Stuck Tuffy Console Lock

[gityup68]

I've had a Tuffy Console for 25 years in my 68. Recently placed some microfiber towels in an already partially full console. Now the lock won't open. Thinking towel may have gotten lodged in the key lock. I have tried moving it, lifting it, wedging it with a screwdriver. It's in there. Any suggestions.

 

[SteveL]

If it's over full did you try pushing down lid and turning key? As mine have gotten older I have to wiggle the lid up and down and find the spot where the key will turn.

 

[gityup68]

If it's over full did you try pushing down lid and turning key? As mine have gotten older I have to wiggle the lid up and down and find the spot where the key will turn.

Have not tried this with the key. Will try. Seems pretty lodged in .

 

[RangerRob]

I had a similar thing happen with mine several years ago and was finally able to get something in there to finally get it open. Sorry I don't remember exactly what, but it is possible!

I discovered the aluminum "box" that protects the lock had been distorted (probably from overfilling with stuff) and interfered with the latch operation. Also found some loose bolts that made things sloppy and difficult to operate. A few modifications later and its all back to working correctly.

Good luck!

 

[abn373]

I just realized my Tuffy locking glove box is stuck. The button presses but it doesn't unlatch and there is NOTHING in there to jam it. Just the fuse panel, which wouldn't. I will mess with it tomorrow and let you know if I come up with anything that may help with your console

 

[Yeller]

My wife slammed her purse straps in mine years ago while on a trip. A 3’ pry bar and an 20 minutes worth of work the box was pried open but sadly bent way beyond reasonable repair.

 

[ksagis]

Couple good ideas here that might help:

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/how-to-get-in-a-stuck-tuffy-console.165486/

 

[SteveL]

Any luck?

 

[gityup68]

Yes by the way. I went with the trying to take out the rear hinge, took a little bit, but was not difficult. Then was able to lift the back of the console top and could see that my travel umbrella was the culprit. It was wedged in the lock mechanism and also, noticed that it turned the button latch bar backwards, clearly not allowing the button to push down on the internal lock. Reached in with long screw driver and released the lock, top came right off. Re-Aligned the button bar, took out the damn umbrella, reinstalled the hinge pin and TADA. Great input from all. Much Appreciated, have a great summer.

 

[DirtDonk]

And now you can too it sounds like!
Thanks for the follow-up report and good result.

Paul

 

[abn373]

I just realized my Tuffy locking glove box is stuck. The button presses but it doesn't unlatch and there is NOTHING in there to jam it. Just the fuse panel, which wouldn't. I will mess with it tomorrow and let you know if I come up with anything that may help with your console

Well drilled out hinges, and the lid sprung upwards and scratched my recently painted dash 🫤 tried drillng out lock, prying on door, still cant get it to disconnect or open. Bought a whole new tuffy glove box and the inside is redesigned so I cant even use that as a guide to figure it out.
I know one thing, no crackhead is just quick prying it open in a store parking lot. So frustrated because I am trying not to further damage dash.

 

[ksagis]

Maybe drill through bottom of box to stuff a boroscope inside to see how old box works. Or use a cutoff tool and cut huge opening in door to see. Given the state of the current door, the latter option seems better.

 

[dmoses42]

Can you get to it from the back side of the dash?

 

[abn373]

Can you get to it from the back side of the dash?

No, they are fully enclosed steel units. You have to have the door open to access the attaching screws. I guess I am going to have to cut a large hole in front door at this point.

 

[Bronco4x4]

At this point, I was thinking a big hole in the front with cut off wheel. Use cardboard, masking tape, tarps, and work blankets to protect paint, interior, and glass.

 

[Yeller]

^^^^ I’d of done been there and moved on. I’m impatient lol

 

[Bronco4x4]

A large hole saw might work too. Just enough to get a light/mirror/tool in there.

 

[abn373]

Well...the hole worked....turns out last time I put my fuse panel back in (it velcros to the inside floor of glove box) I was careless and didnt stick it back far enough and some wires entangled in lock mechanism. FWIW, I also keep my GPS tracker in there, hardwired to fuse panel, and it has a back up battery in it. I feel even more confident about that set up now.

 

[ksagis]

Nice work, glad the hole saw didnt cut any wires!