I recently purchased a Fiberglass 33 Ford Coupe. The car was originally bought and built in 1997 - 98. The body is from Redneck. The hidden door hinges on the car are wore out. Does anyone know where I can find a new set of hinges for a reasonable price. I have contacted Redneck directly and they do have replacement hinges - but they are VERY expensive - $680 for a complete set of 4. I can not find who manufactures these for Redneck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have attached a photo of the hinges. Thanks guys.
I could. I am not sure exactly how these hinges work? There seems to be a lot of play not in the pin area - but in the area where they slide? Anyone have info on exactly how these work?
I would take them off, see how they work and what's going on and figure it out from there. What do you have to loose?
They slide when opening the door while at the same time pivoting on the pin - never seen a hinge like this before.
looking at the picture, can't be sure, but those might be bronze - either cast or machined from stock. $$$. re-bushing might be your best option. If the slide portion is where the wear is, buying a new set might be the path of least resistance. do the hinges / hinge parts hold a magnet?
That's the other thing - I can't tell what these things are made out of. Redneck tells me that the new replacement ones are made of stainless steel - I do not believe that mine are stainless - they look almost like they are cast. They hold a magnet - but not strong like steel - very slight.
Talk about ""'built in obsolescence,""" Get a hold of Karl at Wescott's Auto Restyling, Boring, Oregon ; 1-800-523-6279 tell em what ya got, he might help ya
while i am not a metallurgist , i do know that some stainless steels can be cast and that some stainless steels are slightly magnetic
Anything you can melt can be cast. I remember seeing those hinges in the magazines in the 80's or 90's. Looked like a bad idea back then for wear issues. Seems you have discovered its true.
Yep, nice looking hinges - but I don't believe that they are very durable. At this point though - I have to stick with them!
Try calling Kiemig Autobody in Atchison, Kansas, they were the ones who owned Red Neck Street Rods in '97/98. I am sure that they can tell you who made the hinges and they are pretty good folks. You will want to talk with Wayne or Willy.
Not a problem, you can tell 'em I sad call if you think it will help. I have known them for probably the better part of 15 or 20 years.
Just curious - I heard that their fiberglass bodies from the 80s-90s are one of the best - what is your opinion having known them?
Thank you very much for the info. I talked with Willy - very nice man - he was able to give me the name of the original manufacturer of the hinges. I spoke with them and they may be able to help me. Thanks again for the info - much appreciated!
When the Keimigs bought the company they did a redesign on the structure. They were good bodies to start with then became even better. They are a little heavier then some of the other bodies. they basically used the same technology as Corvette for the structural part of the body. Wayne and willy both have a very good eye when it comes to all things Ford, they are Ford people. They did redesign the chop on a couple of the bodies to give it better eye appeal. If I had Deuce or Model 40 money and could lay my hands on a Keimig body I would have a hard time deciding if I would build steel or glass. Glad I could help. Willy and my Missus are buddies, I seldom miss a chance to harass him. he has the patience of Job. One time I was over too the shop and chatting with Wayne while I walked around a sweet coupe that Willy was building. I began to pic it apart and grin pretty soon I heard Willy say, "Uh, I standing right here." I turned and said, " Oh hi Willy, nice car." there he stood with my Missus arm in arm, they were both grinning like possums. Good people.
Thanks for the story, you meet so many nice people in this hobby - and thanks again for taking the time to help me
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