Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: JWolt on November 04, 2004, 02:03:19 PM

Title: Door hinge
Post by: JWolt on November 04, 2004, 02:03:19 PM
I have a friend with a 93 Cougar that has a shot door hinge.  As of right now she isn't even using the driver's side door because she can't close it by herself.  Has anyone ever replaced a door hinge on one of these?  I guess she had a friend of the family look at it and he couldn't figure out how to replace the pin.  Does anyone have an idea of how to change the pin, or should I just get the whole hinge from the junkyard?
Thanks
Jim
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: 1986Tbird on November 04, 2004, 03:32:45 PM
I think that there is a busing that gets worn out and that the pin is probably still good. Not sure on how to remove the pin though. I read somewhere that you could make a wooden stand to support the door and u could take it off that way or you could just get strong people to hold it for u.
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: Rwolf on November 04, 2004, 04:30:22 PM
Just replace the entire hindge with a new, or better condition one.
I know the Fox cars are just bolt on, not sure on the MN-12 but I'm betting it's the same deal.
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: Sly1990 on November 04, 2004, 06:01:12 PM
I dont think we can buy those parts separately anyway...
Replace the complete hinge is a beter idea...

The pin is both side capped and press fit....
I figured that when the pin fell off somewhere but i was still having one of the caps.... :giggle:
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: Ether947 on November 04, 2004, 06:37:52 PM
actually it's pretty easy. but you do have to take the hinge off to get the pin out. and you will need to replace the pin as well...have to cut the other one in half. i did mine in a couple of hours (mostly cutting the pin) mostly by myself. door shuts like a dream. ^_^

....but if i had a new hinge then i'd go that route. though it is hard to beat $6 and a diy.

i used a page for the MN-12 as a guidance so they are similar. wish i remember where it was.
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: lowcat on November 04, 2004, 07:14:14 PM
You can find rebuilt hinges on ebay all the time. I am almost positive all 89-97 MN12 hinges are the same. The hinges are the same for both sides of the car which make it easy. I bought a rebuilt hinge for my 90 XR7 for like $15, installed it in about an hour and problem solved. Door works like new again.
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: JWolt on November 04, 2004, 09:15:49 PM
My worry was that I would need a special wrench to get in there.  I really have never looked at how difficult it would be to remove the door hinge.  I was thinking about just holding the door up with my engine hoist and swapping out the hinge.  I couln't find any on ebay but the one used parts store said they would sell me one for $20.

I did some more research and did find a web site that had a write up on it.  I can't believe I didn't think to do a search first.  It is good to get everyone's experience with it though.  So thanks everyone for all the replies, I think I am going to give it a try next weekend since I am helping someone else do brakes this weekend.

Thanks
Jim
Title: Re: Door hinge
Post by: joefriday on November 05, 2004, 11:39:51 PM
FYI:  if anyone owns a 94 and up cougar/bird and tries to replace the door hinge, the air bag componetry will be in the way.  Not a big issue, but is just makes it a bit more of a hassle.

Ya, those doors sag terribly on MN-12's.  I decided I didn't want to replace the hinges myself, took it to a body shop instead.  The cost wasn't terribly expensive, but now that I know I can go on e-bay and buy remanned hinges, thats what I'll do if I ever have that problem again.  The T-bird guys have it made, they don't have to replace the hinges unless they get sick of slamming the door; we Cougar owners have to fix the hinges before they sag enough to catch the stainless quarter window trim, which tears it away from the molding, making it look like ass.  :nono: