Door Hinge Bolts

[BigSi]

What’s the best tool to use when removing the bolts holding the door hinge to the pillar? Performing some door re-alignment this weekend and just wanted to make sure I got the right tool.  :-k  :-k  :-k  :-k

[graham2306]

When  I put my new door on I replaced the bolts with the stainless ones you can get.  The only thing that would even start to remove the old ones was an impact driver with a BIG hammer.  I soaked them well with WD40 the day before.  Be careful how you hit them though as a mate of mine tried to take his off with an impact driver and ended up having to replace his bulkhead after he hammered the rust out.  It would have failed it's next MOT any way but it bought bulkhead failure forward a bit.

[Litch]

Apply plenty of lubrication before you start.
If the screws aren't going to come out (an impact driver and/or a T-handled driver usually do the trick) then resign yourself to the fact that you will probably have to drill the heads off and get them off that way. No big deal as it is quick and I hope you were replacing the screws & captive nuts anyway?
Remember to apply plenty of grease/Waxoil on reassembly as that means you won't have any problem the next time you do it (there's ALWAYS a next time!).
Keep the door shut and do one hinge at a time, that way you aren't struggling to hold the door and fit the hinge/screws at the same time.

[BigSi]

Thanks guys. I only want to loosen them a little, just to 'wiggle' the door a few mill. Thats Sat's job weather permitting!

[AbyssDJ]

you'll have fun getting them out if they're rusty... but if and when they come out, do what i've done and change them to stainless allen bolts - that way you wont have a problem next time ;)

they're damn hard to find though, it took us a good while...... maybe i should start selling them as a kit :P

[Litch]

There are plenty of places already selling SS door-hinge fixings as a kit.

When I rebuilt my 90 about 7-years ago I rebuilt it using SS fixings throughout (apart from where HS are required of course) and I recall the hinge screws were a problem as they are a strange thread. I think I just fitted a captive nut to fit the thread of the new screws but nowadays there are several people who advertise & sell the complete kits so you may be competing in a crowded marketplace.

[BigSi]

Thanks guy for the info. Wasn’t as bad as I thought as the doors had already been off a while back (just a layer of paint to crack). Got some replacement bolts from LR (Ouch!!), and with a ratchet and bit, job done!

They now close and lock with out any force, just trying to sort the door locks out.

“It was a proper job!!!”  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol: