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Billet door hinges - gauging interest

26K views 102 replies 46 participants last post by  Venereology 
#1 · (Edited)
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.

http://www.*******.com/4bill/IMG_2826.jpg

http://www.*******.com/4bill/IMG_2818.jpg
 
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#2 ·
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
 
#3 ·
Very cool... You have my interest. Curious what the price would be but I realize you probably haven't go that far yet.
 
#5 ·
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).
 
#7 ·
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.
 
#8 ·
Actually I gave up on the hidden fastener thing, couldn't think of a good way to do it.

You're right, no welds, the arms will be one piece of aluminum.
 
#13 ·
Bill,

Sorry, I was just trying to help. I spotted those the other day.

regards
 
#14 ·
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.
 
#15 ·
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.
 
#17 ·
I'd buy a pair depending on the price. I like the "dressed up" versions... plus, they'd be lighter.
 
#18 ·
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.
 
#19 ·
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.
 
#20 ·
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.
 
#21 ·
Price of these hinges

Bill,
Any Idea how much these are gonna run cost wise? I like these alot! Chrome is nice, but these will work!
Thanks in advance!
Ben
 
#22 ·
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
 
#24 ·
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!
 
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