Group Buy: Hood Hinges

[Mechie3]

Now Taking Deposits. See post on page 2.

What: Group buy for hood hinges that swing the hood forward and allow you to eliminate the front hood pins.

Cost:
5-9 people: $205
10-14 people: $190
15+ people: $180

Green = $90 deposit paid
Blue = Full $180 paid
1: AZPete
2:Svanlare
3: 65 Cobra Dude
4: Hendow
5: Stebru84
6: K3LAG
7: lifunfe
8: bbjones121
9: Hindsight
10:SpeedyG
11: 508WRX
12: NBinSD
13: Harley818
14: Dougkirkbride
15: Wleehendrick
16: Goldwing
17: Suttonb3
18: ninjanick
19: Junty
20: Brian B 36
21: Hawirick
22: EODtech87
23: DMC7492

Coupe:
24: Metros
25: Flamshackle
26: 07Fireblade
27: Frank818
28: FFR-ADV
29: Red Fogo
30: Joseph
31: Cmicintyre

Coupe pricing will be adjusted based upon cost of coupe specific arm.

Buy both the trunk hinge and the hood hinge and save $20 off the total.

What You Get:
Two hinge bases (laser cut, bent, TIG welded)
Two hinge arms (laser cut)
Two hood brackets (laser cut, bent, TIG welded)
Hood Brace (laser cut, bent)
Rivnuts for frame mounting
Bondable studs for hood mounting
All stainless hardware

Does not include gas pistons, though when those parts are available, they can be easily retrofitted to the basic hood hinge.

Group buy will stay open for a week or two depending on volume of response. 50% deposit due at the end of group buy. Lead times on parts is roughly 2 weeks.

Matteos install can be seen here:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14720-San-Diego-builds-One-the-easy-way-one-the-hard-way&p=202454&viewfull=1#post202454

Dan's install can be seen here:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?10649-RM1Sepex-Build-Thread&p=202558&viewfull=1#post202558

Development can be seen here:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9077-Mechie3-s-818S&p=199593&viewfull=1#post199593

http://i.imgur.com/ZaLpNJr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/CvjLUv5.jpg

[AZPete]

Absolutely, I'm in! Will you let me know when you want money?
Pete

[RM1SepEx]

PS, the hood hinges will fit both wide and narrow radiator frame cars, you just reverse the hood brackets

They look AWESOME in person, as do Craig's rear hinges

[svanlare]

I'm in

[metros]

I'm in. You should update the thread title when payment is due.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Craig,

I am in. Let me know when to send payment and how much.

Thx,

Henry

[Frank818]

If you're sure it fits the new nose, I'm in.
I don't see why it wouldn't?

[Mechie3]

Needs new vertical arms to fit the coupe nose.

[Frank818]

Same price?
I mean, even if the arms aren't designed yet for the new nose, can I (we) still benefit the 20 bucks off from group buying the rear deck lid hinges + hood hinges for new nose?

[Hendow]

Having witnessed my hood moving around under the 'Quicklatches' at 220km/h, I could not possibly be more interested in a set of your hinges!!!

Sign me up!

[Mechie3]

Frank, $20 off is an indefinite sale not related to the group buy. The coupe arms might cost a little more as they'll need to be a big longer/bigger to clear the black area.

[stebru84]

I'm in!

[K3LAG]

I'm in!!

[Mechie3]

Matteo sent me some photos last night of his install. The extra bracing around the louvers was his work, but something you might want to do to improve overall hood rigidity.

http://i.imgur.com/j9VWE5u.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/js6lap1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jRV1Ugi.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/80JIkBa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9BXKZX8.jpg

These shots show you were it sits:
http://i.imgur.com/jpy5nKP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TbiBN79.jpg

[flynntuna]

Love the X-Ray photos. :cool:

[matteo92065]

The X-Ray Photos...
The pictures also show that the area in front of the radiator/heat exchanger is sealed from the area behind the radiator/heat exchanger. I put some sheet metal with bulb seal to fit against the hood. I think I took the idea from Chad. All air must go through important parts.

Back to topic, hinges. The hinges are a requirement (IMHO). I need to open the hood(s) so often to work on stuff, and to show people. It would really suck, to fully remove the hood and find a safe place to put it, every time someone asks to see whats inside.

I have gas shocks that are ready to install, but I have not put them in. It works so well without them. It stays open fine, and stays closed fine. I do use the two rear pins. I don't think the gas shocks would keep the hood down at high speeds.

[svanlare]

BTW - I'm in for both.

[lifunfe]

I am in for the hood hinge.

Lifunfe

[Mechie3]

Thanks everyone. I updated the list and updated the break points. It used to be 5-10, 11-15, 15+, it should have been 5-9, 10-14, and 15+ because my price breaks with the supplier are at 10, not 11. Makes it easier to hit cheaper numbers.

[Frank818]

So according to the list I'm not in yet cuz of the new nose, am I correct?

[Mechie3]

Well, I didn't know if you actually wanted in or were just asking about the nose. Lol. If you want in to reserve a future spot with new arms +/- some amount due to difference in cost of the new design I'm fine with that.

[metros]

I was under the impression that these would be modifiable for the new nose. That puts me on the fence as well. I'm leaning heavily towards adding the new nose, but really need to see what it's going to cost first. If it's going to slow me down then I think I'd rather keep what I've got.

Either way I go I will be purchasing this hinge kit for sure.

[Mechie3]

It should be modifiable. I'm 90% sure. The thick vertical arm has the offset at the bottom which will need to get bigger so that when it opens it clears the taller lower grill of the coupe front end.

[Flamshackle]

It should be modifiable. I'm 90% sure. The thick vertical arm has the offset at the bottom which will need to get bigger so that when it opens it clears the taller lower grill of the coupe front end.

I am keen for this item if you are doing one for the coupe...

[07FIREBLADE]

I want in to for future arms for the new front end. Just like frank.

[bbjones121]

Add me to list, I have been on vacation.

[Frank818]

I'm happy to see many of us are thinking about these hinges for the new front end. :)

[07FIREBLADE]

Now only if we could figure out what hinges FFR is using for the hardtop glass if it's going to be a swap of the stock ones then maybe mechie rear hinges would work too.

[Mechie3]

Bump for a new week. I'll end the group buy this week and get parts on order this coming Monday.

[Hindsight]

I'm in!

[Speedy G]

K, just remember I'm the one that brought the price down to 190.

I'm in with both the trunk and the hood hinges.

Speedy G

[508wrx]

I'm in Craig.

Hood hinge only.

[Mechie3]

4 more people and it drops to $180.

[NBinSD]

I'm in.

[Harley818]

Looks awesome. I'm in Mechie!
Let me know the details when you need payment.

[dougkirkbride]

these look great, robust also. I am in for the hood hinges.

Doug

[Mechie3]

One more and we hit the lowest price bracket. :)

[wleehendrick]

One more and we hit the lowest price bracket. :)

Alright... I'm in!

[Frank818]

Yes sir!! Tnx to wlee!!!

[Goldwing]

I'm in too!

[suttonb3]

Add me to the list too, please!

[Mechie3]

I plan to place an order for the parts tomorrow. I'm ordering a handful of extras to take advantage of volume pricing for those that are interested in future coupe versions.

[metros]

Does anyone know the upgrade cost for the new front end? Specifically for those of us that purchased with the original design. That's what will be dictating my decision one way or the other.

I'm willing to put the down payment up front if you credit me in my future purchase. This is a must have for either design IMHO.

[ninjanick]

I'm in for both!

[Flamshackle]

I plan to place an order for the parts tomorrow. I'm ordering a handful of extras to take advantage of volume pricing for those that are interested in future coupe versions.

Count me in for the coupe version

[07FIREBLADE]

Im like metros, count me in i want these hindges just want to spring for the new coupe front end if price permits. FFR needs to release some info just so people can get a price point. We already know the top is going into production in the next few weeks.

[Junty]

Me to Mechie, I'm back in Boston MA first week of August, will they be ready then? Thanks for great work...

[Mechie3]

For those wanting the coupe version I can take deposits and if for some reason it doesn't pan out, I can refund those deposits.

Junty: They should be ready by then. Worst case I can take parts of my car (wouldn't be the first time I've done that...haha).

[metros]

Put me on the list for the deposit then. It'll help get you some parts on hand and I'm in one way or the other.

[07FIREBLADE]

Same here, just let us know when.

[FFR-ADV]

I am in for the coupe hood hinges please. Thanks!

[brian b 36]

I in on both please

[Frank818]

1: AZPete
2:Svanlare
3: 65 Cobra Dude
4: Hendow
5: Stebru84
6: K3LAG
7: lifunfe
8: bbjones121
9: Hindsight
10:SpeedyG
11: 508WRX
12: NBinSD
13: Harley818
14: Dougkirkbride
15: Wleehendrick
16: Goldwing
17: Suttonb3
18: ninjanick
19: Junty
20: Brain B 36

Coupe:
21: Metros
22: Flamshackle
23: 07Fireblade


Craig, I should be on the list. For Coupe (new nose).

[Mechie3]

Got it.

[Mechie3]

Just waiting on a quote to come back. I only had these quoted up to quantities of 20. Once that comes in I'll place the order and take deposits.

[FFR-ADV]

I am in for the coupe hood hinges please. Thanks!

Please add me to the Coupe (with the new front end) list as well? Thanks!

[Mechie3]

Uh oh...... I placed an order for parts. :D

Please send a deposit of 50% ($90) to zerodbmotorsports<at>gmail.com (replacing <at> with @ of course). Make sure to include your forum name! Once parts are ready to ship I'll contact people individually. If you're also buying the trunk hinge I'll subtract the $20 when I finalize sales on those.

If anyone didn't get in on the group buy I did place an order for 5 extra sets of parts. Pricing, for now, will stay the same $180. After all sets are delivered pricing will increase slightly to a non group buy rate.

Thanks. :)

[Frank818]

Excellent. And for those with the new nose, we pay now or after the part is modified for the new nose? Since there are 20 old nose buyers and you ordered 20 (+5 extra of the same 20), I believe that does not include the new nose, but then how can you benefit the group buy if you order later 4-5 new nose kits separately...

[redfogo]

Sorry double post didn't notice had to wait for mod approval :confused:

[Mechie3]

I bought 30 sets.

New nose people can either pay now, or they can wait. I only say that because I don't know how long until someone has a new nose in hand that can test fit for me and I don't like hanging onto people's money. When the new nose comes out I only forsee needing 1 modified/new part (the arm). All of the other parts are the same.

[bbjones121]

Money sent.

[redfogo]

I would like to be added to the 818C list if possible.

I bought 30 sets.

New nose people can either pay now, or they can wait. I only say that because I don't know how long until someone has a new nose in hand that can test fit for me and I don't like hanging onto people's money. When the new nose comes out I only forsee needing 1 modified/new part (the arm). All of the other parts are the same.

[hawirick]

If it's not to late, I'd like to be added to the list for the hood hinge kit. Please let me know.
AloHa, Rick

[Mechie3]

Rick,
I can add you.

Thanks,
Craig

[AZPete]

90 bucks sent via Paypal. Thanks, Craig.
AZPete

[svanlare]

Money on the way via paypal!
Thanks
-Steve

[Mechie3]

Thanks everyone. I'll update the list soon with those who have paid. Parts are due on the 27th and then I'll need to likely deburr a few parts, bend, and weld.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Money sent for the old style hood Craig - thanks. Oops, I sent the whole $180. That's what I get for not reading your post completely. ;)

Henry

[Joseph]

I bought 30 sets.

New nose people can either pay now, or they can wait. I only say that because I don't know how long until someone has a new nose in hand that can test fit for me and I don't like hanging onto people's money. When the new nose comes out I only forsee needing 1 modified/new part (the arm). All of the other parts are the same.

Please put me in for a set for the new nose. I have ordered the coupe (818C). I will gladly send you the money when you ask for it.

[Speedy G]

90 bucks on the way!

[Jazzman]

I plan to do a tilt front Roadster. Will this hinge setup help accomplish that goal?

[Mechie3]

Jazzman, there's some pics on page 1 that shows what this will do. It hinges at the front of the hood and lets it tip forward.

[Jazzman]

Yes, thank you, I have seen the pictures, and it does look promising. I missed the fact that you already placed the order. I will try to get a decision made very quickly. Thank you.

[wleehendrick]

Deposit sent!

[Frank818]

Oops, I sent the whole $180. That's what I get for not reading your post completely. ;)

You are now officially broke! loll

[Mechie3]

Updated the list.

[Goldwing]

Payment sent!

[65 Cobra Dude]

Craig,

Stupid question - do you know if your hood hinge will work with FFR's wiper solution? I have the wipers but have yet to install. Maybe someone has them installed and can speak up?

Thx,

Henry

[RM1SepEx]

Henry, I have a set, they don't effect the rear hood attachment, only eliminate the pins at the front

[65 Cobra Dude]

Thanks Dan!

Henry

[metros]

Payment sent. Sorry for the delay.

Love the new louvers for the rear humps BTW.

[TouchStone]

What do you use as bonding glue for the mounting studs?

[Mechie3]

Panel Bond works well or you could use a 5 minute epoxy and then glass over it later (what Matteo did and what I plan to do).

[Mechie3]

Good news: parts are ready for pickup.
Bad news: I need to get my fmod back together for this weekend. Two day event this weekend. Out next week for training. Doh!!!

I'm going to try and get a few sets welded together to ship out this weekend as I recall at least two people needed them by a certain date.

[wleehendrick]

No rush on mine, Craig.

[ninjanick]

No rush on mine either

[Junty]

Thanks Craig - mine might be one of the specific date ones?
I'm working in Boston from 2nd - 6th August. I would really appreciate if you could get my set to me in Boston, so I can carry them home as luggage (heaps cheaper than freight) back to New Zealand.
Please message me with final instalment including freight to Boston MA 01742. I'll send you address details....

[Mechie3]

Junty, you and 508WRX were the two with the early deadlines you guys were trying to meet.

[Junty]

Thanks Craig, Don't stress too much, you still need to work on your fmod for the weekend...
I'm staying at...
Best Western Historic Concord, 740 Elm Street, Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2101 (T: 978-369-6100)
I'll deposit funds as soon as Ive sent this message.
Cheers,
Justin
P.S your personal mailbox is full...

[Mechie3]

Just emptied it a bit. :). Fmod is almost done.

[svanlare]

I'm in no rush, long ways away from putting body panels on the car.

[Mechie3]

First two sets delivered. Make sure you use a DTP of wd40 on the carriage bolt threads. I had a few generate enough heat to seize on the nuts before fully tightening.

[Frank818]

Heat? Generated by what?

[Mechie3]

Friction. I don't remember, but the nut might be 18-8 stainless and the bolts might have only been available in 316, so the difference in materials might be causing galling or it could just be a tighter fit class. Too much, it heats up, expands, get's worse, and they permanently bond. I use a WD40 pen to put a drop on and they go on nice and smooth. They don't all get stuck, but if one does it's a pain to get off. Just much easier to preventatively put a drop on all of them.

[Harley818]

Pretty common with stainless.
If you use an impact or if you go too fast, they will gall. Better to just use some lube..... oil, caulking, neverseize, wax, ......it all works.

[Frank818]

I see. Could use copper anti-seize too, that works great on everything that is bolt.

[Mechie3]

Making headway on the parts. Sent a batch to my friend to be welded and did 21 pieces last night (I have 120+ pieces total to weld...lol). The downside of group buys, 120 pieces to weld. The upside, my welding is getting pretty good. :)

http://i.imgur.com/SKevDjY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/546rB3z.jpg

[STiPWRD]

This seems like a good excuse to invest in a production facility with automated welding robots ;-)

[Mechie3]

I've got 7 of these in the back of my car right now. Three of them have addresses, the others are unaddressed. I couple people already paid full price, so they'll get one, the rest will be random draw. i'll be assembling and boxing up several more tonight.

[AZPete]

I paid the deposit and now I'd like to pay the balance, but how much for packing/shipping? I assume you have one price for all rather than different for each Zip code, right? I'm leaving for a few weeks so I'm in no rush but want to handle this before I leave so you can send to my business. Thanks, Craig!

[Mechie3]

Pete, I emailed you earlier. Yours went out today. Here's how I'm handling it:

If you paid a deposit I'll mail yours plus any other parts on order with me that fit. I'll then email the actual shipping charges plus $2 for the boxes I had to buy.

If you didn't pay a deposit then I'll contact you and have you pay the total for the hinges and then after it ships I'll email the shipping charges.

This way people pay don't overpay or underpay. So far California is around $21ish and east coast is averaging about $19ish including box and extra insurance.

[AZPete]

Craig, I just sent the $90 balance plus $21.50 S&H to you via Paypal. Thank you for all the work designing, revising, welding, testing, packing, sending these! Like many other guys, I didn't want those ugly hood pins on my 818 so I'm really grateful for these hinges.
Pete

[Mechie3]

Thanks!

I sent out emails this morning with all tracking info.

Shipped Monday:
AZ Pete
Lifunfe
K3LAG
WleeHendrick
EODTech87
Touchstone
bbjones

Shipping Today:
65 Cobra Dude
Stebru84
Hindsight
Goldwing

I have one boxed up with a trunk hinge too. Waiting to hear confirmation from those that wanted both hinges before shipping.

[K3LAG]

Mine came today and they look great. I dropped them off at the powder coater along with some other parts.

Larry

[Mechie3]

Make sure you use a little bit of lubricant on the threads when assembling!!

The parts that attach to the hood are designed for the two holes to mount on the front (the part the cross brace attaches too). The cross brace bend faces forward so that the text is right side up and faces the back of the car so that when the hood is opened it's readable. I'll post some assembly pics sometime.

[AZPete]

I got mine, too. Everything looks very well made but I'm leaving for Europe and won't be able to install the hinge until October.
Thanks, Craig!

[Mechie3]

Shipped out 6 more today. I'll forward along shipping costs and tracking shortly.

svanlare
NBinSD
Dougkirkbride
BrianB36
DMC7492
Nolan Wright

[Hindsight]

Thanks for sending mine!

[Hindsight]

Just received mine last night. The welds on the bracket look really nice!

[Mechie3]

You probably got one of the frame brackets welded by Tim. He used to weld the 2 seater indycar and welded aluminum radiators. All of the hood brackets were welded by me. I have a handful of frame brackets I don't like the welds on so they're getting ground off and redone or scrapped. I used the wrong size filler on the first four frame brackets before changing. Thankfully 95% were done right.

[Hindsight]

Well all the pieces on the ones I got look great. I know how challenging welding aluminum is.... you have to be one step ahead of what's actually happening. It's especially challenging when you get to the edge after a run, not letting it burn through.

What size filler rod are you using now for these?

[Mechie3]

I was using a 1/16" electrode and filler. Tim was using 3/32 electrode and 3/32 filler (I think, don't remember filler size 100%). Green tungsten. I just ordered some 3/32 electrodes for myself. I used ER4043 rod, not sure what he used. I have the Eastwood TIG 200, running it off 120VAC because the power cord they give you is 2' long and my 240VAC outlet was bocked. He used a liquid cooled Lincoln welder that is huge.

[Hindsight]

Nice, I have the same welder and really like it. It's performed perfectly for me, but I don't really have enough experience to compare it to a higher-end welder. Does everything I want it to do though. I've been using the blue tungsten.... They have worked really well for me and hold up better than the others I have tried (mostly purple). That power cord is short.... I had to run a dedicated NEMA-50 receptacle for it.

[K3LAG]

Got my hinges back from the powder coater today!

45310

Larry

[Mechie3]

Nice! The shoulder bolt might fit tight in the holes, but that's fixable.. They're reamed out to .501".

[K3LAG]

Nice! The shoulder bolt might fit tight in the holes, but that's fixable.. They're reamed out to .501".

It's hard to tell in the pictures but the powder coater taped them off. They have very little in them.

Larry

[Mechie3]

Perfect!

I still have a couple more of these to ship out. Got back from nationals last night, back at work today. ha!

[stebru84]

I installed my set today and it looks great. I am going to add some reinforcement to the underside of the hood. The hood itself is a little flimsy feeling now that I shaved the lip so it sits flush with the fenders.


45329453284533045331

[metros]

I've decided I'm sticking with the original front clip to start. I can always upgrade down the road.

Payment for a set of hood hinges incoming!

[kalishek]

M3:
Got any hinge kits left? Would like to order front & rear sets.
KAL

[Mechie3]

I have rear ones. Need to finish packing up the group buy parts and count the leftovers.

[AZPete]

Hey, Craig, someone posted pictures (and instructions?) of installing your hood hinges. But, now I can't find the thread so can you point me to it?

And, I'd like to add supports to the hood. Anybody got some tips on what to bond to the underside of the hood so it will add support but not change the hood bend?

[Mechie3]

I don't remember exactly where it is. Until I find it, a cliff notes version is to mount the bases loosely and swing the hinge through its arc to make sure it doesn't bind. When it's good, tighten the mounts. Mark the location for the bond in studs and then glue/epoxy them in place. Double check fitment/location, and then glass/epoxy over the base for strength.

The cross brace is designed to read correctly when looking from the back of the car forward so that when the hood is open the words are correct.

Stebru, Matteo, and some others have posted pics in their build threads.

[AZPete]

I understand. The only question is where to bond the studs so I was hoping someone had measurements or a template. I'll try to make a template for those following. Thanks, Craig, for designing & making these hinges as I have dreamed of a hood hinge from the very beginning. Next, I'll figure out an invisible latch for the rear of the hood.

[matteo92065]

I don't think a template would work so good. The hinge assembly is the template.
Try this,
Install all the hinge parts (with all the adjustments in the middle of slots), then lay hood exactly where you want it.
Use "Perforated Base Studs" from McMaster Carr, apply 3M panel bonding adhesive to glue the studs in place. You can do all of this through the front opening and car on the ground, but it would be even easier with the car on jackstands and the front lower sheet metal removed. Wait a day, remove the hood, and fiberglass around the studs to make it really strong.

[Mechie3]

^^ That's what I was getting at, using the hinge itself as a template.. The perforated base studs are now included in all the kits too thanks to Matteo :)

[AZPete]

No problem. I've used a lot of the perforated studs for vent ducts, engine cover hinges, etc. Sunday is the F1 race and hood hinges - doesn't get much better.

[AZPete]

To follow-up on my post a week ago, I installed the hood hinge exactly as Mechie3 and matteo92065 said. There's no need for a template because Craig designed the hood hinge with lots of slotted holes so there's adjustment every which way. I trimmed and fitted my hood before mounting the hinge, and then after the epoxy was cured I was able to adjust the hinge easily for an exact fit. Thanks, Craig, for a great product!

[Mechie3]

Glad you like it! I'm ordering another round of parts soon as I've had several requests for more.

[TX-Lou]

Craig, please add me in for your next hood and trunk hinge order.

Thanks,
- Lou

[Mechie3]

Order is placed for 10 more complete sets plus 5 sets of coupe compatible parts. Estimate ~2 weeks before things are ready to ship. Price this time will be $190. I ordered 30 sets last time so got an additional price break that I passed on.

On another note, I estimated where the new coupe front will be based on the leading edge of the existing hood. It looks promising that the only change required to run the coupe front end is a swap of the vertical arms. Of course this assumes there is room to mount the lower base which should be a fairly safe assumption.

Straight = existing S hinge
Curved = proposed coupe hinge
Thin vertical panel = estimated front grill
Thick vertical panel = radiator (if it was mounted vertical and as far forward as the leading edge of an existing AWIC HE, ie: worst case)

http://i.imgur.com/P4pZmFB.png

http://i.imgur.com/EoI6CB5.png

[Canadian818]

Are all 10 sets spoken for? If not, put me down for one. I'm also going to want a few other goodies. I'll have a look on your site and make a list to pm you.

[Mechie3]

This was just an order to fill my stock. They'll be available first come first served. You're the second person to ask me today, but I have a few older emails I need to find of people asking me to remind them when they came in.

[STiPWRD]

I'd be interested too in the coupe hinges but would prefer to see someone install them on the new front end first

[BN]

I'd be interested too in the coupe hinges but would prefer to see someone install them on the new front end first

So am I

[Mechie3]

Yeah, I have no plans to actually make the coupe hinges available until they've been tested. I have plans to buy the upgraded coupe end myself and there's a fellow in Indy and another in Cincy that both have coupes that I can work with to make sure parts fit.

[Mechie3]

Picked up parts for the 818S/R hinges this am. Need to bend and weld them.

[redfogo]

So are us coupe guys going to get original pricing from when we 1st signed up, or are we going to get what ever the new pricing is when they come out?

[Mechie3]

You'll get original pricing on all of the compatible parts + whatever the difference in cost of the longer arms which is what I had in the original post.

The new pricing on the non group buy parts is only $10 more than the group buy as I still bought a decent enough quantity. I don't expect the increase in the coupe part to be too much either.

[TX-Lou]

Mechie3,

Please do keep me on the list for a set of coupe hinges.

- Lou

[Canadian818]

What's different about the coupe hinges? I thought the hood was the same.

[Mechie3]

The front grill. On the 818S/R the front bumper has an opening that lets the arms pass through. The coupe has a grill there that meets the lip of the hood. Look at post #131 for an example of what it looks like. Only the vertical arms should need to change shape for clearance.

[Mechie3]

Spent my garage time last night welding and I've got a few more sets of these ready to go. $190 + shipping

http://i.imgur.com/sreOFdS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hfgxMWY.jpg

[TX-Lou]

Mechie,

Are these only S/R?

- Lou

[Mechie3]

This round is yes.

[Mechie3]

Did a test fit of a welded base with a cardboard cutout of the proposed coupe arm design. It looks to fit well. Going to change it slightly to add a little more clearance to account for variability in different builds and machine some aluminum ones this week.

http://i.imgur.com/USXgI52.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2j5zO2O.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pRgAU15.jpg

[FFR-ADV]

Very nice work going on here!

[metros]

Did you get much interest on the steering rack extenders? I can't remember which thread that was discussed in.

[Mechie3]

They're out for quote.

[TX-Lou]

Outstanding Mechie! When you are ready to sell the Coupe hinges please PM me. I am in for a set.

Thanks,
- Lou

[Soon2B818]

I would be interested also when you get 818C hinges available. Please keep me (and really all of us :cool:) posted.

[metros]

Put me on the list of bought the previous design and then decided to upgrade the nose.

[Mechie3]

Coupe arm prototypes made today.

http://i.imgur.com/MKdCIJX.jpg

[Mechie3]

Did a test fit during lunch today courtesy of Bill's coupe.

This is with the arm stop in the middle location. The extra clearance/bow in the arm isn't needed for this point. This is where all hinges ship with the stop in place.
http://i.imgur.com/p98bpvN.jpg


These are with the stop in the top most position. The hood opens way too far IMO, but you can see where the scoop in the arm comes into play. I'm going to redesign it a little bit to eliminate the excessive scooping in the arm so that the overall stock size needed is reduced, weight is reduced, and cost is reduced. Probably another test fit Thursday or Friday.
http://i.imgur.com/G0f73jF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cLgW9fg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YrdujAr.jpg

[TX-Lou]

Nice work Mechie!

[bbjones121]

This should work with the "S" right? R version works with s, but S version doesn't work with the r?

[Mechie3]

S/R are the same and work only on S/R.

C is a longer arm and works on the S/R as well.

[Mechie3]

Arm comparison.
Green: S/R
Red: First Coupe Proto (as seen in real pics above)
Blue: New Coupe Proto

http://i.imgur.com/T70NyvU.png

[bbjones121]

That is what I thought. I haven't mounted mine yet, can I just the new bracket?

[Mechie3]

Ok, I lied. 14 minutes later and the Cyan version is now what I'm going to prototype for the hood. Even smaller than the blue version and it fits within a standard 6" wide piece of stock. I realized the L shape was no longer needed and a more straight sweep could be used. Looks better too IMO. The form looks designed in vs having a utilitarian look of the L.

http://i.imgur.com/ELSC9vc.png

[Mechie3]

That is what I thought. I haven't mounted mine yet, can I just the new bracket?

Yes. I'll be offering the arm for sale separately. I haven't fully decided yet but likely I'll sell it at a discount initially or just do a group buy for those wanting to upgrade.

[Mechie3]

New prototype machined up.

http://i.imgur.com/rZBDVBc.jpg

[nkw8181]

Is there any reason the C version won't work on the s/r? If this is the case why not change all to the new design? It would cut inventory and cost as well as give people the option to upgrade later. Just my . 02

[Mechie3]

It will work on all of them. Eventually all of them will use this design once the stock of S/R specific versions sell out (I have a handful left). For now, those who don't want the C style one can get the S/R one for a little bit cheaper.

[Mechie3]

Test fit the latest design. Lighter and looks better.

http://i.imgur.com/4nFiioe.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/srOhh0c.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JTaFktP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nX2Uzho.jpg

[FFR-ADV]

Those look Great!

[taco20]

Man those look awesome. Hey can you get some pics of the brackets holding the new fenders and nose on? Is the sheet metal in that area any different then the S?

[Soon2B818]

Where do you stand on the C designed hinges? Starting my C now and interested in a pair.

[Mechie3]

I have a group buy going on now. Final.parts being delivered this week. I did order extras.
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19611-Zero-Decibel-Motorsports-Coupe-Style-Hood-Hinge

[Hindsight]

Now that I've had my car to a couple of meets, I feel compelled to say that for some reason, every time I open the hood using Craig's awesome hinges, I almost always hear a few "oohs" and "aaahs" from the crowd. I mention it because it caught me off guard the first couple times it happened. I wasn't expecting it. There isn't anything really cool going on under the front hood, so I think people just think it's cool that that the hood opens forward like that. Combine it with an engine cover hinge that opens the other way and it does look really cool.

http://i.imgur.com/nkD8T16h.jpg