C2 hinge removal

[Randy S.]

I am contemplating replacing the hinge pins in my 66 convertible. Removing the hinge from the cowl looks to be the most difficult part. The Chassis Service Manual did not provide much detail ( 1B -17 and Fig 48). What has to be removed from cowl area/footwell on an AC car to access the 2 cowl bolts on the upper hinge for drivers side and passenger side.


Randy

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 hinge removal

Randy,
There are 10 bolts holding each hinge to the door and the birdcage. Once you have removed the 12 bolts holding door to hinge and carefully sat the door aside the rest is easy. Note position of any hinge shims. Remove the upper and lower bolts you can see in the hinge pocket, this leaves the two hidden ones around the corner. You will need a half inch drive rachet and extension, the bolt heads are in two sizes, 1/2" & 9/16". Access is through a nice egg shaped hole stamped in the birdcage at the top and bottom in line with the bolts. Remove these and your hinge is free. You will have to position the hinge some to remove it from it's pocket, it's a tight fit. I would mark each hinge so you can return it to its original position. They are supposed to be identical but it's better to be safe.
You may find your nice new pins and bushings are just as loose as the worn ones you worked so hard to remove. I took mine to a machinist and for very little money he made me 8 new bushings from oilite. These bushings were made with a light (0.001) interferance fit. I little moly lube on things during assembly and you are back in business. Use your new pins, the old ones will be egg shaped.
Use care starting the four "starter point" bolts in the hidden area. It is easy to drop them into the birdcage. I used dumdum inside the socket to tighten up the fit between bolt and socket, I still managed to drop 2 of them. When (not if!) you drop one it may fished out with a magnet after you remove the carpeted triangle trim piece below where you are working. While you are in there is a good time to vacuum out any dirt/leaves that have accumulated over the years.
You may have trouble getting your doors to fit the way they were before you removed them, if so post your question here and we can help. Back to the garage and good luck! Bill

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 hinge removal

Bill,

Thanks. Lots of good information here. My concern is access to the top 2 bolts in the cowl (birdcage) area on each side. The lower pair look easy after the carpeted trim piece is removed ( except for dropping the bolts in the birdcage area!!!)
I have an AC car so certainly the ac duct work has to come out ( again !! ). Do you have to pull the glovebox or instrument cluster to gain access to the top 2 hinge bolts.

Randy

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 hinge removal

Randy,
My '66 coupe does not have air, but I don't think you will need to pull the glove box or dash to access those 4 bolts. Bill

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 hinge removal

Randy,
My '66 coupe does not have air, but I don't think you will need to pull the glove box or dash to access those 4 bolts. Bill

I suggestion to use a strong magnet inside your socket to retain 4 bolts inside the side wall cavity. This avoids "digging" them out when they fall.