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Oz34
United Kingdom
2542 Posts |
 Posted - 12/04/2012 : 22:02:11
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I find that, while my central hinge rod is steel, the outer two are brass.
I wonder, is this the inevitable result of nearly eighty years or is there an obscure but very good reason for it & I should use the same materials again?
Thanks in advance,
Dave |
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Bruce Sutherland
United Kingdom
1565 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 23:50:11
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Dave,
When I came to strip my PB for restoration I found that despite the centre bonnet hinge being stainless, it had seized on the original mild steel rod/hinge-pin, so on rebuild I replaced all the rods/hinge-pins with stainless ones on the basis that they should remain 'free' for the next 80 years 
I found that model engineering suppliers usually hold stocks of s/s rods in appropriate imperial sizes.
Tip: The rods/hinge-pins are usually readily inserted coupled to the chuck of an electric drill - I also cut a screw-driver slot in one end to rotate for the last few mm.
Bruce.
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Keith Durston
United Kingdom
711 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 08:47:24
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Dave,
For what it is worth all my M type bonnets have a steel centre rod and brass side rods. No idea why but that is clearly what appears to have been standard practice.
Keith |
Edited by - Keith Durston on 13/04/2012 08:47:57 |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2542 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 09:52:44
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Many thanks to both of you.
I think Bruce I will steer clear of stainless as sometimes one stainless part can "pick up" on another.
As you say Keith the reason is probably lost in the mists of time but, however many M bonnets you mean by "all my", it certainly looks as though it was the factory arrangement. I think I'll stick to it as they must have had a reason, whatever it may have been.
Thanks again,
Dave |
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Cymber
United Kingdom
966 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 20:32:06
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For what it is worth, my guess is that as the centre hinge is more likely to suffer bending than the side ones that is the reason it is made of the stronger material.
Maurice Blakey. |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2542 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 22:54:02
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Sounds reasonable Maurice.
Thanks,
Dave |
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Blue M
United Kingdom
1472 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2012 : 08:23:10
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| All the rods on my M are steel. |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2542 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2012 : 08:58:37
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Oh well!
Dave |
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tonym
United Kingdom
653 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2012 : 15:54:14
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| Rods on my M are brass - the centre one is very worn at the ends so presumably it has been there for 80 years |
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LewPalmer
USA
3244 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2012 : 17:12:49
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Both my PB Airline and PA 2 seater had steel center and brass sides. All replaced with stainless.
Lew Palmer
Registrar, NAMMMR |
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dadknowles
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2012 : 21:18:50
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I would suggest pragmatics. Before the war stainless steel was not commonly available and was very expensive. Same reason that steel and not aly was used on the body?
Where did you get the idea that SS picks up?....that is not yottie experience, all weather deck fittings, moving and fixed, are SS and they are happy. |
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Alan Bertram
United Kingdom
199 Posts |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2542 Posts |
Posted - 15/04/2012 : 11:02:27
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Thanks for that Alan,
Having read the advice, that has been exactly my experience. As far as the remedies, they seem to be talking of power driving. I don't think you can seriously slow hand driving which is all I ever did. Lubrication is not something I used to do in days when I used SS fasteners & I'm sure both bolt & nut were the same grade.
Logically one would be lubricating the hinge rods &, as my mild steel centre one has survived nearly 80 years with some wear, a small amount of corrosion & MASSES of neglect, I think I will just replace it with mild steel as planned.
Dave |
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Bob Stringfield
United Kingdom
854 Posts |
Posted - 15/04/2012 : 20:22:38
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Stainless steel was used for domestic items and bicycle wheel-rims from c.1932 on. Perhaps the first vehicle firm to use it extensively was the Vincent motor cycle concern on their post-war Rapide, Shadow and Comet range. |
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dadknowles
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 18/04/2012 : 10:12:30
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Hm....don't agree I'm afraid. Getting back to Requirements....the Bonnet hinges are subject to frequent wetting and warming. Hence corrosion will occur, [I would suggest you are not looking at wear, you are seeing where rust has been rubbed off]. So unprotected mild steel is completely inappropriate. Other than brake shackle pins, there can be nowhere less apppropriate for unprotected mild steel. Go for the best and know it will still be in service for your grandchildren. Be reassured, SS is used in rolling applications like bearings, yacht winches, much greater loads than our hinges.
Mind you my choice of materials is greatly helped by having a fellow enthusisast who runs a sheet metal business and lets me help myself in his stockroom. If you live around Abingdon, I'll introduce you..... |
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