Soft Top Hinge Rebuild

[Theorangetiger]

Anybody have experience getting these things apart? Not much shows up in a search other than it's a PITA. One end of the hinge pin is a slotted head which sits in a bore. The other doesn't look like threads so I don't think it unscrews. Any advice appreciated before I start breaking things.

 

[Warren]

How about get a set in good shape before resurrecting. I have been amazed at the Evaporust product I would probably try dropping the whole mess in some of that stuff first and then see how nice it works. Although it's like $20 a gallon.

 

[steven]

I had to take one apart because the ball pivot screw had broken off. I did soak the slotted screw with CRC before removing it

 

[Theorangetiger]

How about get a set in good shape before resurrecting. I have been amazed at the Evaporust product I would probably try dropping the whole mess in some of that stuff first and then see how nice it works. Although it's like $20 a gallon.

Warren, I might go that route but if it's not ridiculously difficult, I'd like to get it taken apart because it will be easier to recondition everything.

Steven, So do the slotted screws just unthread? Both right hand threads?

Thanks

 

[0neoffive]

I have done a lot of them and getting that screw to move can be frustrating. Keep it soaking and walk away for a week. Many times I use needle-nosed vice grips to clamp the screw's shaft where possible and inch it back/forth a few times. Yes it is RH thread.

 

[Theorangetiger]

Good advice. Thanks!

I got one side taken apart. The vice grips advice was spot on. I was actually able to get a medium sized, square nosed pair on it and they have good bite. Another thing I realized is the screw does not bottom out so you can work it back and forth in both directions to break it loose.

Follow up question - I believe the main casting is bronze. Mine, which I believe are original have gray paint that matches the soft top across the bottom at an angle. Is the rest of the casting left bare and picks up a patina? That's what mine appeared to have done and have turned a bit green.

 

[0neoffive]

Good advice. Thanks!

I got one side taken apart. The vice grips advice was spot on. I was actually able to get a medium sized, square nosed pair on it and they have good bite. Another thing I realized is the screw does not bottom out so you can work it back and forth in both directions to break it loose.

Follow up question - I believe the main casting is bronze. Mine, which I believe are original have gray paint that matches the soft top across the bottom at an angle. Is the rest of the casting left bare and picks up a patina? That's what mine appeared to have done and have urned a bit green.

They were painted "Sunbeam Grey" and given the speed of production cound have unpainted areas fer sure. I like leaving them bead cleaned and natural brass.

 

[RIX260]

How about get a set in good shape before resurrecting. I have been amazed at the Evaporust product I would probably try dropping the whole mess in some of that stuff first and then see how nice it works. Although it's like $20 a gallon.

Warren:

Even better, try dropping anything with grease or rust in a container of Pine-Sol. Originally, I started using it for grease removal and noticed that it also removed rust and even paint! I usually soak the parts for at least 48 hours. Whatever is left on the part brushes off with the appropriate size brush. Home Depot sells a barely liftable container of Pine-Sol for $9.95

Rick

 

[Steven43]

After rebuilding three sets of hinges, I, like some of you, used rust-removing penetrating oil and vice grips. But also heated the brass up (lightly) with the torch. I also welded a1/4-28 nut on the back of the arm. The threads were worn. I also had a machinist make some new pins out of stainless steel. (a bit of overkill for someone who plans on running a hard top and doesn't plan on ever putting the soft top up!)
Steven Alcala

 

[Theorangetiger]

I just got mine back together this morning. I think I'll live without the gray paint across the bottom in varying patterns. I did manage to remove a tap that I broke off in one of the mounting holes about 35 years ago. It took three different carbide tools and more patience than I usually have.