would you accept this ?

[RichC]

Just wondering how acceptable this new hinge pin from a well known lotus supplier would be to you, if you are 'in the know'
Am I being overly fussy in expecting the shaft carrying the nylon bushes to be rust free?

[KevJ+2]

With how much they want for them....no, I would seriously question them.
What's the initials of the supplier, go on - you know we want you to

[RichC]

paid 29.90 before vat and posting .... naw I'll keep you in suspension for a bit longer till i get a few more responses . Just sent the pics off to Paul Mason for his opinion as he's the one gonna fit it !

would be wrong to 'diss' the supplier if I'm just being unreasonable about ' new old stock ' looking a little rough......

[KevJ+2]

Well... If it was SJ Sportscars - his picture of his hinge is the same as yours. Not a very good thing to show really, but I suppose what you see, is what you might get
Kev.

[RichC]

just taken some 1200 grit to the faces and they've come up a treat ....fuss is over ... what a numpty I was being!

[Galwaylotus]

Yeah. Surface rust cleans up easily. If there's any pitting that may be a different story depending on the parts fit!

[Sea Ranch]

Agree with Mr. Galoway.

I have received parts that are rusty and have the plating corroded, etc. Defeats the purpose of new plated parts. Might just as well clean and replate your old parts, instead of buying "new" parts, cleaning and replating them.

As for your Plus 2 hinge pins, I would have been unhappy to see that rust, too. But if I took FINE paper (like your 1200 grit) to the surface and it cleaned up quickly and well, with no pitting, then I would be satisfied. I consider this piece to be important to the longevity of the hinge, the bushing and the fit/sag of the doors. So, no, I don't think you're asking too much of the supplier.

Just my thoughts. Notwithstanding, NOS are prone to these conditions. But if it's a new reproduction, I would definitely expect good condition, with plating all intact.

Regards,

Randy

[SimonH]

I have a feeling these parts are machined after plating so a little surface rust is going to happen if not oiled. Well the ones I got new from Lotus were plated with it machined in this area.

[Sea Ranch]

Yeah, you're probably right.

Notwithstanding all the comments about the condition parts arrive to us in, I suppose the real question is how we keep parts in good condition on our cars.

For example, the door hinge pin. It is exposed to moisture through the opening at the top. Do we grease the entire pin well and hope? Plate it? Definitely don't want to remove the door, door card, hinge pin, in order to "service" it periodically!!

Personally, I'm hoping that Copaslip and stuff like it will be a big help when I start assembly.

I guess it's just all part of owning and maintaining a vintage car

Randy

[SimonH]

I don't know. I suppose the design assumed the door movement would keep it clean where required?

I cant really see why the plating shouldn't be there unless they are a precision fit, but as they run in plastic bushes I doubt it. Probably plate mine and copper-slip them for good measure on assembly.

[pereirac]

I suppose the rust was there to show it was new 'old' stock rather than a modern copy

[shaun]

I could have made you some nice shiny stainless ones

[Sea Ranch]

Shaun . . . oh my goodness . . .

Getting ready for a concours, are we??

So on top of cad plating the castings, you've made up stainless hinge pins? Very nice. And you're offering to make same for the rest of us?? Thanks!

Seriously, though . . . they look awesome. Nice job.

Me, I'm scared to take my little pile of parts-to-plate to the platers and find out the cost . . .

Randy

[shaun]

Thanks Randy plating I think was really cheap I had I load of different parts done cost in total about ?60 had the bonnet catches done in clear zinc