I am building a 50 shoebox. Want to change the trunk hinges. Will 51 hinges work or has somebody used something else that works good. Thanks
51 will work but you have to cut the whole ***embly out and weld it into the 50. Check out shoeboxford.com or flatheadsrus.com Go to the search section or ask your question there.
Build your own. Use some ingenuity. Postwar '46-'48 Fords and '39-40 use a hipped hinge (my term) that allows it to be placed on the same plane on the trunk-lid and rear-deck, with enough bend, so when the lid is opened the curved section (hip part) does not engage the outer edge of the rear-deck. I am sure someone sells hinges that would be easy to modify, or just make two plates per side and replicate what a '51 hinge does. I had a '50 Ford and hated the look of the hinges, which are make of ****-metal and considered replacing them. So what I'm telling you is what a lot of guys who owned these cars struggled with in their heads. Perhaps someone already makes some to fit. You'll still have to weld tabs on the deck-lid and rear-deck to attach whatever you use, and this is what separates the thinkers from the doers. Good Luck with your Ford. Good luck with your hinges.
Thanks for the input. I like fortynuts idea of the 46-48 trunk hinges. I looked at some on line looked to be a good way to go. Thanks again.
I always thought '49 stock hinges were prettier then the stock '50's although harder to find in decent shape. I know they sell aftermarket hinges similar in design to 46-48 hinges, Speedway offers a kit that may work.
I guess when it comes to Customs, I come from the Elders of Zoot School. I envision a Custom that is 'smooth' with no hicups to break the flow; therefore, hidden hinges are only part of the check list. Add: Frenched headlights, and tail-lights, no door handles, and all seams molded; hood, deck-lid and door corners rounded, and bumpers smoothed of guards and bumper bolts, and it should be low as a sled on a snow covered lane; and slathered in paint so mysterious and mirror shiny that it causes you take a step back for fear of falling into a place where little men with hammers hold sway over all things metal. I have a few optional elements such as fender-skirts, and would prefer a hidden antenna as opposed to one Frenched because I don't think holes are appropriate, so no scoops on the hood, or along the leading edge of the rear fender. Lakes pipes seem out of place on a super-smoothie, and the interior should also be as zoot as if tailored on Saville Row, or in a Roman high fashion palace, with nothing gauche in color scheme, or manner of implementation. My own preference is rolls and pleats with beading the same color as the leather. And, I'm not against having the saddle being somewhat distressed as any thing that is 'too nice to drive' is little more than a show car. Of course, this is my dream; and most of the cars I've owned have been less than my ideal; but a man can set standards, and even if he fails, at least he knows the difference between 'getting by' until something better comes along and compromise. (I am aware this subject would take more time than we have.) BUT: Shoe box Fords and '49-'51 Mercuries are perfect candidates for my brand of 'go for broke' drivable Customs with a lot of la***ude for the 'different strokes' philosophy we all know is necessary to include everyone's participation in the 'coolest ride' contest that has been going on since some bright angel suggested modifying Granny's Tin Lizzie, to look better and go a little faster. And, even though, as a lot of folks like to say, though we agree to disagree, it's not that I don't like something. My point always is that: I like something else, better.