Body / Glass: Suggested Lube for trunk hinges

[Pat Dilling]

It seems that C/K and other trunk hinges are a bit notorious for wearing out over time. I understand the key to long hinge life and good operation is keeping them lubed. I have been using white lithium grease from a spray can with the associated little red straw. My complaint about this solution is because of the spray pressure it makes a bit of a mess. What are you guys using?

Thanks

[jclary]

You can get that stuff (white lithium) in tiny squeeze tubes. I have the spray can too. I try to "feather" trigger the nozzle. Not always successful. That's where using your free hand and a rag around the joint comes in handy. The spray can seems to have a solvent that helps the grease "flow" into tight spots.

[RadioRoy]

I use heavy weight oil on mine.

[rockne10]

I've always used the same spray lithium.

...your free hand and a rag around the joint comes in handy.

I've been planning to try Amsoil MPHD and chain lube, as it doesn't show any white residue but, you still have the same spray application issue.

[jnormanh]

An eyedropper to apply a drop of motor oil at each joint once a year. Twice if it makes you feel better. Wipe off the excess with a rag.

[showbizkid]

I've noticed that the factory recommended the use of motor oil to lube a lot of moving parts. Is that just because it was the best thing available at the time, or because it's truly best for the job? I wonder.

[2moredoors]

You can get that stuff (white lithium) in tiny squeeze tubes.

. Drove a Ford years ago when they used to charge for a"grease and oil change change" on the bill. I knew my car had no lube fittings so I asked them why they charged me for a "grease job". They pointed to the hinges on the car all "lubricate" with white grease. I bought a tube and still have part of that tube "many years later", it lasts.

[jnormanh]

I've noticed that the factory recommended the use of motor oil to lube a lot of moving parts. Is that just because it was the best thing available at the time, or because it's truly best for the job? I wonder.

Modern motor oil is pretty good stuff. Good lubricity, corrosion inhibitors, anti-oxidants, etc.

For a mechanism like a hinge, heavy grease might be getter, but you can't get into where it needs to be. Anything much thicker than motor oil won't wick into the joints, and grease on the non-wearing part of a hinge is useless.

In fact sometimes you get more oil into where it really needs to be by thinning motor oil with a little solvent like kerosine or mineral spirits.

There are thin, penetrating aerosol lubes too, like WD40 and CRC. Problem is, 99% of it ends up where it does no good and makes a mess.

The ideal thing would be to take the hinges off the car, press them apart, grease, reassemble and reinstall. If you wanted to get really fancy, you could drill and tap them for grease fittings. For me, life's too short.

Many years ago I had my worn door hinges rebuilt by a machine shop. They bored one half oversize, pressed in oilite bushings and new sized pins. At that time it was $35 each....I could have bought new ones for less. But it was, I think, a lifetime fix. I still oil them once a year anyway. Belt and suspenders.

[63t-cab]

When I had my 55 President HT,I had from time to time used a little STP "after all it's a Studebaker"

[41 Frank]

I have a little container of 3 in1 oil I use to lube the hinges on my Studebakers annually

[Pat Dilling]

Thanks everyone!