1956 door hinge refurbishing

[mrhdpm]

I am trying to remove the door hinges on my 1956 tbird to replace the grommets and pins. I can’t access the top bolt of the top hinge inside the door. I tried and articulated ratcheting box wrench but it won’t hold onto the bolt due to the shape of the hinge. I tried an articulated socket handle but it is too deep to get inside and over the bolt. Any suggestions?

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[mrhdpm]

Added these pics. The strut is in the way and get a socket wrench in and get any leverage. I think it was painted over and can’t break it free. Tried penetrating oil and heat. No luck. Any help would be appreciated. Thinking of cutting brace out and having someone weld it back later.

 

[Tom Alpers]

If your problem is that one bolt in the corner, what about these...

3/8 in. Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set, 7-Piece

Amazing deals on this 7Pc 3/8In Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[mrhdpm]

Added these pics. The strut is in the way and get a socket wrench in and get any leverage. I think it was painted over and can’t break it free. Tried penetrating oil and heat. No luck. Any help would be appreciated. Thinking of cutting brace out and having someone weld it back later.

Have you used them successfully? Doesn’t look like they will fit around the bolt due to the fact that the bolts are recessed below the center if the hinge.

 

[Brax]

Added these pics. The strut is in the way and get a socket wrench in and get any leverage. I think it was painted over and can’t break it free. Tried penetrating oil and heat. No luck. Any help would be appreciated. Thinking of cutting brace out and having someone weld it back later.

I used a long handle craftsman box wrench through the front door cutout. A friend ground a slot in the inside door area above the bolt just enough to fit an extension 3/8s. I’ve done 4 birds and never heard of this. If you use a thin wall 6 piont socket you should have no problem

 

[Brax]

I used a long handle craftsman box wrench through the front door cutout. A friend ground a slot in the inside door area above the bolt just enough to fit an extension 3/8s. I’ve done 4 birds and never heard of this. If you use a thin wall 6 piont socket you should have no problem

 

[rwood]

I am trying to remove the door hinges on my 1956 tbird to replace the grommets and pins. I can’t access the top bolt of the top hinge inside the door. I tried and articulated ratcheting box wrench but it won’t hold onto the bolt due to the shape of the hinge. I tried an articulated socket handle but it is too deep to get inside and over the bolt. Any suggestions?

A 3/8 inch swivel socket and extension , if not you could always grind out the area over the bolt to accommodate a socket and extension. No one will see it. Also it will make it easier to adjust the door when you are done. Plan on some time as these doors can be a bit tricky to get aligned.

 

[Tom Alpers]

I am trying to remove the door hinges on my 1956 tbird to replace the grommets and pins. I can’t access the top bolt of the top hinge inside the door. I tried and articulated ratcheting box wrench but it won’t hold onto the bolt due to the shape of the hinge. I tried an articulated socket handle but it is too deep to get inside and over the bolt. Any suggestions?

Perhaps a crowsfoot socket would do the trick. https://www.amazon.com/YIYEIE-Crowf...-Piece/dp/B0BQ1NG6FF/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[56Redbird]

Have you considered something like this?