The Silver Streak E-mail ListArchive Files[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] RE: [SilverStreak]Hinge Project Update
Thanks, Eddie. I know how frustrating the process of finding someone to not only commit to replicating the hinges can be, but also in finding one with an acceptable finished product. We were in a hard spot last year, because both our hinges broke completely at the same time, making the trailer virtually unusable. We found a NOS set on eBay, being sold by Bob Ashby's son, and had to pay over $500 for them (plus $75 in shipping costs. We got raped, I know, but we didn't have much of a choice). We didn't want to just run out and install them, knowing how hard these things are to come by, so we shopped around the Salt Lake City area to find a respectable metal worker who could replicate these hinges. To say the least, this was NOT an easy task. We finally settled on a company that had done all of the metalworking for the Olympics when they were held here (all of their celebratory paraphernalia around town and the like). They also specialized in restoration of antique cast items. We thought they would certainly do an acceptable job. They worked on it for several weeks, and tried several different techniques, but could never produce a hinge that would be easily replicated and would look good (AND not cost a fortune!). Their final offering was so disappointing that they wouldn't even charge us for their time, let alone materials. They told us we needed to find a company that would reverse-engineer an injection mold (or find the original mold - like that will be easy!) Ultimately, we ended up installing the hinges we purchased on eBay (with much mental anguish!). I hope you have a better experience than we did. -Bryan Crockett -----Original Message----- Bryan, I posted an update. No change. Interest poor. Won't be volume. Won't be $50. Probably $150 to $120 each piece. Two pieces needed each trailer. Hinge will look exactly like the pot metal hinges if you have now, shown on Tom's post of Ralph's work. Cosmetic exceptions below. If you have this hinge on your trailer, the leaf that affixes to the trailer body will have 8 rivets holding on to coach. If not, you have a different hinge. Cart is before the horse. New sample in transit. Maker will say if can make. Will never be pictures before made. Will make or not make. Actual cost will be posted. Hinge will be smooth-face stainless stock in mill (satin) finish. Will by nature of material closely match skin appearance. Hinge will perfectly duplicate all holes and dimensions for door alignment. Hinge will not duplicate shiny chrome edging and textured chrome inlay. It will be flat, smooth, stainless. It will not be polished. You can polish if you want. Polished stainless doubles cost. -Eddie- Houston, TX
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