68 storage box hinge color

[Dale C.]

Anyone know if the 68 two rivets on each storage lid hinge were painted or not? Dale

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Dale, I just drilled mine out they seem to be unpainted.

[Dale C.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Pat, Me thinks that the exposed rivet heads may have been painted the same color as the hinges. I have two OEM surrounds that look original. They were both painted with hinges on as there was no paint under the hinge, it was the yellow plastic. Same with the strikers. Kind of makes sense that the matched hardware be painted while mounted, ie before doors added, for simplicity. What do you think? Also which style of hinge do you have? There is a post on the two you have probably looked at. Dale

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Dale just inspected my original owner 68 convertible's three hinges and all three have painted (red) rivets. All three hinges are original factory installed hinges.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Pat, Me thinks that the exposed rivet heads may have been painted the same color as the hinges. I have two OEM surrounds that look original. They were both painted with hinges on as there was no paint under the hinge, it was the yellow plastic. Same with the strikers. Kind of makes sense that the matched hardware be painted while mounted, ie before doors added, for simplicity. What do you think? Also which style of hinge do you have? There is a post on the two you have probably looked at. Dale

Hi Dale, Just took a look at the rivets more closely and have to agree that they were painted. The pic of one of the remaining rivets has fleck of black paint on it. The rivets I drilled had enough corrosion on them that the paint must have flaked off over time and looked unpainted. you can see a little black on the rivet in my pic- that's about all the black any of my rivets retained. Also, My hinges do not have the center triangle modification, they have the end loops only.
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Best,
Pat

[Dale C.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Pat, Mine had the same hinges, as yours, on the car when I bought it. However, the other set I found were in much better shape and the AIM placed the change on 8 Feb 68 so I am going to use that second style. They were probably both around when our cars were assembled. Thanks I'll go with the painted rivets. Haven't got the door panels back yet. Dale

[Dale C.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Pat, I see you have a crack like most do. I don't know if it will help but on the surround I'm putting back in the car I beefed it up with aluminum strips for strength. The size and placement of these strips was critical, so as to fit when put back in car.IMG_7143.jpgIMG_7139.jpg

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Good idea Dale using the aluminum strips, my surround is in many pieces. I may need follow your lead and do a similar trick once i bond it together again. I also found a better set of hinges. Mine were/are seized with rust, tried rust dissolver then kroil but no luck. Please send pics of your door once it is back.
pat

[Dale C.]

Re: 68 storage box hinge color

Pat, My hinges were rusted tight and would not move either. Soaked both long hinges for a few days at a time in a old cake pan with penetrating/rust remover. Then took one it to a welder and put the heat to it and it broke it loose holding with vice grips. Broke the other loose with just spray brake cleaning fluid. Did that new setoff hinges look like the mid "V" or end "O"? Dale