New Hinges for Acrylic Porthole Covers

[Loopy]

I've attached two pictures of the hinged Acrylic pieces that cover the portlights for my Etap 38i. As the shape shows, the hull cutouts are asymmetric and so I've given up the idea of replacing them with framed portlights.

The Hinges are starting to wear our and the bolts that secure them to the hull don't really tighten down that well anymore.

Does anyone know where I could order replacement Hinges?

 

[MoodySabre]

Google plastic portlight hinges and browse the images.

 

[Loopy]

Yeah, I've done that without any success. I was hoping that someone might either recognize it or know where ETAP sourced those parts from.

 

[Refueler]

Get yourself to a good sized Caravan / RV dealer / shop - you'll be amazed what you'll find ...

 

[rgarside]

Try contacting Houdini Marine Windows, they are usually very helpful.
Houdini Marine Windows, Doors & Hatches - Southminster, Essex UK

 

[Loopy]

Thanks... I emailed Houdini, and there's nothing comparable at the RV megastore, Defender, or West Marine.

Part of the problem is that the overwhelming majority of hinges are completely external in nature, they screw to the outside of a surface. These stock hinges have a bolt that goes through a hole in the coach roof sides and screws into the backside of the hinge.

 

[pvb]

In the UK, David Morris at Tollesbury supplies Etap spares.

Spare Parts

 

[lw395]

Thanks... I emailed Houdini, and there's nothing comparable at the RV megastore, Defender, or West Marine.

Part of the problem is that the overwhelming majority of hinges are completely external in nature, they screw to the outside of a surface. These stock hinges have a bolt that goes through a hole in the coach roof sides and screws into the backside of the hinge.

What's actually knackered on the hinges?
Proper PBO cheapskates will consider boring out worn holes and fitting bushes or larger pins.
I have spent a few enjoyable evenings refurbing old parts only to find new parts are available for less than I've spent on tools or materials or beers for the the people I'm scrounged from.....
But sometimes I get the satisfaction of a repair lasting longer than the original.

 

[Loopy]

What's actually knackered on the hinges?
Proper PBO cheapskates will consider boring out worn holes and fitting bushes or larger pins.
I have spent a few enjoyable evenings refurbing old parts only to find new parts are available for less than I've spent on tools or materials or beers for the the people I'm scrounged from.....
But sometimes I get the satisfaction of a repair lasting longer than the original.

A couple of things...

(1) The holes on the backside of the hinge have gotten stripped preventing you from tightening them down properly against the hull. This prevents you from getting a proper seal against the gasket.

(2) on the outside, there are some adjusting screws that adjust the tension of the hinge. Some of the original sheet metal type screws were lost over the years someone at some point used larger wood screws as a substitute so those holes have been ruined.

What do you mean by "fitting bushes"?