Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Looking for both the center hinge (complete) and the secondary hinge rods for a 1929 640 Roadster. If any are available, please contact us at dave@benhasecarrestorations.com. Thanks!

--Dave Waldorf, Parts Manager
Benhase Restorations

I am still looking for a center hood hinge. I do not expect an original by any means, but something that will function and look presentable. I can't seem to find a continuous hinge narrow enough that also has a center pin that is of sufficient diameter.

I expect to have to buy an equivalent of some kind and cut it down to size. Normal suppliers (Grainger, et al) have plenty of hinges, but all have center pins much too small to work.

Can anyone suggest a source/procedure to buy or fabricate one?

Can only offer a few potential sources to search:

catalog.monroehinge.com/viewitems/all-categories/heavy-duty-piano-hinges

monroehinge.com/custom-hinges.php

rockler.com/hardware/hinges/piano-hinges

guden.com/Control/Continuous-Hinges

sdproducts.com/Hinges/PianoHinges.aspx

Pin dia. .086 to .375

The hinges on my '32's sun visors were beyond saving and I replace them with a similar looking one. I'm not at home right now and won't be for another 8 or so days.

As best as I remember I made new ones from a piano hinge I bought that came in either 3 or 6 foot lengths with either a .25 or .18 diameter pin, a leaf width of 7/8", and a knuckle length of 5/8". I don't recall the thickness of the steel, but it was not very thick maybe 0.06" to 0.08". If the leaf width is to great, I would think it would be an easy job to have it sheared to a narrower width.

Maybe someone out there could post a closeup of the hinge.

If this sounds like something that would work, let me know and I'll see if I can can figure out where I got it. They had a great selection of hinges.

McMaster-Carr has hinges that seem to fit the description Marston is mentioning with 3/16" pins. They refer to those as heavy duty. There is a fair range of sizes with other dimeter pins too and in varying lengths so maybe something could be found that would work.mcmaster.com/#piano-hinges/=17okdk0

What is the hinge length (hood length) of your car?

32model901's contacts came up good for use. Guden had a 72" hinge (we needed at least 47") that fit the bill almost perfectly. The knuckle length is longer that the original, but with a machinable 3/8" pin and only a 1 inch leaf width (which can be reduced if needed) their hinge should work nicely.

Thanks to all that helped. It was greatly appreciated!