[Spridgets] Lower Door Hinges--Midget

[Bud Osbourne]

Monty,
If I understand, correctly, your description; you are actually replacing
the lower hinge mounting section of the A post/door post.  The lower
hinges are pretty robust items, and can usually be rehabilitated with a
good immersion (of a few days duration)in some Kroil (or some other good
penetrant).
Having done more than a couple of these things, I have to ask you two
questions:
1.) Where did that replacement part come from?
2.) How are you determining precisely where to mount it?

If it isn't an OE, or BL Heritage part, I wouldn't recommend using it.
This is an area that'll stick out like the proverbial sore thumb if you
don't get it right.  Without going into excruciating detail, here, let
me suggest that you MUST fit that piece with the door in place, properly
closed & aligned, and the repair piece bolted to the hinge itself.
Obviously, the outer skin should not be in place when you install the
inner door post (hinge mounting section), if you want to get it welded
in correctly and securely.  And, yes, the outer skin should wrap around
the inner piece the same way it does on the upper section.  I find that
I usually  "splice" the outer section in about and inch or two above the
new inner section, to allow better access for fitting and welding.
Just take your time, and think it through, carefully, so that you can
avoid "painting yourself into a corner" so to speak.  Lots of trial
fitting, careful trimming, re-fitting, hammer & dolly, etc. will be
needed to get it just right.  It's worth the effort, I can assure you.
Bud Osbourne

-----Original Message-----
From: spridgets-bounces+abcoz=hky.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:spridgets-bounces+abcoz=hky.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
Monty Love
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2007 11:11 AM
To: spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spridgets] Lower Door Hinges--Midget

Hello list;

 

I am normally a listener on the list, but I need some help.  I am trying
to
replace the door hinges on both sides of the A pillars on my '73 midget.
I
have removed the old hinges and have the replacement parts and a few
questions.  The replacement hinges seem to fit well, but the door light
switch box seems to interfere with the top of the hinge replacement box.
It
is a triangle that is at a 90 degree angle to the A post and next to the
light swich box.  Also, the replacement skin is a question also.  I am
only
trying to replace the lower skin and hinge.  So, I have only removed the
lower skin.  The upper skin wraps around the A post.  Do I have to cut
off
the upper A pillar enough to get the new skin into place?  If you need I
can
send pictures to show what I have.  It is hard to explain in text.
Thanks
for any help you can give.

 

Monty Love

'73 in pieces

Huntsville, Alabama