Re: C2 - Damaged Rear Deck Hinge Assembly

[Scott Marzahl]

Roy,
Can you fab some replacement pieces, butt weld and grind to finish or not?
Long Island Corvette sells the bottom piece that secures the spring to the main body of the assembly. This piece is welded onto the assembly.

[Dick G.]

Re: C2 - Damaged Rear Deck Hinge Assembly

Rory: My 65 had the same problem with rust. I removed them, but like earlier stated be very careful removing the 2 screws on top. If the screws begin to turn out hard STOP and run them back in again. Keep doing this over and over again till they come out easy. Many people restore their C2's and never disturb this part for good reason. It's a real B tch to get those screws out. I don't know what conditon your car is in. You may want to remove one of your seats, fold your soft top ahead, and of course the decklid has to go. I used a 1/4" ratchet with extensions. Do this job when you are in a good mood and no caffeine. My car was completely apart when I removed the decklid hinge assys. I also replaced the old springs. Once out, I removed the spring. Beadblasted. Important: Do one bad spot at a time so hopefully you won't lose or change the original Height/length for proper fit when done. I then used my die grinder to clean out the rust hole till I had good metal with a decent edge to fit the new piece to. I acquired some sheet steel and used my nibbler to make a new piece to fit in the hole. I fired up my Lincoln wire feed welder and welded one tack at a time, till the entire piece was done. Do the same on the other side if penetration was not good. Then use a flapper grinding wheel to smooth out rough spot and continue on. It can be difficult to impossible to get the repair perfect due to the assy. tight opening. Dick Gutman