For those who have installed new aftermarket 48-52 door hinge pins, were they the same diameter as stock? Should they fit in the hinges easily or do you have to punch them into place? I have a pair of doors and hinges and the pins slide in and out easily, wondering if the hinges have been drilled out or not or if different size pins were used. I have another pair of doors and these pins would not fit them without having to be hammered in. I have to buy pins for those doors and just curious what to expect.
TIA

 

The new replacement hinge pins I installed in Blue, the '49 F-4 are a very tight fit.

 

Found there are two sizes for sale, .290 diameter and .275. The first pair that I have are the .290s, and it looks like I need the .275s for this pair of doors.

 

The stock pins were also knurled at the top near the head (see picture of pin with the head cut off from my '50 F2). The shaft measures .280 inches.

 

Thanks, on my one set of doors it looks like the PO drilled out the hinges to make the pins easier to get in and out. Pins are .290 and knurled at the top in these doors but they come out with a punch pretty easy. Another set of pins I had to drill out to remove measure .275, so I have a set of the .275s on order.

 

I've always thought it would be smart to drill and tap the hinges for zerks while they are apart. There's a little groove for oiling but how often do you think they were oiled??

 

Good idea but wouldn't it drip out in hot weather.

How about just using anti seize compound which has graphite in it? It shouldn't seep out.

 

I planned on using anti seize on the pins. Grease fitting would be a good idea if you plan on using the truck that much. I would drill and tap the bottom so the fitting could be removed for better looks or just use a needle type grease gun tip and no fitting. Drill a small hole up half way through the pin and then a cross hole from the side. Mine will not be a daily driver, probably 3000 miles a season if I am lucky, so no need for grease fittings for me. The hinges I have seen so far are not worn at all even after 60+ years. Anti seize should keep the pins removable if they need some lube at a later date.

 

I think your experience getting the pins out with little drama is not the norm. I do agree tho that a simple hole to get oil in there with a needle would work. I wouldn't drill the pin at all, just the hinge.