Compartment Hinge Reinforcement - Underbody

[Scott M.]

Has anybody replaced the compartment hinge reinforcement that rivets to the underbody? I ordered a new reinforcement from Paragon and it seems that the pre-drilled holes for the rivets are a little high. I have not removed the old one yet but just from looking at the location of the original rivets on it, they look to be more centered in the width of the reinforcement. I have attached some pics. Just wondering if I need to send it back or I may just keep the old one on there since it doesn't SEEM to be in to bad condition.
Thoughts anyone?hinge reinforcement 1.jpghinge reinforcement 2.jpg
Scott Marshall

[Ron G.]

Re: Compartent Hinge Reinforcement - Underbody

My owne 2 cents is to go with your latter suggestion until you can find a better example. Maybe even an original.

[Tom R.]

Re: Compartent Hinge Reinforcement - Underbody

Scott, I just did mine a month or so ago. I took the original to a local machine shop and they made me a match in about five minutes. From my experience, you'll find that "walk-ins" like this are more of a bother for them to charge or invoice. I slipped the guy a $10 and he was happy. I clamped the new one to my original and drilled the holes to match. After painting, I riveted it in place and then drilled the holes for the hinge screws from the compartment/car side.