engine cowling hinge

[jborshard]

has anybody had a problem with the metal fatigueing and cracking on the side cowling hinges? mine did the other day and I was wondering if anybody has a source for the parts for this hinge. Fairly thick aluminum for such a sharp bend.
thanks,
Jerry

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: engine cowling hinge

Wow! I have seen a lot with cracks, but not THAT bad. I would bet that the pieces of aluminum were not rolling past each other and the metal was bending back and forth when the cowl was opening. That would fatigue the metal pretty fast. The two pieces of aluminum should curl into and out of each other with almost no load. If you have a hinge where the metal is flexing it IS going to crack!

There were some recent threads on replacement hinges (they came up RIGHT AFTER I spent HOURS getting my old ones working really well). Maybe someone can point this thread to that one or re-post where they could be bought new.

Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: engine cowling hinge

Should be this thread. Jerry, there is a search function on the site that can really help with questions like this one. Sometimes what you find doesn't apply and then you should just ask away. You may find your answer quicker with the search than having to wait. Good luck, though!!!

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?9317-cowling-hinge&highlight=Cowling+hinge

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: engine cowling hinge

That's teh one! We just need to hear from Laz on how the SS ones he sourced worked out. If they were good we will need order info.
Hank

[jborshard]

Re: engine cowling hinge

Hank,
Check out the following:

http://macsautoparts.com/search.asp?sb=0&ls=y&camid=F30&year=0&make=&ss=strip+hinge&x=20&y=14

Hood Strip hinge for 1932-1948 fords. looks uncannily familiar. made out of stainless steel, but should work. about 100 bucks for the two hinges the top brace and the mounting brackets.

Jerry

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: engine cowling hinge

The add looks like the ones Laz was going to try. Hey Laz! What ever happened?

Hank

[Laz]

Re: engine cowling hinge

Hank it worked great. I bought both the center rail and new side rails. The fit my old end fittings perfectly. I can't remember the name of the place where I purchased them but it should be on that old thread.

the only issue is that the new hinge will not allow the cowl door to open much past vertical. Not really an issue because you probably should not leave the door open anyway. It sure is a lot better than welding and fixing the old craked rail.
At present I am finishing up the last few bits on my and hope to fly within a week or so.

[jborshard]

Re: engine cowling hinge

laz,
you never divulged your source? is it the same place that i found...macsautoparts in upstate new york? i've got the parts but haven't tried them out yet...but they look like they will work
jerry

[Laz]

Re: engine cowling hinge

I did if you check the thread, Here it is again. and they do work great. i Sachs hot rod shop in Texas they have a web site or you can call them a t 800 495 3904

[flybikefarm]

Re: engine cowling hinge

Did you fly your plane yet Laz?