Fast patch for failed rubber bay door hinge

[oltrunt]

When I was ready to disconnect the batteries in my MCI last night, the rubber hinge on the battery bay door gave way as I tried to open it.  Luckily for me it skiddered across my arms and missed my toes (and the battery terminals) as it hit the ground.  No doubt there is a source for this part but as a stop gap effort to get things closed up as quickly as possible I tried another solution.

I have a friend who operates an automobile upholstery shop here in town who is always willing to try out my wild ideas.  I asked him to stitch a replacement hinge using two nylon beads sticthed into a heavy vinyl upholstery material kind of like a very short coach awing.  I slipped the beads into the hinge frame and replaced the little keeper screws at either end and the job was done.  I know the patch won't last 25 years like the original hinge but I'd bet it will last 8 or ten.  Jack

[daddyoften]

Sweet! Great idea, I need one of those right now! :-)

Sent from my Droid phone

[RobSedona]

LOL seems my rubber only lasts 3 or 4 years I have a few on atand by. Great Idea the nylon beads and heavy vinyl upholstery material

[chessie4905]

Maybe it is time for someone to contact a polyurethane bushing,engine mount,or whatever to see if they can copy the factory version.