WTB: MS2001-5 piano hinge

[Steve Cantarutti]

I want to replace the 4 piano hinges on the elevator of my 235/320. As I am not too good with nutplates and that sort of thing, wondering if anyone would be willing to supply 4 complete hinges with nutplates as in the removed one here:

[Tom Thibault]

Steve,

Why are you replacing the hinges?

If it is because the pivot is sloppy, have you tried using the 3/32" SS welding rod as a replacement pin. It is a much better fit than the original. All the pins should be replaced on the ailerons and flaps also (before they wear excessively).

[Chris Zavatson]

The hinge is likely too far gone if it had any time on the small, original pin.
http://www.n91cz.net/HingePlay/HingeRepair.pdf

[Steve Cantarutti]

Tom

I decided to replace the hinges because as Chris says they are too far gone for my comfort level in this critical area. First, on 2 of the hinges the painter removed some of the hinge material during polishing. Second, the nutplates were originally 8-32 threads but when the elevators were reinstalled by the painter he put 10-32 screws in some of the nutplates. Third, the original pins have developed some slop. I removed 2 of the hinges today and replaced the pins with 3/32 stainless welding rod as you mention and I have read on this site others have done. The slop is gone but the process of removal and replacement of a pin through a pinched hinge end took its toll and made me think replacement with new would be a better option, especially in light of the other issues cited above.

Thanks guys. I received a message from Brad. I plan to follow up with him.

[Chris Zavatson]

When new hinge material is installed along with better fitting pins and annual maintenance is performed, they will last the life of the airframe without developed any play. (Technically I only have 18 years of data on this approach, but the trend projects to out to life time )

Annual Maintenance defined as: removing the pin, flushing hinges with LPS2 and reassembling.