The Official H-Body Internet Community

Hi guys,
New to you club. Confession first, I'm a chrysler guy at heart, but a gearhead all around.(did I lose anyone?)
After all these years, I am finally building my V-8 Vega!!!! I have building cars since I was 13. My habit
got worse when I worked for Art Morrison Ent. for 13yrs. I have had 3 tube frame Pro Street cars, 3 back-half
cars and 2 mini-tubbed cars with a few small tire cars.
I'm not exactly sure of the plan, but looking towards a 434ci SB with nitrous, mini-tubbed Caltracs.
My first question, more to come, on my 1975 hatchback, the hatchback hinges are rusted gone.
What do I do???????? Can't find replacement, do I modifiy gate hinges? Any imput would be needed.

Thank you,
Mark

Welcome to the club, you will find these cars fun and interesting but challenging as well. Are the hinges rusted only on the hatch or are the ones welded to the body also gone?

Welcome to the site. You'll get many more responses and comments if you post in the top category under "General Discussion". You are currently posting in "H-body.org info"

Dick

Edit: Looks like Marco moved the thread to General, thanks!

Welcome Mark

Grtz

Peter from Antwerp

hey newbie caltracs? that means leaf springs? couple of our guys did that(my vega in Pa.) and his car hooks and flies. looking forward to see what you do with the caR you get. you are in the right plaCE, WITH THE FINEST FAB GUYS ON THE PLANET. ART

Thanks guys.
The hinges on the body are rusted away. The hatch has brackets with about a 1/4" hole
in them. Not sure what to do.
Yes, Im going to run leaf springs with caltracs. Well thats the plan right now, but I have
some time until then. I'll repost under the correct heading and seek advice on peoples thinking
on building a sleeper.
Thanks again!!
Mark

advice on peoples thinking on building a sleeper.

Just as a heads up, any Hot Rodder who sees a Vega on the road now days assumes it has a V8 in it even if it looks somewhat stock. That said, it looks like you have a pretty unique take on the V8 Vega and as we say around here post plenty of pics. =)

welcome,, put a hemi in that car

this thread is worthless without pictures!!

Welcome Mark. Sounds like you have good project there and you have the knowledge/skills/experience to do something really cool with it.

It would be my guess (on the hinges) that if you're trying to stay original, you could seek out someone with a parts car and have a set removed and sent to you.

Perhaps a post here on the forum in the 'Wanted' thread will get a few bites...

Mike

Welcome,
I am not much on the whole Dodge thing, but you are in with a great crowd here! Good luck with the Vega project.

Hi, a picture of your rusted hinge area would be helpful so we see exactly, but it is only sheet metal and hinges we are talking here.
Auto body welding skills are what is needed here, take your time, this sheet metal is thin, fabricate replacment pieces with slightly heavier sheet metal, lots of small spot welds with the mig welder .025 wire, and some grinding
I would not be afraid to replace the hinges with ? As long as in the end they work as desired, maybe your hinges could be refurbished and welded back in? it's just metal working, and we are here to help.
Good luck
GT

Is this what you are talking about? I think this qualifies as "rusty hinge area" !




Larry

waybad wrote:welcome,, put a hemi in that car

this thread is worthless without pictures!!

Ta heck with a hemi... everyone knows them old elephants were slow........ put a 340 in it with a six pack and one a them pistol grip shifters then it'll really fly