Feedback needed on my hatch/hinge pictures

[tscarbroughdc]

1. I was thinking about cutting some off of my gallery hinge but now I'm having second thoughts. It's less than 1/2" too long which means that less than 1/4" is overhanging on each side.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1386989609.417917.jpg (50.19 KiB) Viewed 355 times

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1386989719.334657.jpg (58.64 KiB) Viewed 355 times

[pohukai]

I have one rule of thought.... postpone cutting anything until it is absolutely necessary in order to make forward progress. I've had too many regrets cutting too soon when a minor redesign forced me to buy a replacement. A hinge like that isn't cheap; so be sure if you do decide to cut now.

[grant whipp]

Jim is right ... wait until the trailer is skinned and you are ready for the final installation of the hinge! Then, e-mail me and I'll send you a photo-tutorial on how to properly trim the hinge for best results and water diversion ... ...! As always ...

CHEERS!

[michaelrsydney]

I wish I had looked for advice before I cut my hinge! I realise now that there is more involved than simply lopping it off flush

I particularly liked the method shown by Les45 in another recent thread about hurricane hinges. He showed the outer section cut longer than the inner section and a screw in place to stop the hatch sliding sideways.... very clever.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=58289&hilit=hurricane

[les45]

I particularly liked the method shown by Les45 in another recent thread about hurricane hinges. He showed the outer section cut longer than the inner section and a screw in place to stop the hatch sliding sideways.... very clever.

That was not an original thought on my part. I got it from other postings here on the Forum while I was building the "Super Bee". I would note that the open ends were filled with paintable caulk and the hinge section was painted silver and the plastic trim hole was painted black. I also added edge trim with black vinyl insert on the corners on both sides as shown in this updated pic.

I left my hinges overhanging about 1/2" on each side and have had no leakage problems.