This modification makes the bathroom shelf and basin temporarily removable whenever
greater room and ease of adjusting the water temperature is desired.
From: "rwcnec" <r.w.cox@...>
Date: Wed Jul 31, 2002 6:16 pm
Subject: Modifications to Bathroom Shelf and Basin
In an effort to make showering a little easier, specifically,
to simplify adjusting the water temperature, I modified the drop down shelf and
the basin. I had read earlier about some owner who had removed both of these items
– permanently! I did not, would not consider this an option for us.
First of all, I removed the shelf from its hinges (6 self-tapping
screws) as well as the basin (8 self-tapping screws). Then I removed the whole
hinge assembly. In the middle of each of the larger hinge sections used for the
shelf, I drilled and tapped a hole for a #10-32 oval head screw. I threaded in
a 1-1/4" 10-32 bolt from the "inside" of the hinge on each hinge section. These
bolts act as studs and are in a plane 90 degrees from the original OEM self-tapping
screws with the ends facing out. Next, I drilled two holes in the lower edge (as
viewed when the shelf is in the raised position), sized and spaced to go over
the two studs. When the whole thing is assembled, it is a simple and easy matter
to slip the shelf over the two studs and secure in place with a flat washer, lock
washer and wing nut on each side. It comes off easier.
On the basin, I epoxyed in place two ¼-20 threaded inserts located
in the center of the smaller hinge sections. A hole aligned to meet with the inserts
was drilled in each hinge section. After placing the basin in position, two ¼-20
hex head cap screws are threaded through the hinges and into the basin. The screws
turn easily by hand but I
carry a small box wrench for final tightening (flat washers and lock washers used
here, too). As an alternative way of tightening the cap screws, I cut screwdriver
slots in the heads. I used all stainless steel hardware.
We tried out this arrangement on our last trip and it worked
well. It took longer to hang the shower curtains than it did to remove the shelf
and basin. It seemed to me that the time saved in adjusting the water temperature
reduced the amount of total water used, which as we all know is important. But
the convenience was also a joy. Replacing the basin and shelf took only a few
seconds longer than removing them.
Richard Cox
2002HD
