The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Do I have the correct door hinge kit

I can't remember where I bought the door hinge rebuild kits for my 51 GMC AD so I thought I'd ask here first. There are no instructions with the kit and it seems like way to much fuss for the hinge repair.

For each hinge there are two brass bushings that go in the bracket that attaches to the body, and a long pin that goes through the bar that bolts to the door. To use the kit that I have, I would have to drill out both sides of the bracket for the brass bushing and also drill a long hole through the bar for the long pin.
They could have easily used the same size center pin, so that all you would have to do is drill out the brackets for the new brass bushings.

It makes me think I have the wrong kit.

Also, the brass bushings seem pretty thin and look like they would quickly wear out.

What say you?

That kit is actually designed for the late model truck which use the bronze bushing. For our AD trucks you could retrofit the bushings if you wanted to but when I did mine, I didn't bother with the bushing. I just used the new pin which is conveniently oversized from original which will compensate for wear. You will need to drill out the old hinge plates to accept the oversize pins. I can't remember the drill size but you should measure for a snug fit. It is best to use a drill press with the hinges accurately aligned in a vise to ensure precise alignment. The new pins are also longer than original so you might want to grind off the length some.

There is a an article on another site http://www.classictruckshop.com/door_hinge.asp where they used the bushings.

-Ed

Ed

Thanks for the info and the link. I think I'll forgo the bronze bushing as you suggested.

The bushing does not go in the bracket and as stated they are for the wrong setup. If you look on the GMC website, Metalman describes how to rebuild the hinges. Usually the pin seizes in the strap when it is supposed to turn inside the strap. The main bracket is supposed to hold the pin firmly and the knurled portion stops it from turning.

Truckernix,
Your sure right about the pins seizing up. Once they are rusted, they can really take a set. Can you provide a link to the GMC website you mention? I'd be interested in learning more.
-Ed

Ed,
here is the link to the site.
http://oldgmctrucks.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=272004236

I believe that you have to register, which is no big deal. Once you are on there, go to the metal shop.
In a nutshell, to get the hinges apart when the pins are seized, cut the pin between the strap and the body, then use some heat and drive the pin from the strap.

Sorry that I took so long to read this post,
Fred

if your pins are seized,good luck with that. mine were on my 49.took them to a buddy who owns a machine shop to see what he could do with them. long one short ,he had to set up a jig and drill the old pins out. this guy is no dummy and it took him 8 hrs to do these hinges.they work great though.