Hinges for Roof Hatch

[jrod]

Hey Guys/Girls,

Unfortunately over Easter my hatch blew off! Anywho, time gets away and seeings im taking the van out over the June long weekend, i kinda figure that i do really need to fit the new hatch this weekend.

Not entirely sure whats the best approach. Was thinking i would just hinge it at the front, like the little burgundy van with the black flash in the pics that Di posted from Mt Gambier recently.

If anyone has any good ideas and or the best place to find the parts and what hinges to use it would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers, J-Rod.

[1954homemade]

Hi J-Rod,

I think this is the van you are referring to.


I know a couple of the other guys have lost their hatches recently so hopefully someone can come up with the info you are after.

Enjoy you break
Regards
Di & Al

[firefighter]

hi Jrod

try this mob in dandenong........caravan & trailer spares

www.carac.com.au/

f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[mpower]

G'day J-Rod,

We lost our hatch first time out. I have since secured it with three pad bolts and a safety chain.

Mark and Maureen,

Bendigo

[tinnie]

hi J-rod,
Having recently rebuilt a roof hatch, I will share my experience (about the replacement that is ;D).

I bought two normal butt hinges for the front and used the longest self drilling screws I could to attach them to the van and the new hatch.
I got the roof hatch hinges at the local Mitre10 hardware they are called 'drop leaf table hinges'
To see what I mean check the link:
www.caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35_502&products_id=1184&osCsid=76d9991754b852a98d774e99eb3ae21a
I used two of them on the back and then got an old catch to keep it locked down, something like this would do the trick:
www.caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35_500&products_id=1222&osCsid=76d9991754b852a98d774e99eb3ae21a.
Construction was easy, some 2X1 hardwood, and a sheet of ply for the top. Then paint it and finally cover it in a sheet of aluminium (not so easy, I hate working with sheetmetal).
Unfortunately I didn't take any photers of it or I'd post them, but basically worked like the one pictured above.
Cheers,
Gristy ;D

[jrod]

Thanks so much guys for the tips! Gristy, i like it. I noticed those hinges at the place firefighter suggested. And it feels nice to know that im not the only one who's lost a hatch!

Di, Al Hope all is good! Shame i couldn't make Munmorah, hopefully catch you guys soon.

Cheers J-Rod.

[atouchofglass]

Hi Guys and Gals

I've always been a fan of stainless steel hinges, nuts and bolts.. never rusts and will be there forever looking good.

There is sure to be a supplier in most towns

Recently decided to make a set of roof hatch hinges for the Olympic as the original hinges are now rusted and look crap.
Turned out very nice if I do say so myself.

Stainless will always outclass the brass plated steel hinges most of the hardware nobs shops supply.

Remember you have a vintage piece of Australian history in your yard....... she deserves the best.

Polish them up and make them a feature of the van as well as functional.

Atog

[healthybuddha]

Hi, we lost our hatch on our last trip up north (8000km round trip) - We looked online to find a new one - SILLY of me as our van is a 1967 Moden vintage caravan and the hatch is 750 x 600mm wide --- Way to big for any on the market these days... So you guys have also helped us out - I did make a metel one to cover the hole and did not even think about making a plywood one ------------------------ THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP - I will start making a plywood one today...

[Rattles]

caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=11913

If you want to go plastic

Rattles