'60 Door hindge

[428cj6v]

Hello all, new member here. I just bought a 28ft Airstream last wed, my first vintage trailer. Just one area of skin repair on the lower door. I removed the panel yesterday morning and JACKPOT, what a find on the back of the old panel. We'll the rivets on the rest of the door are loose and the door needs to come off to repair it properly. My question is, Since the hindge pin has a head on both ends, which way does it come out and what is the least destructive way.

[Janie Q]

That is really neat. You should frame that photo and hang it on your airstream!
Jane

[428cj6v]

I am going to carefully clean it and hang it next to the warranty on the closet door. And maybe Google Johnny Alonzo and see if he is still around?

[Janie Q]

I didn't realize that part of the door will not be going back on...
That's better than a stinkin photo in the airstream!
Jane

[Janie Q]

Johnny Alonzo!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f492...nzo-40088.html

[428cj6v]

Thanks Janie, that post was great. I will look at all the links tonight.

[vinstream]

You need to grind off the pin-head on the bottom side of the hinge and replace it with a new pin. The bottom pin-head is really a welded on blob and ground to the shape of the top pin-head shape. If you can find a locking pin (very hard to find) that will replace the need to weld. Many people simple replace the pin and never weld or lock it into place and end up losing the door on the road some place.... DO NOT DO THAT!!! I charge $1000 to make entirely new door, many think that is a high price, however, it takes hours to make and form the inner structure.

Great find! Good luck!

[428cj6v]

Great info Vinstream, just what I was looking for. After removing the bottom panel I can see there is not much structure there. Would you happen to know where the pins are available at? Do they come long and cut to fit? Does the welding heat affect the hindge? Are there other ways to secure the pin? What do you think about machining a groove in the end of the pin for a C-clip or drilling a hole for a cotter key?