seeking some information about Door top support hinges

[jedwards]

Seeking some information and opinions on the door top support hinge.
I have a 1953 Series 1 80" and I have misplaced these side panel hinges, as the parts manual called them. I took a look at a lot of image of S1 80" online, but see only a few with these hinges fitted.
The parts manual shows a pin and hinge plate, a seperate Hinge piece (flat steel with the end rolled to form a tube that the pin slots into, and an un-numbered interface piece that appears to be a spacer on the door top frame.
My first question is: Is it absolutely necessary? Does anyone else not have hinges fitted?
I took to door tops off when I purchased the vehicle, and have never drive it with the door tops fitted, but can imagine that the hinge would be important to support the tops fitted if driving without the tilt and canopy frame fitted.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, views or opinions.

regards
Jeff
189003

[B.S.F.]

Series I door tops are far too flimsy to be used without top hinges.
.W.

[JDNSW]

And just to (not) help, I have a feeling that several different versions of the hinge were used on the 80"!

[jedwards]

And just to (not) help, I have a feeling that several different versions of the hinge were used on the 80"!

I believe you are correct. The one that I misplaced, that came with the vehicle when I bought it, was a rather Heath Robinson construction of sold and threaded rods that created a triangular looking thing that acted like a very basic support hinge. But I cannot find it or a photo of it. I'll keep looking. I'm sure its hiding somewhere in the shed.
Land Rover parts do that, as we all know all too well.


regards Jeff

[Tins]

I'm sure its hiding somewhere in the shed.
Land Rover parts do that, as we all know all too well.


regards Jeff

I reckon the rats or possums like 'em as much as we do.

[gromit]

Pictures here might help

1948 series one door top hinges. (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-i-land-rover-enthusiasts-section/204232-1948-series-one-door-top-hinges.html)

Colin

[JDNSW]

I believe you are correct. The one that I misplaced, that came with the vehicle when I bought it, was a rather Heath Robinson construction of sold and threaded rods that created a triangular looking thing that acted like a very basic support hinge. But I cannot find it or a photo of it. I'll keep looking. I'm sure its hiding somewhere in the shed.
Land Rover parts do that, as we all know all too well.


regards Jeff

I just had a look through John Smith's book, and although none of his pictures ( except a drawing for 1951) are very clear, it seems there are at least two types. One has the bit sticking forward from the door to line up with the hinge line composed of a triangle of rods, the other is a flat triangular plate, in both cases with a short rod in a hole on a bracket attached to the windscreen frame. Both appear to be galvanised.

[gromit]

Here's the flat plate version
https://pablanchard.co.uk/Hinge-Plate-RH-80in-Door-Top-304100

pn 304100 and 304101 (right & left)

https://pablanchard.co.uk/image/cache/catalog/AAAA/Parts/P1040785-1000x1000.JPG
'Wire' version from my previous post.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/601.jpg

[B.S.F.]

52/53 models use a hinge plate that is bolted to a Z-bracket welded or brazed to the galvanised door top frame.
.W.

[Old Farang]

This is what is on my 52 80". The door "Z" shaped bracket is welded to the door frame, the rest of the parts are bolted on.


189076
189075

[LR1953]

Jeff, a couple of points:
In my book doortops spoil the vibe of the thing. They're claustrophobic, the vision isn't good through the perspex, they rattle, it makes opening/closing the door inconvenient, need I go on? If the weather's inclement wear a rainproof (and windproof) motoring jacket. And a cloth peaked cap, just like in the old ads.

But if you insist from the point of view of completeness, I'd suggest buying the door component of the hinges as above and getting the part bolted to the windscreen fabricated from steel strap and a short piece of tube, or rod drilled out. MIG the two together then galv. or perhaps aluminium paint would look good enough. I have a complete pair of doortops but I haven't used them in over 40 years.
Cheers, Rob S

[1950landy]

Jeff, a couple of points:
In my book doortops spoil the vibe of the thing. They're claustrophobic, the vision isn't good through the perspex, they rattle, it makes opening/closing the door inconvenient, need I go on? If the weather's inclement wear a rainproof (and windproof) motoring jacket. And a cloth peaked cap, just like in the old ads.

But if you insist from the point of view of completeness, I'd suggest buying the door component of the hinges as above and getting the part bolted to the windscreen fabricated from steel strap and a short piece of tube, or rod drilled out. MIG the two together then galv. or perhaps aluminium paint would look good enough. I have a complete pair of doortops but I haven't used them in over 40 years.
Cheers, Rob S


I never use my door tops for all these reasons, I also find there is more water comes in through the gaps than when driving in the rain without the tops, unless the wind is driving the rain sideways.

[Tins]

I never use my door tops for all these reasons, I also find there is more water comes in through the gaps than when driving in the rain without the tops, unless the wind is driving the rain sideways.

True. Worse he has to worry about is the Freo Doctor.