56/57 Door Hinge Support
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 159
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From: Pittsburgh PA
56/57 Door Hinge Support
I have seen these on a couple of 56/57's(and maybe more years). The door hinge has a support that extends toward the front of the car (almost right behind the cove). It looks like several pieces and not just one part. It might connect to the body bolt and perhaps the dash?
Were these orignal? If so, what years? I'm sure they were put there for reason.
Any idea where I could find something like this? I assume if you can't find this then you build it.
Any help would be great. Thanks
Were these orignal? If so, what years? I'm sure they were put there for reason.
Any idea where I could find something like this? I assume if you can't find this then you build it.
Any help would be great. Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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This metal reinforcing WAS NOT in 56 cars, and didn't become part of 57 production until later in the 57 year model.
From later into the 57 production, up through the 62 models, there was reinforcing in the doors from the front window guide to the hinges. Then from the hinge pillar in the body to the firewall, there was reinforcing and all across the cowl area under (and attached to) the windshield frame, which tied to the reinforcing on each side of the body.
And last, there was metal reinforcing INSIDE the rockers on each side.
This definitely provided rigidity and strength the the 57-62 bodies and doors, but it also added weight.
With a fiberglass body, the Corvette was intended to be a light weight sports car, and adding this metal reinforcing was the beginning of the continuing weight gain for the Corvette.
The 56 model is the lightest of all models (the iron 6cyl and iron PG of the 53-55 models is heavier than a SB and 3sp in a 56).
From later into the 57 production, up through the 62 models, there was reinforcing in the doors from the front window guide to the hinges. Then from the hinge pillar in the body to the firewall, there was reinforcing and all across the cowl area under (and attached to) the windshield frame, which tied to the reinforcing on each side of the body.
And last, there was metal reinforcing INSIDE the rockers on each side.
This definitely provided rigidity and strength the the 57-62 bodies and doors, but it also added weight.
With a fiberglass body, the Corvette was intended to be a light weight sports car, and adding this metal reinforcing was the beginning of the continuing weight gain for the Corvette.
The 56 model is the lightest of all models (the iron 6cyl and iron PG of the 53-55 models is heavier than a SB and 3sp in a 56).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 17
From: Pittsburgh PA
wow...thanks to everyone for the quick and through responses. I def want to restore the car correctly, but I would be more than willing to help reinforce the car if it is needed. Would it make sense to install the reinforcement even tho they were not installed on the 56? Or due to the lack of serious weight it would be pointless? Thanks again everyone
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 4,687
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
wow...thanks to everyone for the quick and through responses. I def want to restore the car correctly, but I would be more than willing to help reinforce the car if it is needed. Would it make sense to install the reinforcement even tho they were not installed on the 56? Or due to the lack of serious weight it would be pointless? Thanks again everyone
Might be a REAL challenge!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 17
From: Pittsburgh PA
yeah you are def right about that, it's going to be a lot of work. What about the reinforcement on the body (the part that extended toward the firewall)? That wouldn't need nearly as much cutting as the reinforcment in the door itself. thanks
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From: Washington Michigan
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I didn't realize there were door reinforcements until I got the door almost all assembled. Paragon wanted $275 for the reinforcements for each door if they had doors that were not good for anything else. I decided to try to make my own with the help of a nearby welding shop. They are for a '58 door but probably the same idea as for your car. Note that I could do this easier than you because I haven't put the outer skin on the doors yet.
PS. Can't seem to post the pictures. If interested PM me.
PS. Can't seem to post the pictures. If interested PM me.
Last edited by rjmonty; Nov 4, 2008 at 04:47 PM.
