from the back of the bracket in the bed rail. I measured 25mm required hence the bracket protrudes a bit fro the bed rail. I used the existing bracket as it is riveted but you could put a new bracket in which would be snug
I marked the new hole in the bracket with a punch and drill with a 3.3mm. The hole is marked on the bracket and is quite easy to do.
I used a M4 x 30mm Allen screw with a nylon nut to secure it. If you need to use washers you will need a 40mm screw.

Easy to do if you are a diyer if not get a garage to do it for you. There is no need to remove the bed or pop top. It took me two hours but could be done sooner. I also opened all of the windows in the pop top to give me more light. The new bracket is a tight push fit with the aid of a hammer. it will only go in one way.

Drill a 3.3mm hole through the circle shown here.



Its not going anywhere now.