• From: Chico, CA
  • Registered: 2005-11-03
  • Posts: 320

Re: Hinge Pin Lessons and Hints

I think I figured out why a $9 harbor freight air hammer doesn't work as good as a $40 air hammer.  It is the piston stroke.  I tried a Craftsman hammer with a   2 3/4 stroke and it set those pins perfectly.

Clancy, I noticed on the stock pins that they were driven all the way flush with the bottom of the hinge.  This only leaves about 1/4 or less of the top of the pin in the top section of the hinge.  Did you drive yours all the way down?  I centered mine.  There is an equal amount in the top part of the hinge and the bottom paart of the hinge.

John

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
    Sir Winston Churchill
  • From: Bethel Park PA
  • Registered: 2004-06-27
  • Posts: 686

Re: Hinge Pin Lessons and Hints

They should be driven down to the bottom of the hinge.  The extra space at the top is for a cap which prevents water and dirt from entering the hinge.

David H
'66 VW Beetle w/sunroof
http://tinyurl.com/qhw59
"Where am I going ... and why am I in this handbasket?"
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Hinge Pin Lessons and Hints

John: David answered it. On earlier pins, like on my '65, there is an actual "head" which sets into a depression in the top of the hinge. Of course on the driver's side the top of the pin accepts the rear view mirror. I'd say set the pin deep enough to accept the plastic cap that David referred to. http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai … 311831439A
Sounds like you're almost there!

Clancy