As most of you know, the mk7 dash has a hidden storage area under the radio. I have no idea why Ford decided not to use it, but it's not too difficult to make use of.
I have seen some people fit a latching catch here, but the problem I see with this idea is that it is difficult to fit and as the door has to be pushed in to unlatch, so when the door is closed it always looks slightly open.

My alternative idea is a lot easier to fit.
All you need are some self adhesive magnetic pads - the type which have an A & B pad are best as they are designed to lock together accurately such as these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAGNETIC-TAPE-ADHESIVE-CRAFT-MAGNET-25MM-X-6-5MM-PADS-/360202604606?pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item53ddbf903e

Firstly you need to remove the door panel. This can be done by inserting a plastic trim tool into the gap and levering to release the clip.
To stop the door permanently closing, simply remove the metal clip from the dash or cut the plastic pin off the door.

[IMG]http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/hackedbios/storage.jpg[/IMG]

This makes a great hiding place for iPods or portable sat navs.

I originally tried magnetic pads but found they were too weak (fell open whilst driving) and no easy method of opening (usually involved a fingernail in the the top gap)

Then installed the bin lid push catch, then swapped to Sony stereo and sealed it up again as I never used it.

But great guide as always

So far the magnetic pads are holding well (I try avoiding off-roading and pot holes).
If it becomes a problem there is plenty of room to add more pads or worse case, a Tetrax magnet fitted in place of the catch!

A small loop of string or fabric could be stuck inside the door to act as a pull handle to open, but personally I like to keep it clean to deter opportunist thieves.

I tried to remove the panel, but run out of bolox, crappin myself i was going to break it after a few days ownership I bottled out, just managed to get apart the two top corners but the middle was stiff so i quit

any suggestions?

[quote name='HatterScaff' timestamp='1345044030' post='201099']
any suggestions?
[/quote]

Just keep pulling!

bloody hell the stuff you learn about on this forum when its pissing it down outside,,,wil try this when the wife brings the car home,

iNath, thanks, I did it after some effort, is there a way of hinging the cover?

[quote name='HatterScaff' timestamp='1345645052' post='202598']
iNath, thanks, I did it after some effort, is there a way of hinging the cover?
[/quote]

Pre-2012 and it's on a hinge. Apparently this year they changed it so it's not unfortunately.

I tried the push-pull catches first but couldn't get them to line up properly leaving a gap at the flap door edge (mine is the hinged type). Then I tried the magnetic strips which were a lot better and easier to fit but the self-adhesive kept coming away in very hot weather and it kept falling open (what hot weather I hear you say !). Now I have just resorted back to the original clip as it's turned out that the cubby hole is of little use to me as it is too narrow and too deep. Could be why Ford blanked it off in the first place !

I recently bought my '85 Zetec and have wondered about that panel. I've tried pushing it in but nothing happens. Might sound silly, but I've been too scared to push it too hard in case I break it. Is it meant to open or have you guys done modifications?

thanks!

[quote name='The Festive Fiesta' timestamp='1346777775' post='204908']
I recently bought my '85 Zetec and have wondered about that panel. I've tried pushing it in but nothing happens. Might sound silly, but I've been too scared to push it too hard in case I break it. Is it meant to open or have you guys done modifications?

thanks!
[/quote]


An '85 Fiesta? Wow that's an old'un!

You need to pull, not push.

Haha, my bad.

Cheers

Might be a little late on this topic but Ihave been thinking I could maybe fit an iphone bracket to the inside of this compartment so I don't have one on the windscreen. Does anyone know if it is safe to drill into the inside panel on the passenger side?