Access door "hinge"

[redthies]

I'm looking for the "J" or "L" (depending on your penmanship ) shaped piece of aluminum that is riveted to the top of access doors, and slips into the upper door frame to make a "hinge". I tried emailing Andy at Inland RV, but got no response. Does anyone know of a source, or even the "technical" name for the stuff? I need enough for a fridge access door around 18" long.

Thanks!

[Aviator]

Something you may consider is instead of the factory hook arrangement, switch to an aluminum piano hinge. I have noted several on the forum who have done that as part of a restoration, and I plan to do the same when it is time on our 1970. I find the hooks difficult to get into the slot sometimes, and they bend if you don't have it positioned correctly.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by redthies

I'm looking for the "J" or "L" (depending on your penmanship ) shaped piece of aluminum that is riveted to the top of access doors, and slips into the upper door frame to make a "hinge". I tried emailing Andy at Inland RV, but got no response. Does anyone know of a source, or even the "technical" name for the stuff? I need enough for a fridge access door around 18" long.

Thanks!

I've been searching Hi and Low for the technique to make that part. It appears to be a rolled piece but with the inside lip, none of the standard tooling will make it. Like Craig said, I will probably use aluminum piano hinge but I just can get that dang rolled shape off my mind.

I know I'm off on another stupid quest...

[reinergirl]

Like this hinge?
Teardrop Fix-It-Shop | Teardrop Trailer Parts - Hardware


I think they are also referred to as hurricane hinges....like this

http://www.lilbear.teardrops.net/parts.html

[Minno]

We went to a piano hinge and reversed the way it hinged (hinged at bottom instead of top) I think per Andy's recommendations. Don't have to hold the door up while rummaging around in there to find something, and get my fingers when the door swings down unexpectedly. Door is also securely riveted to the trailer.
Not what you're asking, but what we did. Those hinges are apparently very hard to find in good condition.

Kay

[redthies]

Thanks for all the responses. I agree they aren't ideal. This is for the fridge access door, so hopefully won't be open and shut all the time. I will just get some alu piano hinge then...

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by redthies

I'm looking for the "J" or "L" (depending on your penmanship ) shaped piece of aluminum that is riveted to the top of access doors, and slips into the upper door frame to make a "hinge". I tried emailing Andy at Inland RV, but got no response. Does anyone know of a source, or even the "technical" name for the stuff? I need enough for a fridge access door around 18" long.

Thanks!

Turn the door upside down.

Then install a piano hinge at the bottom.

That's a "forever" fix.

Andy

[redthies]

Thanks Andy.

[flaagan]

I'll second that "Thanks Andy", was working on fixing the access doors on the '72 Ambassador today. At least one of them has a damaged 'hinge' strip, was actually found stored inside the trailer. Another door flopped off the mounting point when I was working on removing the damaged lock, took me about 15 minutes to get the dang thing back on. Definitely think I'll measure up for some piano hinge and put that on instead.

[tarh2o]

I too have to replace the hinge on my fridge door exterior. Is there a certain practice regarding the placement of the hinge pin center section? Does the middle pivot pin go to the interior or the exterior? Ie - The middle pivot that is round goes into the interior of the cavity OR the middle pivot pin goes to the exterior and is facing out so that you see it from the exterior?

[Minno]

Originally Posted by tarh2o

I too have to replace the hinge on my fridge door exterior. Is there a certain practice regarding the placement of the hinge pin center section? Does the middle pivot pin go to the interior or the exterior? Ie - The middle pivot that is round goes into the interior of the cavity OR the middle pivot pin goes to the exterior and is facing out so that you see it from the exterior?

Are you asking about a piano hinge? If yes, then the round bulge part needs to go to the outside as it will interfere with the hatch door closing if you mount it towards the inside. Plus, the hinge won't lay flat against the door or the frame if you mount it with the round part towards the inside.

Chris

[sarasafari]

I, too, am looking to do the piano hinge repair on my refer door. Any recommendations as to heavy duty, undrilled holes, versus lighter aluminum with pre drilled holes. Any photos would be appreciated too. Thanks!