Tailgate Window Hinges

Hey guys, so over the weekend, I noticed that one of the two hinges on my tailgate glass was loose, so like an idiot, I grabbed a wrench and tightened it, right up until the hinge basically turned to dust and rust in my hands. Since I was about to leave for a weekend trip, I removed the good hinge and the glass and just threw some cardboard on it.

Now that I am back, I took the time to redesign the hinges and create CAD files for both sides, complete with the Buick Tri-Shield logo on them. And yes, there are separate files for each side. These will replace GM Parts 10124262 and 10124263. Here is the link to the files. I recommend you get them machined, but there may be a way to get them 3D printed sturdy enough to last. Grab Cad link to files


Old Hinges

Shiny New Hinges

That's awesome. How about a set with bowties for us poor folks with Chevy wagons?

There is a steel insert in the hinge. If you print them, they will not last very long. An all metal one would be nice, but you should use the same metal for the hinge part and the bolt, so there is no electrolysis.

You can 3d print metal now.

Yeah, but how much does the printer cost?

Fred: There are a few options to combat this issue. Number one, what I am doing, is having a set printed and then using epoxy to secure threaded steel inserts. I am getting them printed in ASA plastic with 100% infill for less than $10 for the pair. Nylon is another option, but its more expansive at about $40 for the pair. Option two, have it CNC machined in your selected metal, and order matched bolts. Option three, the most DIY option, order them 3D printed in PLA and then do a lost PLA casting (King of Random on youtube shows you how to make a casting forge)

RedandBlack: I dunno, don't you boys just use cardboard windows these days? I kid, I kid. I will try t get some bow ties done in the next few days and add them. Might as well do some Olds as well for the Custom Cruiser guys. Their hinges are 25 years old at the newest at this point.

RedandBlack: Here are the bow tie files.

https://grabcad.com/library/caprice-wagon-tailgate-glass-hinge-1

What no plain option? Very nice idea,btw.

Live a little! You've got a Chevy AND a Buick, don't you?

Are you planning on making and selling any? I'd happily buy a Buick set...otherwise, I have no clue how to go about getting some made around here.

Thanks Hardiron for your work on the hinges!

Watching with interest, I'd be interested also.


thanks

Tom

Andebe: I have the files for plain ones, but since I simplified to contour (it is a bit boxier than stock) I wanted to add some detail to draw the eye away from that fact.

Brockecello: There are a number of websites that you can upload the files to and request bids to have them 3D printed and shipped. I personally used 3DHubs.

The pair that I ordered to be printed are on their way to me now, once I have them finished I will post pictures and my opinion on whether the 3D printing alone will suffice.

Cool!  Thanks for the info!  I just ordered a pair in ASA to see how it will work....I feel like I stepped into a new age.  lol

Yeah I sent the file to my friend with a 3D printer. Neat.

Pretty slick!  Mine came in yesterday.  No I need to figure out how to put them on. Lol...

Thanks Hardiron!

Well...would you just look at that. Pretty slick.

Hey guys, thought I would give you an update. I have a set of the first gen hinges that I broke, then I redesigned them, and broke them again (I recommend against reusing the pins, I am switching to #8 bolts)

Long story short, both the ones I had printed were done vertically (hinge ears up), which makes them incredibly weak. I have a new set on the way that are being printed laying down and once they are mounted, I will report in on them.

The redesign incorporates heat set thread inserts, a item in 3D printing available on Amazon. They are brass, so I will look into coatings to help prevent oxidation. I also had to order new bolts since one of mine was toasted. They are also a two piece design, so that the thread insert can be "hidden".

For those who ordered some already, I hope they work. Brokecello, yours appear to have been printed correctly. Epoxying in a steel threaded insert should work fine for you.

Once I make sure the new ones work, I will post that file and a short write up.

Glad I read this thread. I was going to get them made this weekend at my buddy's house.


Well then!

Hey everyone, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you guys. I have not gotten the 3D printed ones to work as of yet, and given the shear weight of that rear window, I am leaning more towards just going with CNC aluminum. It will be much cheaper per set if I have multiples made instead of one set, so is there any interest from you guys for CNC aluminum tri shield hinges? Price would be between 80-100 per full set plus shipping, depending on interest.

Just wanted to bring this thread back - has anyone else picked this up and run with it?