Engine cover hinge?

[michael everson]

Is there any interest in an engine cover hinge? I am in the early stages of making one that I think will work. Let me know what you think.
Mike

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image1_zps76yeembq.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image1_zps76yeembq.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image2_zpsc0x1yap5.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image2_zpsc0x1yap5.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image3_zpsjrg3iejz.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image3_zpsjrg3iejz.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image4_zpsllfkfkef.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image4_zpsllfkfkef.jpeg.html)

[matteo92065]

I like it.

[metalmaker12]

Nice, but prob to late to install for me. Maybe

[AZPete]

Great design, Mike. I appreciate your deign because I made a hinge that pivots at the outside edges of the panel, but then I had to add an aluminum brace across it to keep the panel from sagging. My crude hinge works so I don't need yours, but your design will work better and it looks better. I should have waited for this hinge!

Now I'm waiting for your front hood hinge. Please, please.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Count me in Mike. If you need a guinea pig, lemme know.

Henry

[Mechie3]

Quite a few people have asked me for one, but I haven't had time. I forget what thread it was in they were asking for it.

[metros]

Looks like a nice piece. The best hinge set up would allow both covers to be lifted together or just the engine cover independently.

That should help get some more air into the intercooler as well. Make sure to cross post in the air to air ic thread.

[michael everson]

I don't understand how this hinge will help get more air into the intercooler.
Mike

[Frank818]

I can't see the picture if any but I want hinges for the engine cover the one with the 2 humps.
I want for the trunk lid (exist already) and I want for the full non-cut front hood too.
3 sets of hinges, so I am in whichever you are building.

[Quiny]

I like it, do you think it will eliminate the need for the rear pins on that panel? I have not drilled mine yet and would much prefer using the hinge you made. I'm not sure how my wife will respond to stealing the shower curtain rod for a hood prop, maybe she wont notice.

[Mechie3]

It looks from photos like it would almost work with my rear fender brace too (or might now, hard to tell). It's just a 1/2" rod that sits right underneath the rear lip of the engine cover. If you position your hinge right it'll pivot right over it and those that have my rear brace will be potential customers.

[michael everson]

No need for the pins. unfortunately I already drilled mine

[Bob_n_Cincy]

That should help get some more air into the intercooler as well. Make sure to cross post in the air to air ic thread.


I don't understand how this hinge will help get more air into the intercooler.
Mike

I thought he was joking about leaving the hatch open while driving.

[tmoretta]

I definitely want it when it is perfected. So maybe just the front pair of pins would be used on the engine cover? Would it operate with the rear cover left closed?

[tmoretta]

I too need to know if the new hinge would work with Mechie's rear fender brace. I have mine installed and I like it.

[svanlare]

Like Frank I'm hoping for 3 sets of hinges, both at the rear for engine and trans covers and a front hinge.

[michael everson]

This will hinge open with the rear trunk closed. Likely both could be open at the same time but have not tried. I will be making round 2 this week on my CNC and test fit.
Mike

[Aero STI]

I'm interested. It would be great with gas springs.

[FFRSpec72]

Nice ! but not sure it would make sense on a R car, much like hood hinges on a challenge car. Also not sure that the hinges on the very rear lid/deck make sense on a R car either

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Nice ! but not sure it would make sense on a R car, much like hood hinges on a challenge car. Also not sure that the hinges on the very rear lid/deck make sense on a R car either

I think it makes lots of sense for the 818R.
It makes it an easy one man job to check the oil between runs.
Also make it easy to ventilate the engine compartment after a run.
Bob

[michael everson]

I am going to make some changes to my design and machine the next set out of aluminum. I would like to get away from having to weld. Stay tuned.
Mike

[metros]

I thought he was joking about leaving the hatch open while driving.

^^^This

[michael everson]

Here is the next design of the hinge. This one will require no welding on my part. (that's a good thing) It is now machined out of aluminum. Here is a pic of the upright. There will be 2 of them.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/818%20hinge%204_zps5baaozxw.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/818%20hinge%204_zps5baaozxw.jpeg.html)


http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/818%20hinge%203_zpslsopdjuy.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/818%20hinge%203_zpslsopdjuy.jpeg.html)

Here is a picture of each individual piece.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/818%20hinge%202_zpsss5lp4yv.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/818%20hinge%202_zpsss5lp4yv.jpeg.html)

And the hinge completely assembled.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/818%20hinge%205%202_zpsbsmn5ayd.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/818%20hinge%205%202_zpsbsmn5ayd.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/818%20hinge%201_zpswb2a8bpn.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/818%20hinge%201_zpswb2a8bpn.jpeg.html)

I have not installed it on my car yet, but will tomorrow. If all goes well, I will stat documenting it and getting prices for all the parts. The hinge point will have bronze bushings for long life.
Let me know what you think.
Mike

[Mechie3]

Looks nice. Aluminum is prettier than steel.

[Frank818]

It seems to bolt on the lower portion of the V on each side of the shock tower brace. I will have to invert that V and make it up instead of down, unfortunately it would not fit for me, unless I build brackets and that is if it won't touch my engine. I'll have to wait and see.

[tmoretta]

Looks great. I want it - as long as I can still use Mechie's rear brace, even if I have to move the brace some.

[michael everson]

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image1_zpsdrupds9i.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image1_zpsdrupds9i.jpeg.html)


Here is the aluminum version installed. Works really well. The engine cover can be lifted from one side. The hinges really add a lot of rigidity to the cover. I am going to make some minor cosmetic changes but this is basically the finished product. I have not come up with pricing yet. Will work on it this weekend.
Mike

[Joe Mush]

Looks great Mike

[C.Plavan]

I think it makes lots of sense for the 818R.
It makes it an easy one man job to check the oil between runs.
Also make it easy to ventilate the engine compartment after a run.
Bob

The hinges will not work with the R because of the rollbar and rollbar cutouts on the hump hatch. You could make it work, by cutting more fiberglass, but it would make the hump hatch look hacked up even more. Plus the wing mount fabrication could get in the way.

[michael everson]

Looks like I can do these for $175.00 plus shipping. I will need about 2 weeks to build up stock. Please email or PM me if you are interested in a set.
Thanks Mike

[RM1SepEx]

Nice job Mike, that is the only location that can work since you need to pivot on that fiberglass seams axis. Very nice looking execution too

[michael everson]

Any confirmed takers on these? Would like to get started on them on Monday.
Mike

[Mechie3]

For those that didn't my comment in the trunk hinge thread, I don't plan to make a design for these since Mike has one already that is quite slick. If you're looking/waiting for an engine cover hinge this is the place to get one. :)

[RM1SepEx]

Too late for me Mike, looks like a great solution!

[billjr212]

count me in. sending you a pm now

[michael everson]

Mechie. I apologize if you had one in the works. I don't follow every post.
Mike

[Mechie3]

Mechie. I apologize if you had one in the works. I don't follow every post.
Mike

Nope. No worries. It's all part of the free market game anyways. Some people had asked, I had some hand sketches but was focusing on other things. I meant more if someone was not buying yours because they thought I was working on one that they'd be waiting a really long time. :)

I actually like the way it attaches under the humps and hadn't thought of that myself.

[metros]

I like it but still have quite a ways to go before I'm mounting body. I'm keeping my budget focused on the closest steps now.

In the future I would love to pick one up.

[CU9DZ]

Michael. I have not fitted my body parts either but will be interested in hinges soon.
Dave

[nkw8181]

Looks good. Gonna get a bit closer to installing the body panels before committing to this.

[tmoretta]

Yes. I want them, although will probably have to modify some to clear my engine hood brace and spare tire mount. Tell me how to order.

[K3LAG]

Mike,

Presuming one doesn't connect the engine cover to the front of the trunk insert, do you think your hinges will work with the new trunk?

Larry

[michael everson]

Larry. I picked up a trunk insert yesterday and am working on getting it installed. Seems like it will work just fine with some minor modifications. In fact my hinges will most likely be the front mounting point for the insert.
Mike

[65 Cobra Dude]

PM sent Mike.

Henry

[K3LAG]

Larry. I picked up a trunk insert yesterday and am working on getting it installed. Seems like it will work just fine with some minor modifications. In fact my hinges will most likely be the front mounting point for the insert.
Mike

Cool! Let us know how it works out. I'm definitely interested.

Larry

[michael everson]

Ok I got the FFR supplied trunk insert installed. There is very little modification needed to use my hinges. The bigger problem is that factory Five has you screw the front edge of the insert to the lip on the engine cover. That will make checking your oil etc. kind of a pain. Heres where my hinge helps out. I redesigned the hinge so that it has a mount built in to hold the front of the trunk. Everything worked out pretty well. I hope to have all the materials in stock this week and start shipping hinges next week.

Here is a picture of the actual insert. It comes in three pieces and cannot be installed assembled. I suppose if you removed the rear bumper you could get it in.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge2_zpsm2d7apfx.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge2_zpsm2d7apfx.jpeg.html)

Here is a picture of the modification needed to clear my hinge setup. I also trimmed this flange back quite a bit as it is no longer needed to bolt on the insert.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge4_zpsd2gim9ii.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge4_zpsd2gim9ii.jpeg.html)

And here it is installed.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge8_zpswadxzzcu.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge8_zpswadxzzcu.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/image3_zpsallh7prq.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/image3_zpsallh7prq.jpeg.html)

Here is the new hinge bracket machined to accept the insert mount.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge1_zpsmsrv7chk.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge1_zpsmsrv7chk.jpeg.html)

And finally installed in the car.

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge6_zpsy6xkyjr0.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge6_zpsy6xkyjr0.jpeg.html)

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r754/meverson1/hinge5_zpsild4tvnv.jpeg (http://s1365.photobucket.com/user/meverson1/media/hinge5_zpsild4tvnv.jpeg.html)

Everything bolted up nicely and feels pretty sturdy
Mike

[K3LAG]

I like it. I think I'll be ordering soon.

Larry

[michael everson]

The first round of hinges went out yesterday and today. I still have a couple more sets left in this run.
Mike

[tmoretta]

I got my set today. Very nice looking piece!

[john g]

My hinges arrived yesterday. Very nice. Thank you.

John

[tmoretta]

The only thing I don't like about my hinges is that the 1/4 20 button head bolts fixing the hinges to the frame are very short - only catch by a thread or two. I will be sourcing longer bolts.

[michael everson]

Really? I wonder if I send the wrong ones? If anyone needs longer ones, just let me know.
Mike

[Harley818]

Mike, I'll PM you. I'm interested in a set.

[Frank818]

I don't think the opening in the rear lid (has mesh on this one pictured) will have any benefits, now. Unless you put someone (alive) in your trunk, like The Transporter? :)

[michael everson]

I plan to run another 20 sets of these if anyone else would like to order them.
Mike

[C.Plavan]

I'm jealous. These are so cool and would be perfect at the track. But my wing mount is in the way. :(

[K3LAG]

I got mine today and installed them this evening. They fit perfect, were easy to install and Mike included good directions like always.

41569

Larry

[Speedy G]

Hey Mike, are you still selling these?

[michael everson]

I am. They are now listed on my web site. I am currently running another 10 sets with 3 spoken for.
Mike

[idf]

Just want to be sure I am one of the three.
Ivan

[michael everson]

Ivan. Yes you are

[Quiny]

Don't forget me Mike, after seeing these in person I will have to have a set. They do such a good job of stiffening everything up in the back and holding the engine cover at the perfect height.

[michael everson]

Quiny. Your number 3

[bbjones121]

where can I order?

[michael everson]

www.replicaparts.com or just PM me your address and I will put you on the list. They are $187 shipped anywhere in the US.
Mike

[CU9DZ]

Michael I just Sent you a PM. Looks like a quality set. Count me in.
Davis

[michael everson]

Thanks Davis. Your #4 of 10 on the list. I will be offering these in black powder coating for anyone interested. It will be an extra $25.00 Will post pics of them soon.

[CU9DZ]

My check will go out Sat morn. I don't need powder coating but may buy the FFR trunk insert later.
Thanks Davis

[FFRSpec72]

Mike, what is the distance from center of the shock tower brace to where the base of the hinge mounts on the tower ?

[michael everson]

Next time my car is off the lift I will check. Its the same distance as the spacing on the engine cover humps though.
Mike

[billjr212]

Mike, what is the distance from center of the shock tower brace to where the base of the hinge mounts on the tower ?

Tony, for reference, I installed the hinges onto the engine cover first, made sure my engine cover was in place where I wanted it, and then swung the first hinge down to the frame wherever it wanted to land naturally. Mounted it up, and then used the center to center distance Mike is referencing (I actually measured from center to center on the mounting plates) to be sure the hinges were parallel to each other.

Due to all the variables in installing the bodies, I imagine the measurement you referenced won't necessarily be meaningful.

[michael everson]

The tolerances in the hinges will allow you to do what bill said. Just mount them to the engine cover once it had been fitted. They just swing them up to the frame, mark the holes and drill. Install the bolts and your done.
Mike

[michael everson]

The next run of hinges are done and will go out in the morning. I have about 5 sets that are not spoken for if anyone wants a set right away.
Thanks Mike

[john g]

Thanks again for this excellent part. The hinges went on easily, and if a novice like me can do it, anyone can. The cover is currently held up by an old curtain rod. I was able to purchase a Fiero support, as recommended earlier. It is surprisingly similar to the one in my 1965 Corvair, which I needed to sell to take on the 818 project. Any suggestions on mounting the Fiero support? Attachment points?

John

42463

[michael everson]

I will take some pics and measurements next time its off the lift.
Mike