Photos of progress. First prototype hinge installed on Nickolette's CE.

It is NOT a casting, but is milled from solid 6061-T6 aluminum.

It will NOT stretch . . . not even a little bit . . . . ever.

It is NOT an exact reproduction of the original hinge, but it outwardly resembles the original.

The mounting points are dimentionally perfect and the fit is exact, however, the hinge is 1/8" wider than the original so if your current interior panels do not center perfectly on your original hinge, the new hinge might rub slightly on the rubber slot trim piece . . that is, if you still have the rubber trim piece. I understand that they have a nasty habit of disintegrating.

Options for finsh are: Brushed aluminum (shown), polished, black or (as Nickolette wants hers) painted to match the interior.

http://www.thecubestudio.com/pictures/ProtoTop.jpg
http://www.thecubestudio.com/pictures/ProtoSide.jpg
http://www.thecubestudio.com/pictures/P ... llRear.jpg
http://www.thecubestudio.com/pictures/P ... Rear01.jpg
http://www.thecubestudio.com/pictures/P ... Inside.jpg

Working on right side now, but going on vacation for a week.

Cost is not established yet as I do not have any solid numbers for production. Die cast exact reproductions are not feasable as the die cost runs into the thousands. A CNC part could possibly be made for $150 per set, but only if the quantity justifies the set-up cost for CNC. Custom made sets would be twice that and you would get in line and wait possibly a couple of months for your set. It all depends on the quantity.

If we end up going the custom route, your could sell your originals on ebay for more then the cost of a custom set. I would only make a couple of sets per month so the market would not suddenly be flooded with original hinges.

I also intend to make new hatch latches for my lovely wife's CE. The pot metal part of the right latch is VERY worn out.

Please leave your comments and preferences and intentions so that I can make a reasonable decision on how to proceed from here.

Steve, if the cost stays in the $150 range, I would like a set in black.

I think they are great just like they are for an everyday driver CE, I would put them on and use the hatch to my hearts content without having to worry about them stretching again.

I'm sure the NCRS owners are going to ask about an exact replica of the originals, so you might want to see what it's going to take to get them as close as possible.

_________________
Arizona Corvette Enthusiasts
Gone, but not forgotten

Beautiful Man.This is what we have been waiting for!!You are the man.Pics. look great .I'm in for a pair for sure.Also the other part you mentioned.The latches.Are you talking about the pins that are on the glass part or something that the pins go into.I'm very interested in that also.

I'm in for two pairs,got a friend cross town that wants a pair.So thats two for me.For sure.Thanks.

I bent my hinges back into shape months ago and have not opened the hatch half a dozen times and they are already stretched enough to cause irregular opening and closing.I am IN for a pair of repro's without a doubt.

Just so you know, the original hinges will stretch even while the glass is closed. The shocks still push on them.

You are right Dawg,I have had it with those hinges.

We get this close and the guy goes on vacation?Thats torture I'm getting both front and rear bumper covers painted as I write this now all I need are those HINGES!!!

I didn't think Steve was ready to sell these yet, sounds like they are still working on the design and other details before he is ready to take orders.

If he doesn't reply here this weekend, I'll get in touch with him and see if he can update us on his progress...

I know I'm excited about them...

Hi,
Those hinges look great ,I'm in for a set . hodgev

_________________
hodgev

I wouldn't mind getting a pair. Would these come in black or just the way they are now - Silver color??

Keep me posted please. Thanks.

_________________
C3VR Lifetime Member # 51
NCM Lifetime Member #1353
Iron82

I would be in for a set too (at around $150).

I guess, i would have to fiddle with the slot trim pieces (mine are still there), but they are offsides (so to speak), so these might rub.

They look very nice !!

:wave
-Stefan

those things are beautiful. I wonder how much it would cost to fab an entire kit, those struts aren't that expensive (meaning not original) and those ball end bolt things are commonly available (I know originals are expensive but fiats use those kinds of setups for the rear hatch, I have 4 of those gas struts and similar ball socket setups on my flip front), then what else is needed?? latches, drilling the glass and weatherstrip?

I'd love to have an opening rear window, a new kit may be very popular.

As for color, why not have them anodized black? pretty cheap and last almost forever.

I am very impressed with these I want a set badly.......I will pay your price please tell me where to send paypal monies to you..........

Is there anything happening with the hinge sets. I would be interested in a set but this post doesn't show much activity.