Boot hinges internal & external

[Transmitter Man]

Can someone tell me if there was a change from external (Hillman Imp I believe) to internally mounted boot hinges on different wedge models or after a particular date?

I'm wondering if I can convert my external to internal because I prefer this cleaner, more modern look:

http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/tvr/images/400se-14...

Phil
420 SEAC

[matt-man]

I know all of the 400's have them inside...

It should be a pretty easy change as they are just bolts through the body!

[JVaughan]

The 400's / 450's boot hinges are little more than a bolt though the lid on either side into a receiver glassed into the bodywork (very similar to the bonnet hinges)

changing from external to Internal would require filling the holes left by the old hinges and glassing in a new pair

[pasogrande]

My exterior hinges have a built-in press-stud to accept a strap from the rolled up Targa top. Is this unusual, or maybe just fitted to US spec 280i models?

Wilf.

[Transmitter Man]

Thanks for the feedback.

I thought there would be some kind of metalwork glassed into the boot underside.

OK, I now need to know if the factory changed boot side (I mean size) when going over to internal hinges because if not then it potentially makes life a lot easier.

Anyone have a spare internally hinged boot I could look at at mate up on my now fully stripped out shell?

Will collect & return of course.

Phil
420 SEAC

Edited by Transmitter Man on Saturday 19th October 00:39

[JVaughan]

I can pop out and take some pictures Phil if thats any use

[Transmitter Man]

Would really appreciate a few high res images just to get an idea of amount of work involved.

Thanks.

Phil
420 SEAC

[wooly350i]

Any chance of sharing the pictures with us when they come through? Wooly.

[Transmitter Man]

I'm sure Jason will post them here.

Phil
420 SEAC

[JVaughan]

Sorry, bad weather .. havnt ventured out to the garage yet. Ill try and get them today.
Will post on here

[Transmitter Man]

Tnx, don't bust a gut.

Phil
420 SEAC

[njhucker]

The leading edge of the boot lid and the adjoining aperture profile is different in that it is angled to give clearance as it opens. Would need a fair bit of remodelling

[Transmitter Man]

So possibly easier to swap the entire boot lid and hinges?

Phil
420 SEAC

[JVaughan]

Sorry for the late reply ... Only back home last night ...

[Transmitter Man]

Hi Jason,

Ok, so they're hinged on the rusty bolts and supported by the struts?

I thought it would be more conventional that that, but thinking about it, it is a TVR:-)

Me thinks if I can pick up a boot lid I can then measure up for some brackets and get them glassed in together with the strut mounting plates.

Ok, opened my eyes somewhat.

Thanks.

Phil
420 SEAC

[JVaughan]

in the middle picture, the bolt head you can see with the crosshead is one of a pair that bolt though outside the boot rubber to hold the strut onto.

the rusty bolts are currently soaking in plusgas to be removed & replaced with stainless