Body / Glass: Need help with damaged 41-42-46 Champion hood hinges and hood alignment.

[TXCR13]

The hood hinge links on my '46 Bus Coupe have both been tweaked a bit. They look like they have been compressed down a bit (bowed). I don't have replacements or a good hinge to look at as a "go by" to straighten the links on my hinges. If anyone can help with ANY of the following, it would be much appreciated:

1. A good front view photo(s) of what a good, straight hinge links look like, so I can straighten mine to match.
2. Any end to end, or rivet hole centerline dimensions for the links.
3. With the hood resting on the prop, what is the distance between the cowl and back edge of the hood, about mid way on either side of the hood centerline.
4. The front cross member on my car has been modified, so now the top of the radiator core support no longer rests at the same height relative to the frame. I am concerned about getting the correct slope on my hood. Can anyone tell me the dimension from flat of core support top to the top of the frame rails? Or, how much slope there is from the back of the hood to the front? I can "eyeball" the fit, but would like some idea of where it should be before it is all buckled together again.

Thanks!

[nvonada]

Those hinges are only marginally strong enough. I had one of mine try to bend. I straightened it out and it seems OK but I am careful with it. I will try and get out to get some pictures for you tonight. I will measure as well but I know my car is not totally straight so don't try and match my numbers.

As I recall at one point someone out in Stude land was rebuilding these hinges. Maybe someone else will recall or you can try over where the ASC hangs out.

I don't have any measurements but I did find some pictures of my car with the radiator out on my web site. As I recall the radiator frame is actually tied into the front clip, not the cross member so you might be OK.

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090507_3659.JPG

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090604_4041.JPG

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090607_4061.JPG

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090623_4450.JPG

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090621_4421.JPG

http://stude.vonadatech.com/images/Engine%20Pull/VT_20090621_4423.JPG

Hope some of this helps.

Nathan

[6hk71400]

There is a 42 champion parts car out at Vail. It has a complete hood, hinges, etc. If you know anyone coming out on February 4 that can pick up parts or buy the whole car you might be ahead. It is a 4 door sedan btw.

Bob Miles
Tucson AZ

[TXCR13]

Thank you for the replies. I think I will remove my driver side hinge and try to straighten the links in it a bit.
Any contact information for the '42 for sale in Vail?
Thanks again.

[nvonada]

I was working late and did not make it out last night. I will try again tonight.

[6hk71400]

Thank you for the replies. I think I will remove my driver side hinge and try to straighten the links in it a bit.
Any contact information for the '42 for sale in Vail?
Thanks again.

Here is the link to the sale in Vail. Next one is February 4.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?98514-Celebration-of-Chuck-Naugle-SALE

Barry Hackney from Houston was there on the 21st and 22nd. I don't know if he is coming back on the 4th.

Bob Miles
Tucson AZ

[41 Frank]

Ernie Loga reconditions '41-46 Hood hinges. Has an ad in the Antique Studebaker Club magazine every issue. He advertises in TW as well with other stuff if you need his contact info.

[nvonada]

I took some pictures with the good camera but it was in my garage and pretty dark. They are a little big for posting here but you can download or look at them using the link below:

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AvLlGFr3VITKp3-IY8h8cvHz-awy

I also did some measuring. From the lower rear corner of the hood to the matching corner of the cowl is 8 3/4". From the center of the hood to the center of the cowl is 2 5/8". My hood fits OK but not great so don't take those numbers as gospel.

Ernie Loga's web page:

http://www.studebakervendors.com/loga/index.htm

I should have remembered that he did the hinges!

Nathan

[TXCR13]

Thanks again for all the replies, and the effort to take pictures and post thrh. I do appreciate it.