I have read all the threads I can find regarding the rear window hatch brackets for the 82 Collector Edition. The one fellow that makes them for $300 seems to have stopped based on the most recent post I saw by him.

My CE hatch brackets have sprung about 1/4 inch, maybe a little more. My brother-in-law is a machinist and has looked at mine and told me he can make some, if I can assure him I can make mine like they are supposed to be!

According to some posts, they can be compressed slightly by vice. I can do that, BUT, mine are also twisted a slight amount, and I am not sure that is correct.

Thus the question - Do any of you have original factory drawings or specs for these hatch brackets? Maybe wishful thinking, but worth a shot.

He agreed that making them from the aircraft Aluminum is the best route.

Anyway, if any of you have the drawings and/or specs and will share them, I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks for your time!

 

Is this the guy you were talking about?
steve@thecubestudio.com.

 

I am not sure that is him or not. His name was Steve, but I didn't keep his email address.

Does this 'Steve" still make them?

 

Yes,

Steve is still making them. He currently has some on Ebay I believe.

 

Check Ebay motors. Steve Simpson sells the hinges there. If you put your exsisting hinges in a vice to compress them they won't last long at all. Steve makes them out of aircraft aluminum. If you install these hinges your problem is fixed for good. Good luck...

 

I think Steve's user name is "Simpson36". He has also just got through making some correct rear struts.

 

Thanks guys!
I am looking at his listing now. Plus, he has a link or two I need to read.
I appreciate your help.

 

Okay, I have been trying to put off the inevitable of purchasing rear hatch brackets by squeezing the ones I have. At first without measuring, I estimated they needed to be squeezed by about 1/4 inch. Well, I have them removed and traced out each one. Then, measured and started squeezing. They are now about 0.3 inches closer together. My measurements right now indicate that they need to be squeezed another 1/2 inch!!!!

I am getting nervous as I would really rather not break them. Anybody ever done this and know how much they might take? Or, do you have a measurement so I can tell when they are there?

If they break, they break, but it would be easier on my stress if I knew more.


thanks,
Buddy