| Author |
Message |
dr8track
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2005
Posts: 501
Location: Seattle area
|
 Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:45 am Post subject: Rear Pop Top Hinge Derailed |
 |
|
I noticed when I was installing my new tent top that the rear hinge on the drivers side wasn't opening fully when the tent was up. I had to manually give it a push up from the outside to get it in the upright position. In comparing it to the hinge on the rear passenger side it looked like the rails where the wheel runs were bent. I tried to push them back in place to match the other side which helped for a few days. But yesterday when I was lowering the tent top I heard a loud pop. Couldn't figure out what it was until I raised the tent again this morning. The wheel on that rail has jumped the track.
I attempted to clean the wheel, but if feels very "chewed up" and will only rotate freely about 3/4 of the way then it hits a spot where it drags. The wheel seems to be rivoted in place, so I have no idea how to even attempt to get it back on the rail.
Even with the rails spread from it popping out there is no way I can see of getting it back in place. The bolt that holds the hinge points together was very loose which may have contributed to the problem.
Now I'm uncertain what to do. Can it be salvagedd or is it damaged too much even if I got the wheel back on the track.? I'm wondering if I should just pursue a replacement hings?
If anyone has had a similar issue I'd appreciate any advice you might have.
_________________
1974 Westfalia Deluxe Campmobiles - Lake Stevens, WA |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Globespotter
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2012
Posts: 1770
Location: Newmarket, ON
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
busdaddy
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 51125
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dr8track
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2005
Posts: 501
Location: Seattle area
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: Rear Pop Top Hinge Derailed |
|
|
Turns out none of the classifieds had what I was looking for and none of the used parts guys had one either. But thanks for the links because two of those places are right here near me in Washinton and that will be a handy resource.
Since I couldn't find a replacement (other than the expensive new stainless stell versions) I decided to take the hinge off and beat it into submission. After much wrangling I got it in pretty decent shape and it is working fine again for now.
I'll keep my eye open for a good replacement because it may go rogue on me again. But I lubed it u[ well, so hopefully it will be happy for a few more yeare.
_________________
1974 Westfalia Deluxe Campmobiles - Lake Stevens, WA |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
