[A/S] Re: Where to get a 1976 closet door hinge

[Chris Koehn <timberguides@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Joan-

We had the same trouble with our A/S.  We found used but good condition 
hinges for our '79 at Berning Trailer Sales in Fort Wayne, IN.

While replacing I discovered that the hinge mounts to a rectangular 
aluminum extrusion that acts as a door jamb. The holes through the 
extrusion that the rivets were attached to were also pulled through 
(looked like this wasn't the first time the hinges had pulled loose..) 
I fabricated a backer piece that fit in to the aluminum extrusion out 
of ~3/16" aluminum bar stock I had laying around. Drilled and tapped it 
for screws. I found it was easier to remove the extrusion entirely from 
the trailer and work on it in the shop. After reassembling the whole 
affair I dabbed a bit of JB Weld on the the screws to (hopefully) 
ensure they won't back out from vibrations as we go down the road.

These closet doors are heavy, as they are made from particle board and 
laminate and need all the help they can get. In fact I'm considering 
replacing them with some nice looking baltic birch plywood. Lighter, 
stronger, and more expensive..

Best,

Chris K
#8638