*&$%@+ Door Hinges !!!

[GaryBeu]

OK guys and gals...I'm trying to replace my two bent driver's door hinges on Ellie. Got the door off and all screwsa out. Took off the nut inside the fender. The hinges won't come out. As you can see from the photos, the part by the hinge bumper is wider than the hole in the door post. My new/used hinges are different as seen in the final photo. WHAT DON'T I KNOW NOW??? I always feel like an idiot when I work on this car...

Does an expert have a suggestion? Thanks.

Gary
ps. The hinge is moved as far to the right as it will go.

 

[JPSmit]

Can't speak to the door hinges as the Midget is different. But, re: feeling like an idiot. Don't! An idiot is the one who doesn't learn from instruction or experience. In my world I am constantly reminding people that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting different results.

So, if you don't know how to do something - and you ask, that actually makes you smart. There is a first time for everything and everyone. I couldn't have restored my car without help from this board and let me assure you there is no such thing as a stupid question around here.

(Ok one stupid question, "What would you think of trading my MG for a Triumph?" But other than that no stupid questions.)

 

[GaryBeu]

Thanks JP. I've learned so much from so many people on this forum. Carla and I couldn't have been where we are with our MGB without all of you guys and gals. When I was a flight intructor I always told people that there is no stupid question except the one you don't ask... Thanks again to you and everyone.

 

[drooartz]

Looks like your old hinge is bent -- probably from opening the door to hard and having the arm slam against that little rubber nub on the left.

My quick guess (and this is not an expert opinion) is that you will need to bend or cut that left section of the old hinge to get it out.

 

[GaryBeu]

I know the hinges are bent but both old hinges ~seem~ to have that curved out part built into them :frown:. Not sure though.

 

[GaryBeu]

Doc...This CAN'T be correct!!! Can it? ANOTHER fastener? The new/used hinges don't have one. The rubber button is riveted on. My Bentley manual doesn't mention this...tell me it ain't so...PLEASE!

 

[drooartz]

Just popped out and checked the hinges on my B (similar age to yours), and they're like your replacement hinge -- straight where the rubber button is. Definitely NOT curved.

 

[DrEntropy]

Hold yer position, Gar. I'll check at sunup.

 

[GaryBeu]

Yeah Drew I think you're totally correct. The door caught on a part of the garage door and opened wide enough to bend the fender. It just didn't dawn on me that it bent that part so evenly on both hinges :frown: Guess I'll have to cut the hole out a little bit.

Gary

 

[drooartz]

I'd try cutting the hinge first if you can -- that's being replaced anyway. Don't know if you can get a Dremel or drill in there to cut up that bent bit. Hate to cut the car...

 

[GaryBeu]

That sounds like the best thing to try. I'll let ya know how it goes...that's where I'm headed right now.

 

[GaryBeu]

Well, no getting a drill in there. Guess I'm gonna have to go buy a Dremel...

 

[DrEntropy]

Can ya get a short sawzall blade in there, Gar?

 

[Silverghost]

Hard to say from the pictures...being there would be better...if you cut away at the flanges (where the bolt holes are) until you can create some clearance, you "ought" to be able to then slide the chopped up hinge ove enough to get it out. Doc's suggestion is good...and doesn't every garage NEED a Sawzall? :laugh: And attack it with an angle grinder too. I agree with the others - sacrifice the hinge first. It's ruined already

 

[GaryBeu]

Got the hinges out without destorying anything. New/used hinges in and the door works GREAT!! 2nd easiest job we've ever done on the B after the gas tank installation. Yahoo...no more crawling through the passenger door!!!

 

[JPSmit]

Got the hinges out without destorying anything. New/used hinges in and the door works GREAT!! 2nd easiest job we've ever done on the B after the gas tank installation. Yahoo...no more crawling through the passenger door!!!

Well done and given the ease with which you did the job, may I respectfully submit you shaddupabouttheidiotstuff!!!.

You are teaching us too.

 

[drooartz]

Got the hinges out without destorying anything.

Well done! What was the method used?

 

[GaryBeu]

Well, I didn't have a Dremel and couldn't bring myself to spend $100 or so for one. I VERY GENTLY used a cutting wheel along the edge of the bent-out hinges and made just enough room to get them out. I had scribed the edges of the hinges in the paint so I knew where they had been mounted and put them back in the same places. Worked perfectly! VERY LITTLE cut-out of the door frame. I need to repair the bent fender (which is no longer causing a problem)but can't bring myself to try to get the whole windshield frame off to remove the fender!!! AND thanks JP...I'll shaddupaboutit now Lucked out I think

Gary

 

[elrey]

Piece o cake. Great to hear!

 

[JPSmit]

Lucked out I think

Gary

Good advice, a methodical approach and talent I think.