Hello everyone, I am working on my 35-36 5 window coupe project and it has the standard Rumble Seat on it. I know there are a lot of threads on how to convert this to a useable trunk lid but it also involves finding the original trunk hinges which are very hard to find. I have been studying pictures of these cars and their brother models and noticed that the notch back and some convertibles with trunks have exterior hinges and these are readily available. Has anyone here attempted or successfully installed those type of exterior hinges on the rumble seat lid to convert it into a trunk? I like the art deco styling of these hinges so I am ok with them being exposed. I also realize that the lower section of the opening will need to have a drip rail fabbed up to keep water out and I will have to tune up the latch system and I can do that. Any info or pictures of this type of conversion will be greatly appreciated if possible. Thank you in advance.
Ok, after some research, I knew I have seen these type of hinges on a 36. They are on 36 Ford Club Cabriolets. Now, the question is were these special made for this car or did Henry Ford do what he usually did and use parts from other models like from the 36 Ford Humpback Trunk Hinge? Only the Hambers who REALLY know 35-36 Fords will know. Who can answer this question please?
Hinge were special made for 1936 Ford Club Cabriolets due to the lack of room for the hinge to mount and move with the back seat On the rain gutter , Gutter sections from 1937-1939 Chevy humpback sedans work well for replacement pieces later kb
The one from a 35-36 ford humpback sedan and used on Mullins trailers make work, but maybe to light to handle the heavy lid, here's some pics I found on Ford barn of ORG CC ones later kb
Humpback Sedan, Convertible Sedan and Club Cabriolet all used exposed chrome hinges. They are all specific/differ design-wise from one another. I would guess any of them could be made to convert a regular trunk car with enough work, but I've never done it. ironandsteele.com
https://cwmoss.com/products/trunk-lid-hinges-1937-flatback-sedan I used these on a 35 5w coupe I'm working on... simple install. Upper mount to body curve seems to match the 35 body well.
Hello deuce, any chance you might have some pictures of this question mark also, do you believe these hinges are strong enough to hold the weight of the trunk lid that is basically the same as the rumble seat lid? Or did you cut down some of the structure on the rumble seat lid to lighten it up? Thank you for the response, this is exactly what I’m looking for
The only pics I have are attached from the build. sorry I don't have a camera or phone. My decklid is rough, it's louvred but it's full weight and the hinges support it without any problem. Please forgive the rough body & decklid mismatch in the photo's (this car is a frankenstein made from coupe & sedan leftovers)...it's now body worked & painted & somewhat respectable. I made the upper hinge mount through a 1/16" 90 degree doubler spot welded to the outer body skin and to the drip channel vertically. Inside the decklid is another 90 degree doubler spot welded the skin & skirt. I believe they mount similarly on 37's (but please don't quote me on that..) The bolts that go into the hinges from beneath have a sleeve & rubber isolation cup that seems to absorb the body flex so the paint doesn't crack. Hope these help.
Hi Deuce1932! This is awesome information and I thank you very much for sharing the info and pictures, especially on the fact that these hinges will hold the weight. This is an option for people who want a little more of an art deco look on their cars. For those who want to use the original hidden hinges, "Linechaser32" here on the HAMB is re producing them and the quality of his parts look very good. Thank you everyone and I will share more of the work I am doing on my car in an upcoming build thread I am working on.
I Checked your website for the T Shirt but they are sold out?!?! Do you plan on making another batch and if so when will they be available?
Just to set the record straight, Mullins trailer hinges are unique to and only fit the Mullins trailer. The latches are the same as 35-36 Ford sedan.
The Jalopy Journal
