Hatch Hinge

[Guest]

I like the hatch hinge that Grant sells, except that it's mill finish aluminum. I'm trying to locate that type of a continuous hinge in anodized aluminum or even better... stainless steel. I want to stay away from mill finish aluminum because of the climate that I live in.
You would not believe some of the results I'm coming up with on some of my searches. My truck canopy uses the same style of hinge in bronze anodized aluminum, so I know that they must be out there somewhere.
I've tried everything from piano hinge, continuous hinge, truck canopy hinge, to slip joint continuous hinge and I have come up goose eggs.

Does anyone know where this hinge is available in something besides mill finish?

Has anyone had any success powder coating Grant's hinge, with out creating a clearance problem in the slip joint?

[Arne]

While we are on the Grant-hinge thing... does that hinge sit on top, or does the lip go between the skin and the structural wood?

When I get the trailer, I'm going to have to hussle to get it together so am trying to clear up my confusions up front....

[Guest]

It sits on top and because of it's construction, water can't get through the pivot point. Grant does say to leave the length a bit long for drainage at the ends.

[mikeschn]

I can confirm what Dean says...

Here's a photo of Grant's hinge on the Baja Benroy. It extends beyond the body by about 3/8". Notice how the water drains off over the side and doesn't run into the hatch seals.



Mike...

[Guest]

Mike,
That's a pretty cool picture!
Does Grant's hinge slide apart prior to installation? (i.e. Maybe I could get the mill finish hinge from Grant anodized myself?)

[mikeschn]

Grants hinge will slide any time you need it to. I could slide the hatch off simply by removing the shocks, and lifting it up really high to clear the sides.

If aluminum can be anodized, and I know it can, why not just have it done locally?

Mike...

[RC]

Aluminum can be chrome plated!!!

[Guest]

Cool, so it does separate into two pieces.
There are no local anodizers here on the North Coast. (Behind the Redwood Curtain)
Maybe Grant knows of a good anodizer in his location?
Have you ever had any problems with the hatch, un-centering itself?

[Steve Frederick]

Just a thought. Will anodizing or plating add enough material to affect the fit of the hinge sections?

[mikeschn]

I don't think anodizing will affect the form, fit or function of the hinge. Chrome plating is a bit thicker, don't have any ideas on that...

Mike...

[Guest]

Just a thought. Will anodizing or plating add enough material to affect the fit of the hinge sections?

Anodizing will just give the aluminum a better finish that will stand up better to the foggy climate around here. It doesn't really add any "thickness" like chrome plating or powder coating would.

[Grant]

Somewhere I read where you can anodize metal at home ... don't remember the process or where I read it (on the web a few years ago) ... maybe do a Google search?

If it were me, I'd simply have the hinge powdercoated (clear, colored, tinted-clear, or whatever suits your taste) after pre-fitting. The similar hinges you find on camper shells/canopies are powdercoated. A little parafin wax on the mating surfaces should prevent most wear.

CHEERS!

Grant

[Guest]

Hey Grant,
Can you get that hinge anodized from your supplier?
Is there an anodizing facility over your way?
So you're saying that there will be enough "slop" in between the two pieces when assembled, to allow for powder coating?

[asianflava]

Somewhere I read where you can anodize metal at home ... don't remember the process or where I read it (on the web a few years ago) Grant

I found this:http://www.focuser.com/anodize.html
and this: http://www.warpig.com/paintball/technical/paintguns/anodize.shtml

but I remember reading an article in one of my R/C car mazagines where they did it with household items. I can't remember exactly but amonia and club soda come to mind.

Although it would prevent the exposed areas from corrosion, anodizing the hinge would be mostly cosmetic. Anywhere where the parts rub would scratch the anodizing off.

[Guest]

Somewhere I read where you can anodize metal at home ... don't remember the process or where I read it (on the web a few years ago) Grant

I found this:http://www.focuser.com/anodize.html
and this: http://www.warpig.com/paintball/technical/paintguns/anodize.shtml

Thanks Guys,
Very Interesting Information!