[TR] Quandry - TR3 hinges

[Randall]

> Are the hood & trunk hinges the same of different?  I have two sets that
> appear to be the same but the parts manual lists them as different.  What
> is the difference 

Originals may have been more different, but the reproductions appear to be
exactly the same casting for both hood and trunk.  The only difference is
the location of one of the studs.  The stud on the longer part of the hinge,
nearer the pivot point, is closer to the pivot point for a trunk hinge than
for a hood hinge.  Usually, you can see the molded dimple where the hole for
the other stud would have been drilled and tapped.  I measure roughly 1-3/4"
on the hood, 2-1/4" on the trunk.

The button on top seems to depend on who made the reproduction.  Some have
them, some don't.  In fact, I just noticed that the hood hinges on TS13571L
have the button on one side and not on the other!

Of course you'll be careful not to mix left and right hinges.  The
difference is subtle, but you can see it if you look for it.  The hinge pin
is not parallel to the bottom of the hinge, the tall side goes to the
outside of the car.  Generally, if you get it wrong, one of the hinges will
break in very short order.

BTW, I also usually find I need to shorten the relocated stud for the trunk,
at least for a pre-60K car.  They are supplied so long that they tear up the
seal and hit the body when the lid is closed.  Possibly this would not apply
to the post-60K bodies with the plinth for the hinges, but I cut off more
than the thickness of the plinth.  And that is after I deepen the hole (with
a bottoming tap) to get maximum engagement between the stud and hinge.  I
also use Loctite when reassembling, as I've had a stud pull out on several
hinges.

Randall