Main Door Hinges

jomama · 04-17-2008, 11:08 AM

Need suggestions from anyone who has dealt with this same issue.
My husband and I are working on a '64 Globe Trotter and have found the hinges on the entry door (trailer side) to be broken. Up until sometime prior to '64, the pins were easily removed making it possible for someone to get into the trailer. We are told that Airstream's solution was to drill a hole through the last "loop" of the hinge and insert a small pin through that and the hinge pin. This weakened that last "loop." Both of them, top and bottom, have broken off on this trailer. The pins can fall out. If you have run into this situation, did you replace the trailer half of the hinge, or did you have them repaired? Thanks for any info you can share.

bobkelly · 04-17-2008, 03:51 PM

Jo---Welcome to the forums. Lot's of experience and knowledge here. I don't have your answer, but someone will come along soon that does. Again, welcome.

1953 Flying · 04-17-2008, 03:58 PM

Wow, I would have never drilled into my hinges for sake of keeping people out. I have a 53 Flying Cloud with similar hinges. The hinge pins are easily accessible form the outside. I figure if they want to get in a take my stuff they must need it moire than me.

I'm sure some one will chime in to give you some ideas. Best of luck

ticki2 · 04-17-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomama

Need suggestions from anyone who has dealt with this same issue.
My husband and I are working on a '64 Globe Trotter and have found the hinges on the entry door (trailer side) to be broken. Up until sometime prior to '64, the pins were easily removed making it possible for someone to get into the trailer. We are told that Airstream's solution was to drill a hole through the last "loop" of the hinge and insert a small pin through that and the hinge pin. This weakened that last "loop." Both of them, top and bottom, have broken off on this trailer. The pins can fall out. If you have run into this situation, did you replace the trailer half of the hinge, or did you have them repaired? Thanks for any info you can share.

I saw a set of '60's hinges on ebay yesterday , good luck

InsideOut · 04-17-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ticki2

I saw a set of '60's hinges on ebay yesterday , good luck

Unfortunately, that auction has ended. Sold for about $245

There was also a pre-65 door and door-within-a-door listed too. You sure don't see those come up very often! No hinges are included though...

Shari

vinstream · 04-17-2008, 06:53 PM

I too do not like that someone can pop pins out of the hinge and take the door or break in to trailer...

So pictures are of weld or hamered end on pin on bottom of hinge...
I don't like this because you need to grind pin off to take door off

Or use a pin from an residential "out swing door" Hinge... Were you need tools to take off but can not take out set pin if door is closed all the way!

Use only stainless steal Hinges... You do have to buy the entire hinge since they do not sell just the pin.

jomama · 04-19-2008, 10:01 AM

Thanks, everybody, for the welcome and the good wishes. We're keeping an eye on ebay but know finding our hinges there will be a fluke. And we missed the one mentioned by ticki2.
This trailer has offered up a whole series of "learning experiences" different from the Overlanders, but that's what makes it fun.
Back to the hinges, VinStream gave us some good food for thought. Thanks! It has also been suggested that we call a local fellow who does tig welding from his mobile unit. We might talk to him, but that one is iffy. And there is a dealership near Atlanta that reportedly has lots of Airstream parts from bygone days, so we'll check them.
It'll work out, but knowing I can come to you guys with these questions is terrific.
Have a great day! Jo

jomama · 04-19-2008, 10:05 AM

Your reply being the first startled me! My brother is also Bob Kelly, but he lives in Florida. When I saw your user name I wondered when he got an Airstream. He's too busy playing golf!
Jo

CaddyGrn · 04-19-2008, 11:28 AM

Hello,

Just my two cents about door hinges. Rather than worry if someone can pop the pins out... be concerned about the construction of the rivets and the back plates. We have a 63 and ours looked great (from the outside) lost our door going down the interstate... the backing plate is steel and the aluminum and steel just don't get along well.... corrosion won out and they just disintigrated. Here is a link to my hubby's thread if you want more information:
Floor Replacement 63 Bambi (go to page 15 and see post #198)

Good luck.

Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis from the Great State of Jefferson

jomama · 04-20-2008, 02:24 PM

Mrs. NorCal Bambi, your two cents is much appreciated. We are not the ones who are worrying about somebody breaking in - the former owners are the ones who had a hole drilled through the lower portion of the trailer side of the hinge and the pin. The bottom half of each hinge is now broken, and we need to repair or replace it before we lose our door going down the road. The backing plate is in good condition, and the rivets seem firm. It is that bottom ring of the hinge itself - because of the drilled hole - that is broken. The door, even with the door-within-a-door, is surprisingly light, but it is held on, top and bottom, by just the pins through the top rings. Guess I need to take a picture and post that to show what I am trying to describe.
Thanks again.
Jo