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How to repair Fender 1980's molded hardshell case hinges?

Coldaccord

Coldaccord

May 11, 2008
50
29
41
Buffalo, NY
#1
I have a molded fender hardshell case I bought from a buddy, I believe it's from the early 80's.

The hinges have come out in a few locations. I was wondering the best method of repair. Do I just get slim tool with a 90 or 45 degree angle, put the hinge back in, and pry on the tabs?

If so I was thinking of adding guerilla glue to the main part of the hinge where it contacts the metal ring around the case.

I reached out to G&G who said the cases back then were made overseas and they didn't have any advice

Thanks in advance for any info

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#3
5544 said:
Looks like the hinges were installed before the insides were installed.

To repair it you would have to remove the liner to gain access to the hinge.
Click to expand...

Thanks. How is the liner held in place, with adhesive? At that point do I just bend the tabs back to secure the hinge? If so, I wonder if there's a workaround to do it with a tool from the exterior?
 
#4
The liner in my early 90's Fender case is rigid foam that's glued to the bottom pretty good, but not so much on the sides. I got both ends up pretty good on the bottom half to re glue the two pieces of fabric that act as stops for the top.

Sorry, almost forgot. My hinges are riveted on and would easy to replace. Just tossing out ideas.
 
#5
If you can remove the hinge's pin and reestablish the correct angle of the tabs before putting it all back together, you may have some luck. Otherwise, you could get a few new hinges - a type with numerous holes, that line up squarely with the dimensions of the aluminum strips - and screw them down with some appropriate self-tapping screws. Hope you get some satisfaction.
 
#7
Killed_by_Death said:
I would toss the original hinges, because look how they turned out.
Get new hinges
Get out your drill & rivet gun
Drill holes just big enough for the rivets to insert, preferably in the aluminum
Insert rivet, Punch it in
Click to expand...
I agree, I think that's the best route. I have a friend with a pop rivet gun so I don't need to access the other side. Maybe I could even reuse the current hinges

Thanks guys
 
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#17
oneidwillie said:
Hi funkhead. I'm having the same hinge problem on my case that you referenced. Could you please let me know how to do the repair (especially which parts you used)? My hinges are actually all broken, but the case is otherwise in great shape. Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Hi, Can you please send me pics and I'll let you know what I feel is the best way. When I have pop riveted, I always add thin sheet metal to the inside of the case. But I have also just reinserted the OG tabs and bent them back with very fine/small flat pliers.
 

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