How to do hinges on the outside of the body?

[T-Ray]

I was looking for ideas on how to do hinges like on pre-WWII cars (and Volkswagens) but all the guides show how to make hinges like on modern cars. Does anyone have any ideas on how to recreate that style of hinge in scale? 
Thanks

[stitchdup]

i would use one of the usual hinges and just glue some small blocks to the door. they just wouldn't have the strength to open more than once if done in scale and would be difficult to keep square. if they aren't square they'll just bind up and tear out of the body

Edited April 26, 2024 by stitchdup

[Ace-Garageguy]

You can make hinges like this from brass tubing and sheet, but it takes skill in soldering and the ability to handle very small metal parts during fabrication.

EDIT: I just looked back at some notes and test parts I'd made a few years back, and it's possible to make up simplified hinges like this, just slightly larger than exact scale (1/24-1/25) using styrene rod and sheet stock, with wire hinge pins.

Again, it's an exercise in very fine, precision fabrication, but they would be capable of supporting the doors adequately...if not played with by children...and lasting indefinitely...and again, if operated carefully, assuming the doors fit their openings accurately and no undue force was placed on the hinges.

Edited April 26, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[SSNJim]

I've been idly turning this over in my mind for quite a while now, but haven't done anything with it so far. I'm considering doll house door hinges. They're pretty widely available at places that deal with doll houses (Hobby Lobby for one). Find the appropriate size, and figure out how to attach them to the car. There are two options: bend the metal plates of the hinge at a 90 degree angle at a distance so the hinge protrudes past the door and superglue directly to the body, or glue styrene blocks to the door and the jamb and superglue the hinges to the blocks without bending them. The trick is to make sure they are vertical and aligned.

As I said, this is just a hypothesis right now. I don't build many cars with external hinges but I do have a few. I also don't have many with opening doors. 

[Mothersworry]

I believe that the Model Car Garage Anglia/Thames photo-etch set #2029 has the type of hinges that yer lookin for. 

[NOBLNG]

I agree it would be tough to build some scale ones from styrene that would stand up for long. Here is how I made some brass Jeep hood hinges. A bit different, but same principle.
https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/178122-brass-jeep-hinges/?do=getNewComment

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, NOBLNG said:

I agree it would be tough to build some scale ones from styrene that would stand up for long. 

So glad you didn't say "impossible".