Billet door hinges - in production!! (updated 8/19/10)
See page 3 for update
I've longed for some better looking door hinges and haven't found anyone who can/will make them for me the way I had in mind. So, I've designed my own. I bought a set of FFR hinges and took measurements, and have made several prototypes in wood and plastic. I'm very close to completing the prototype and now have a guy with a CNC machine to do it right. Regardless, I'm going to build a set for me, but I'm wondering how many of you out there would want a set too. No commitment at this point, just gauging interest. FYI, the design isn't final final yet, after testing on the car, I will make the lower arm a bit shallower.
I first saw billet hinges on a Cutting Edge Replica, another now-defunct Cobra replica maker. Here's what they have.
http://www.*******.com/4bill/CER door hinge.jpg
Here's a set from the way-cool all-aluminum Kirkham Cobra
http://www.*******.com/4bill/KirkhamHinge.jpg
So, here's what I have so far, it'll be three pieces. The arms will be one piece and 5/8" thick, the mounting flange will be 1/4" thick. The base mount will also be 1/4" thick.
Here's a few ways to dress it up. The dressing could be all the way through or just a channel (like the Cutting Edge hinge).
http://www.*******.com/4bill/arms.gif
Yes, Lodestone has some aluminum hinges, and they're nice. However they're cut out with a waterjet and welded and very similar in design to the FFR hinge. Not what I wanted (sorry Rick, hope I didn't step on your toes too hard).
Hey Bill...no, not at all. If you can get them produced and to market with a reasonable price, go for it.
Guys who are looking at this....Bill is looking for a seamless non welded look. Bill, correct me if I am wrong, but they arms will be attached with hidden fasteners, like you see in the CER or Kirkham designs.
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I chromed the FRR-supplied hinges (at a substantial cost) and they look fantastic (though not a part of the car that is noticable to other than the casual passerby).
If you could produce your design (it is really nice) chromed, at a reasonable price, I would certainly consider it for my next build.
Dale, aluminum polishes up real nice, these could be polished for sure. A little Mother's Polish and they'll be sparkling like new dimes. Actually, I will probably polish mine.
They look great. I would say it all depends on price. I love Larry Ellison's billet Kirkham - but I don't have that kind of jack laying around. Your friend give you any kind of ballpark on the hinges?
Here's the latest prototype, the lower arm shape was changed a bit. I'm about ready to send my 2D files off to the machinist and have him do his magic.
http://www.*******.com/4bill/IMG_2832.jpg
I really don't have a good feel for the cost, but I'll keep you all in the loop.
Could you show a photo of the doors fully open (from outside the car - maybe from the front?) I'm wondering if the doors droop or come up from level when they're open.
The arms have the same overall dimensions and mounting points as the FFR hinge, so they'll hang and open just the same. The mockup hinge in the photo is just made of wood and plastic. I look forward to the next step in the process, having the aluminum prototype made up.
We're coming closer to a finished product!! Larry Casey of Casey Designs has taken on the duties of fabricating my original designs. He's put a boatload (200+) of hours into CAD drawings, machining, and tooling these billet aluminum prototypes. Larry fitted them on his car and now he's sending them to me for fitting, I can't wait until they arrive.
Below are some sneak-peek pictures. Keep in mind, these are still in the prototype stage, but we're getting much closer to full production. No, the price hasn't been set yet.
http://www.*******.com/4bill/033.JPG
http://www.*******.com/4bill/035.JPG
Larry, You cease to amaze me with your expertise with the CNC Mill and Bill you executed a beautiful design. I believe you'll do well with these. I may havta get in line!
While all the holes and reliefs look trick... and will make them lighter..
Make sure they won't crack down the road.. they look awesome, I just would not want a butt load of mad customers down the road if they should start cracking.
Do they have bushings in them?
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