40 Plymouth O/S trunk hinges

[Skrambler]

Hello folks,

Would someone be so kind as to post a photo of original external, chromed trunk hinges, both the top and the base for a 1940 Plymouth Coupe. Twice now I have purchased what was suppose to be "correct", and twice I was mislead. Any photos, especially any close ups would help me as I scout the swap meet tables. Thank you!

[Ken Bartz]

Skrambler, Here is a photo of one of my external 1940 trunk hinge just back from bring chrome plated. These are very difficule to find. Once I saw a pair on eBay.....once! If you wish I could take another photo of the hinge on the car. I had often thought about figuring out how to make a pattern and then have them cast with new metal. The problem then is the internal hinge itself as these are just hinge covers.

[Skrambler]

Ken,

Thanks for the photo!

Gosh, now I guess I have several additional questions!

First, if this is simply a "cover", then how is the actual "hinge" held to it? I do not see any screws or such. Could it be a static fit?

Second, are there ANY MoPar part numbers either cast, or stamped on these higes/covers?

Third, I guess I best ask if these are in fact side specific, so if and when I find these do I need to make sure that I do not actually have two rights and two lefts?

I would also be very grateful to see other photos if that is not too much trouble. Maybe of the detail where the hinge flexes. This way, I would have something in my pocket to compair with if I do run across anything similair.

Now, the $25,000 question, yep, I bet you knew it was coming...Does any other hinge work as a replacement?

Thanks Ken, and others that may answer...

[Ken Bartz]

Skrambler, I took a picture of one of the hinges on my car. Also of them before plating. Yes, the cast chrome plated piece is just a cover over the hinge. The strap hinge its self has three mounting holes on each side (6 screws per hinge) I could not find a picture of the strap hinge, only the cast cover. The cast pieces have a tapped threaded holes. The screws come thru the trunk lid, the hinge and then threaded into the cast piece. Yes, they are side specific as there is a slight angle on them. I do not know of any substitute. I recall that there were part numbers on the cast parts. I've looked at the 1940 Plymouth parts manual and did not find this hinge.

[Rodney Bullock]

Hi Ken and Skrambler. Somewhere in the UPS warehouse is a beautiful et of 1940 hinges. I had them chromed at Hanlon in Richmond. When th box got to me they were no there. UPS looked everywhere. The good thing about it was they were insured for 500.00. UPS bust the box open in the truck. The driver was honest about it, he said the box was secure and sealed when he got it.

They asked me to send them a advertizment of one for sale. A guy had a set for sale for 1,000 they sent me a check. I found a set at Hershey for 400.00 already chromed and now they are on the car.

My question to you Ken, are they Left and right hand or does it matter? On a Chevy if you put the wrong one on one side it will snap the other side. I have had mine on my trunk for 5 or 6 years and it works fine.

I took this shot yesterday aint it a beaut:D

Edited June 21, 2010 by Rodney Bullock

[Roadkingcoupe]

Hello folks,

Would someone be so kind as to post a photo of original external, chromed trunk hinges, both the top and the base for a 1940 Plymouth Coupe. Twice now I have purchased what was suppose to be "correct", and twice I was mislead. Any photos, especially any close ups would help me as I scout the swap meet tables. Thank you!

The 1940 coupe had two hinge styles: an internal hinge and an external hinge as well. In addition I have a 1939 Plymouth coupe that came with the 1940 style hinge as well (or at least they fit). Currently I do have a set of each style. PM me with contact info.........easier to explain the differences.

Here is a hint....the 1939 Plymouth coupe hinge was solid cast metal. The 1940 coupe hinge is a two piece unit with an inner steel frame and an extremely thin cast pot metal cover or shell. Contact me for pictures or info on getting the right ones. Hope that helps......

[Ken Bartz]

These hinges are NOT interchanagable from right to left. So, for the chrome shell there are four different items (right, upper & lower and left, upper & lower)

[Skrambler]

Thanks for all the information!

Ken, thanks for your photos, and your time too.

Well, it looks as if I can be armed for swap meet season. Wish me luck!!!

I suppose to find a "set" is going to be quite a task. I wish that there was a part number, or something that would give me a clue as to what the item is, and what side it is for.

Gotta love them ol' MoPars!!!