1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

I'm trying to figure out if I'm missing a part for the rumble hinge for a 1932 Ford Cabriolet. The bolt hole for the half of the hinge that attaches to the body is 5/8" - painted black. The corresponding hole on the hinge that attaches to the rumble lid is 1/2". The bolt itself has a shoulder, so it fits nicely in the 1/2" hole. The threads are 3/8". Am I missing a sleeve that goes over the bolt where the hinge pivots? Otherwise, the rumble lid would seem to rattle around. All parts are original to the car.

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Matt,


With the exception of a lock washer, you are not missing anything.

Note the markings from one of the squares with the cross hatching. Look closely at your third photo and you will note that the shoulder of the bolt fits against the smooth side of one of the squares. The other square fits inside the bracket attached to the vertical strainer (in black) with the cross hatching side facing toward the inside of the rumble compartment. Add a lock washer and then the hex nut and that is the totality of the attachment. The disparity in the hole diameters is intentional to provide some slight amount of adjustment of the rumble lid to the body. The cross hatched squares hold everything into the desired position once the nut is tightened.

I cannot imagine a more unpleasant job on the assembly line than making those adjustments hour after hour, day after day given the close quarters of the rumble compartment. It would be right up there with attaching the two bolts at the bottom of the rumble lid that retain the bottom of the rumble seat back cushion.

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

David,

Thank you for the information. I see what you are referencing. It helps to explain the minor wear on the threads of the bolt.

I can't wait to attach the two bolts at the bottom of the rumble lid. Yikes!

Matt

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Matt, a practical "trick" is after the rumble lid is fit to satisfaction "tack" weld the washers to the body panels with one weld only. This keeps the alignment if you need to remove the lid for painting, upholstery, etc, but can be broken off if re-alignment is necessary.

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Great tip Karl - much appreciated!

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Karl,

Thanks for the tip.

Matt

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Awful job! The way I did it here:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...6&postcount=11


Glenn

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

Glen,

Thanks for the information.

Matt

Re: 1932 Cabriolet rumble hinge bolts
 

You're welcome!