While my wife and I were at the Las Vegas Octoberfest rally we had the privilege of meeting Ann and Gene. While in their coach they showed us what their friends Bonnie and Tommy had done to their foot stool. They installed lifting hinges to make it a "table" of sorts. Just finished the project myself and am very pleased with the outcome.
The installation took about 15 minutes and can be done by even the most novice handy person with a Phillips screw driver (battery powered driver makes the job really easy and quick). I ordered the hinges from Amazon for about $50. When you search for them use
"Lift up Modern Coffee Table Mechanism Hardware Fitting Furniture Hinge Spring".
After you get the hinges remove the top of the foot stool and set aside. On the short sides of the interior box draw a pencil line 3" down from the top edge. You will line up the hinge with this line (see photo). Screw in two screws to secure it to the box. You will add more later. Repeat the process for the other hinge directly across from the first one.
Add the springs to the two steel studs at this time with the hinges in the closed position. It takes a little effort to hook them but not all that difficult.
Extend both hinges to maximum extension and place the foot stool lid on top of them. Set the lid as far forward as possible and still have it all rest on the upholstered board on the bottom of the lid. Make sure each side is exactly the same spacing. With your drill/driver add a couple of screws to each hinge bracket on the lid. Be careful when adding the screws to this board as it is not very strong and it is easy to strip the hole.
Do a test closing to see if the lid and the bottom make a good match. If not, remove the screws and adjust the position of the lid. Reattach the screws and test the closing process. Once the hinges appear to be functioning properly, add the remaining screws to both the top and bottom hinge brackets.
You now have a versatile piece of furniture that can be a regular foot stool with two positions to place your feet/legs on, a second "table" for guests to eat on (or snacks for football viewing directly in front of the tv), or a computer platform for your laptop. It isn't as high as a standard table but is a definite improvement over the unmodified foot stool.
Hope you try this if it looks like something you would enjoy.
Mallory Willis
2016 Anthem 44B Firestorm
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