Rebuilding Hinges on 1931 Cabriolet
 

A couple of weeks ago I asked questions about repairing the door hinges. I have completed the project and it turned out to be very easy. I decided that I was going to use a bushing so that they could be changed in the future if they got worn and I didn't want to drill out any more material from the hinge then necessary.

I first drilled out the center worn portion of the hinge with a 5/16 in. drill (0.312) and then with a size "O" drill (0.316). I always try to make the hole in stages so that there is less risk of getting a bad hole. Then I went to Walmart and purchased a cafe curtain rod. These are the rods that are round telescoping, small diameter, Mainstays 11 in. to 19 in. #95-MS44014011-24. Essentially it is a very thin steel tube. Cut this material to the width of the center portion of the hinge and inserted it into the hinge. Finish the job with a piece of 0.003 brass shim stock inside the Walmart bushing. The final step is to assemble the hinge. I wanted the fit to be a hard, finger push fit and this combination works perfectly. If it wears in the future, it will push out easily for a new bushing. Ed