Fuel door-early 63

[Rainer S.]

Is there an easy way to get the pivot pin (1/8" X 2 1/2") out of the fuel door ?
Mine seams to be "frozen-up" in the 2, approx 1/2" in. section of the potmetal hinge. I tried to hit it with a punch to get it out, but it will not move. I don't want to hit it too hard, may break the ears off. There is no way to back-up the inside of the hinge, due to the hinge bracket.
I can support the bottom hinge, but when applying force to the top hinge, it may break...
If there is no way to push the pin out, I will drill it out, but will have to find a replacembent pin. (don't know who sells them).

Rainer

[John D.]

Re: Fuel door-early 63

Is there an easy way to get the pivot pin (1/8" X 2 1/2") out of the fuel door ?
Mine seams to be "frozen-up" in the 2, approx 1/2" in. section of the potmetal hinge. I tried to hit it with a punch to get it out, but it will not move. I don't want to hit it too hard, may break the ears off. There is no way to back-up the inside of the hinge, due to the hinge bracket.
I can support the bottom hinge, but when applying force to the top hinge, it may break...
If there is no way to push the pin out, I will drill it out, but will have to find a replacembent pin. (don't know who sells them).

Rainer

Soak it in PB Blaster. That stuff is magic. Apply a little heat to it also.
Trim Products has a beautiful repro and its cheap. I believe its a one point deduction. If they improved the lens it would be really dead nuts. It does have a logo on it though which is a fast giveaway. My 63 has an early early repro on it that Long Island made or sold for a short time in the early 80's. No logo but easy to disquinish from the real deal because of the lens or emblem. It gets a one point deduct which isn't bad.
You are a brute for punishment. I admire your spunk on using original parts. Replating a mirror, now replating this part. Go for it. Nice to see you are not building a repromobile. JD

Pin: Check McMaster Carr for some drill rod and cut it off and round it off to suit.

[Rainer S.]

Re: Fuel door-early 63

John,

Thanks, I soaked it in a solution used to loosen bolts, tried it and it worked.
Got the pin out. It was tight only for a 1/8" serrated portion of the pin. Once that was out of the hole, the pin came out ...
Off to the Fini Chrome it goes.
I actually have (2) of those lids, will have them both chromed (same price-250 minimum for the lot). W
Will use the better of the (2).
Got the new emblem from Trim Parts. Other than distinct circular marks from machining, it looks good.

Rainer