A couple of days ago I finally got around to installing some door hinges that I rebuilt with some new bushings and pins. All I can say is WOW, what a difference! I guess the old ones wore out so slowly that I didn't realize how bad they were. Every time I open and close the door now, I can't help from smiling. :) :) :)
To rebuild the hinges, I used some GM hinge parts. The pin part number is 12338015, and is found in group 16.323. (I think the parts guys need the group # to look up a part.) The bushings are part #20429500, group #10.464. You will need two pins and four bushings to do one door.
I believe these are just standard car hinge pins and bushings for GMs. I know the trucks use different bushings and pins.
To install the bushings, you need to drill out the original bushing hole to 31/64", and then press in the new bushing.
It's a little bit of work, but it sure beats replacing really wore out hinges with some that aren't quite as wore out.
Oh, I guess I should give credit where it is due. I got the idea of using the GM hinge pins and bushings from a little publication called "Auto Restorer". It was in the November, 1998 issue.
Good info to know.
Now if I could just get the rear door open on my wagon. There's no access from the inside (that I've found) and the key doesn't open it from the outside.
When I have done the stupid thing of locking my keys in my car, I've used a thin open-end wrench, 7/16" I believe, and remove the bolts for the catch that is bolted to the body. Sometimes it can be pretty tight, but I have not had a circumstance where this didn't work. It will take a while because there isn't much room to swing the wrench, but it's cheaper than a locksmith!!
Hmmm....
I know I can see the catch bolts. I'll have to give that a try!
Thanks.
Great tip, thanks :)
That's gonna be my first project on my now "legal" 1980 Bobcat. Sure glad it passed the emissions check (after only having to replace a faulty gas cap).
I'm also wondering if anyone knows of a source for replacement "gas struts" for the runabout rear hatch? I've seen'em on ebay at around $40.00. Is there a "cross-reference" list somewhere for Pinto/Bobcat parts?
Just about any auto parts store should carry them and have an application guide so you buy the right part the first time. Though I haven't priced hatch struts lately, I think you should be able to score them a bit cheaper than $40 + shipping. (I hope that is price per pair!)
Just FWIW, I was at the local NAPA the other day, and I noticed they have door hinge repair kits. They come with new pins and bushings, just like the GM kit I used. It might be a little cheaper and easier to get it there than a GM dealer.
Thanks for the info Strawboss, went to the local NAPA in town and got the repair kit. Took out the Dremel tool with cutoff blade, cut the pins, pounded them out , new bushings in and the door lost the 1 1/2 in sag. One thing I learned, do both pins at once, that way you don't have to take the door off twice. Oh also, do it in the garage or the shade on a 80 degree day, take it from me, this old fat farmboy bakes in the sun, HAHAHA
i MIGHT JUST HAVE TO DO THAT... i JUST BOUGHT A pos 78 hb, AND THE DRIVER DOOR IS ROTTED AWAY... i HAVE A REPLACEMENT DOOR, ABD THE HINGES ARE SAGGING, SO I'LL HAVE TO DO THAT