2nd Gen Camaro/Firebird Billet Door Hinges

[Ringbrothers]

After years of fighting the doors on these second gens and tearing out the door hinges we have finally perfected our billet door hinge. They are bad ass looking and work awesome. Three years in the making to bring you an original part that works - that's the Ringbrothers difference.
A set of 4 hinges will sell for $500
I will have stock in about 8 weeks - as you can see by Mike's red crayon we have one modification to make yet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DoorHinges3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DoorHinges-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DoorHinges2-1.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

that is one beefy SOB. Are they greasable? Do they have detents like OE hinges so the door when you open the door 1/2 way it stays there?

[HotRod68Camaro]

Got some for a 1st gen?

[Rod]

Got some for a 1st gen?

X2, first gen please

[Ringbrothers]

The door hinges have been tested for a long time so we know they will not have the issues that the stock hinges have.
They have the indent so the door will open half way and stay there.
They come pre-greased and you can grease them yourself.
Let me know if there are any more questions.
Thanks,
Staci

[67speedfreak]

Very Nice !

[CRead01]

yet another thing added on my to do list.

[LeighP]

Thanks...part well needed. Going to have to add to the list of things for my 71.

[DarkoNova]

Kind of odd that a 2nd gen part comes out before a 1st gen part, isn't it? I think that's a first, lol.

Cool product, though. Hopefully 1st gen is next on the list.

[BonzoHansen]

Kind of odd that a 2nd gen part comes out before a 1st gen part, isn't it? I think that's a first, lol.

Cool product, though. Hopefully 1st gen is next on the list.

yeah but do 1st gens have the hinges issues that 2nd (or 3rd) gens have? it appears here we have a part that is function and style, vs. say a hood hinge that is mostly style.

[John Wright]

here we have a part that is function and style

Yup...agreed.......our(2gens) doors are long and heavy....especially the mid to late seconds...not as heavy as a mid-70's Monte door...but not far behind....LOL

[LeighP]

Thats the thing...1st gens don't need them, 2nd gens do....on a 1st gen, its just for bling....lol. Wait your turn guys...line forms to the rear.... :)

[monteboy84]

If anyone has priced out factory replacement hinges, $500 a set is a hell of a deal for these . . . .

-matt

[PARKERRS]

If anyone has priced out factory replacement hinges, $500 a set is a hell of a deal for these . . . .

-matt

That's the truth for sure. OEM's will run that much per side if you can find them. Pretty much repops are all that is available for the second gen guys, if your originals aren't rebuildable.

[BonzoHansen]

If anyone has priced out factory replacement hinges, $500 a set is a hell of a deal for these . . . .

-matt

it doesn't seem that long ago that I walked into a dealer and got new hinges right off the shelf (and windsheild trim) for my 76 Type LT. But now that I did the math, it was long ago. :(

[ModedCB2]

This is worth considering modifying my Mustang's mounting points to use them!!! wonderful product! '69-'78 doors, especially the 71-78 doors are equally heavy. Surprisingly, the lowly Mustang II doors are stupidly heavy. Well worth converting to this set up.

R.

[PonchoJohn]

The door hinges have been tested for a long time so we know they will not have the issues that the stock hinges have.
They have the indent so the door will open half way and stay there.
They come pre-greased and you can grease them yourself.
Let me know if there are any more questions.
Thanks,
Staci
How do you grease them- is there a zerk fitting or do you have to disassemble them or??

[Takid455]

Why the use of the spacer? Factory did not use spacer.

[MrQuick]

Most likely for universability or to reinforce the metal in the area.

Staci, can you ask Mike if its easy to remove the pins?

[Ringbrothers]

Why the use of the spacer? Factory did not use spacer.
There will not be a spacer there. The picture is of the prototype - the hinge will be milled thicker in that area.

[Ringbrothers]

How do you grease them- is there a zerk fitting or do you have to disassemble them or??
They are easy to grease - you can open the door and grease the small indents.

[Ringbrothers]

Staci, can you ask Mike if its easy to remove the pins?
You should never need to remove the pin but they are removable.

[Ringbrothers]

We were wrong on the lead time on these hignes - looks like another 12 weeks at least. Sorry!

[70Uglybird]

Sweet that will give me more time to save! Thanks for the great part, I was just getting ready to look into doing the bushings on mine!!!

[LeighP]

Yeah, thats cool..saving up for them. Have to put the drivetrain together next anyhow.

[rossmacd]

Are you going to do anything like this for Mustangs?

[ReDDruM]

these look great. i might have to get some

[syborg tt]

Okay put me down for a set

[TheMeat]

Very nice part that was desperately needed!! Cant wait to have a set on my car.

[Ovidiu]

Are these hinges available? I just bought my 1972 and I want some!

[LeighP]

Yeah, looks like my old house is going to sell, so thats freed up some cash....I'll be in the market for these hinges and a set of hood hinges, too.
Are the door hinges close?

[addon]

So how are these hinges comming along? we are almost at the 15 week mark since your "at least 12 weeks away" comment. I have a 1979 Trans Am that goes in for body work in 4 weeks and am interested in these hinges too.

[LeighP]

They sent me an email that they were finished the prototype stage and heading for production...but they weren't sure of the production schedule...towards the end of the year was mentioned.
I'm in the same boat....I want these hinges before my car heads for paint, but I've probably got 2-3 months before that happens.
Hope they are available soon.

[addon]

Thanks for the info, i'm 4 weeks away from car leaving to go to be worked on, they told me they need it for 3 months so am guessing i have maybe 8 weeks up my sleeve at most. Might have to just fix/replace my old ones.

[qnitro]

Please put me down for a set..I can send deposit

[brownz]

updates??

[LeighP]

Bump....

[LeighP]

Getting closer to paint....really could use these hinges...any updates on production?
Thanks.

[addon]

My car went into the shop yesterday for bodywork and paint. I cant wait anymore bit the bullet and ordered normal hinges today.

[LeighP]

I sent them an email, but Staci is away at a Good Guys event and won't be back in the office till Tuesday at the earliest. I'm really hoping for good news as I've got maybe a month or two up my sleeve at the moment.

[eroc022]

any word? I am putting new doors on... and these would be awesome

[LeighP]

they're telling me the extrusion will be available to them in December...then theres machining....looks like it'll be too late for my car as it should be painted by then....

[sullyman]

Any update as to when the hinges will be available?

[FlyDoc]

Will make them for a 3rd gen?

[LeighP]

They have to get them out for the 2nd gens yet.......pity, I couldn't wait for these. My car was up to the assembly/gapping stage and I bought a set of repro hinges....so it looks like I won't have these very cool heavy duty billet ones on my car....worse luck.

[rossmacd]

It's been 8 months since the original post, that said 8 weeks til they were available... I just wish companies would get on the ball with their product announcements and timelines.

[tazzz25906112]

It's been 8 months since the original post, that said 8 weeks til they were available... I just wish companies would get on the ball with their product announcements and timelines.

While it can be frustrating for both parties,,, please try to solace in the fact companies like ring brothers (and others here) try to make sure they are delivering the best Dam product they can,, and not some just some second class junk... Yes we all get optimistic and sometimes it takes longer than we'd like too....

[maxxom]

We were wrong on the lead time on these hignes - looks like another 12 weeks at least. Sorry!
Any update on availability?

[brownz]

Take you r time as we all want the best part, but a update would be nice just to have a idea of a completion date.

[70Uglybird]

Yep I'm with Bownz, but my car is in having the front sheet metal aligned. If these were availalbe I'd pick them up. Now it maybe awhile as it will be a "cool thing to have" rather than an different choice (more $$) of a necessity if that makes sense...Pretty cool to see the stuff out for 2nd gens though!!

[daytonayellaz]

I called early in the week and spoke with some one and she told me she would call me back.... She never did. If I hear anything I will update with info here.

[eroc022]

thanks, I thought about calling... good thing I wont swap my doors out til springish time....

[sullyman]

Yes. Thanks for the update. I was going to call this week myself. I am currently using rebuilt factory hinges and I am hoping there is a better option out there. I am going to be changing out my current front fenders (re-pops) during the March time frame (Replacing OER re-pops with used factory fenders - not at all happy with the fit of the re-pops. Unfortunately original fenders were rusted out beyond repair.) and I would really like to replace the factory hinges with what appears to be a much stronger hinge design. Hopefully these will function much better in all aspects over the factory design. Unfortuantely it has been more the norm during the rebuild of my 1971 Camaro (a frame up pro-touring type rebuild) that most re-pop items are very inferior to the factory parts and that redesigned aftermarket parts usually don't directly bolt-in and perform as advertised, without some slight to more involved modifications to the parts or vehicle.

[LeighP]

Call Staci at Ringbrothers.....she's the one I talked to a few times. very helpful.
When I couldn't wait for these hinges, I bought a set of repro 2nd gen hinges...they are every bit as tough looking as the originals....not a light weight part. I guess mine will last 20+ years or so like the originals did...maybe longer with the occasional spray of penetrating lube.

[Ringbrothers]

I apologize for the lack of response here. Our extrusions are done. All the material is here ready to be machined. Now it is machine time and getting them into production. I would like to tell you 4 weeks but I can't commit to that. At this point machining can't give me a reliable answer. The original post with 8 weeks was a realistic timeline had we decided not to go with extrusions - it changed our whole process. We are still way behind schedule - sorry.

Thank you,
Staci

[sokoloka]

Those look amazing.. Ever plan on doing any for a C3 Corvette?

[sullyman]

Staci,

Thanks for the response. Hopefully machining will give you a more definitive answer in the near future. Definitely look to replace my factory hinges with something better.

[syborg tt]

Hi Staci,

Put me down for a set please.

[daytonayellaz]

Thanks for the update Staci..... I really hope you get these out soon!

[sullyman]

I spoke with Ringbrothers today, inquiring about a potential release date for their second gen billet door hinges. I was told that they have obtained the extrudings but that they are currentlly held up trying to secure machining for the extrudings. I was told that it would be a month, but more likely two months or more before they might have a product on the shelf.

[sullyman]

Purchased a set of 2nd Gen F-body billet door hinges from Ringbrothers today, which were also shipped out to me today. I contacted Staci this morning to find out where the hinges were in the machining process. Staci advised that the machining process had been completed. Staci advised that she had 5 sets of hinges on hand for immediate sale, three sets were left, to include the set shipped to me (these sets are tumble polished but not anodized). Stacey advised that a large batch of hinge sets (approximately 150) where scheduled to go to anodizing and should be ready for sale in no more than 4 weeks. So just want to give everyone whose considering purchasing a set of these hinges a heads up.

[Ovidiu]

What's the pricing on these?

[sullyman]

Staci advised me that the price for a set of hinges (which will have an anodized finish) is going to be $625.00, plus shipping (which in my case was an additional $20).

[Ringbrothers]

Well... on Monday I will begin shipping 2nd gen Camaro and Firebird door hinges. FINALLY! I only have 25 sets for Monday.
They are on our website (http://www.ringbrothers.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=438). The first product listed under Camaro and Firebird - but there isn't a picture loaded yet. What a process. We never thought it would take this long. Well worth the wait - this is one hell of a piece. Serves a great purpose.

Black anodized
Built to hold the weight of the heavy doors unlike the stock steel door hinge.
Detents built in to hold the door open in different positions.
$625 for a set of 4

[TheMeat]

Woo Hoo!!

In for some pics...

[LeighP]

Pity I couldn't wait...mine's all gapped and nearly finished at the paint shop....no way I can disturb the gaps now and replace the new stock hinges I bought. Just a few months the wrong side of these hinges....geat product, though!!!!!

[maxxom]

Purchased a set of 2nd Gen F-body billet door hinges from Ringbrothers today, which were also shipped out to me today. I contacted Staci this morning to find out where the hinges were in the machining process. Staci advised that the machining process had been completed. Staci advised that she had 5 sets of hinges on hand for immediate sale, three sets were left, to include the set shipped to me (these sets are tumble polished but not anodized). Stacey advised that a large batch of hinge sets (approximately 150) where scheduled to go to anodizing and should be ready for sale in no more than 4 weeks. So just want to give everyone whose considering purchasing a set of these hinges a heads up.
I ordered my set 2 weeks ago. Went with the anodized. I was told that the tumbled, even clear coated may have issues with corrosion over time. Anodizing was their preference and I purchased black.

[Ovidiu]

Just ordered! I hope I made it in time :)

[linzbach]

Great hinges! I know this posting is getting a bit old, but are there any more of the hinges available (they weren't listed on the RingBros site)?

Also, is it possible to remove and replace the hinges on a second gen Camaro without removing the front fenders? (I did a search but didn't see a posting on this).
Thanks!

[sullyman]

Unfortunately you have to remove the front fenders to get at the A-pillar side of the upper and lower hinge bolts. I was in the process of replacing both L/H and R/H fenders on my 71 Camaro with a set of used GM factory fenders (had OER aftermarket fenders from Classic Industries that I was not at all thrilled about - fit and finish was horrible, would have required extensive modifications to make them look and install right - unfortunate had a paint shop sprayed them and mount them just as they were - the fit and finish on the original GM fenders is so much better - like night and day). Anyway to get back to the Ring Brother's hinges. I had been battling the factory hinges (they were rebuilt with new pins and bushings - the passenger’s side door just did not want to line up correctly, driver's side hinge would make a popping sound about every fourth or fifth time you opened or closed the door- I adjusted and adjusted, over and over, lots and lots of hours, to try and make sure the hinges were not binding and such - they just would not set up correctly). I was so frustrated with all the numerous hours I spent and not being able to get the doors right. Figured I'd pull the trigger and go for the Ring Brother's hinges. I was leery to say the least as I have wasted so much money on aftermarket products that do not install/perform/or last as advertised. I have to say the Ring Brother's hinges are at the top of my list for aftermarket products I have purchased that "do work" without any modifications to the car. I spent about a day and half (over a weekend) removing the OER fenders, factory hinges and installing the Ring Brother's hinges and the GM factory front fenders. What a difference they both made. I figured on it being a huge undertaking. Hinges went in very easily (the door has to be in the full opened position to install the Ring Brother's hinges, compared to a factory hinge which you can remove with the door closed - to get to the mounting bolts on the door side of the Ring Brother's hinges- upper and lower - the door must be fully opened - there is enough room between the door and the A-pillar to use a quarter inch drive with long socket or a flex adapter and short socket). My passenger's door adjusted without any of the prior problems I had with the factory hinge. The driver's door no longer makes the snapping sound when opening and closing. The opening and closing of the doors is so much smoother. I have dyna-mat installed internally on my doors, power windows regulators and motors, and speakers also - so my doors definitely have additional weight on them compared to how they came out of the factory. My initial impression of the hinges is very good. I'll have to see how they hold up over time. My initial impressions regarding their built quality is that they will be trouble free. I hope so. I have another F-body (a 73 Formula) that I intend to do down the road and another set of Ring Brother's hinges will be part of that vehicle's upgrades. I am not associated with any type of shop. I am just a muscle car enthusiast who enjoys the hobby of do it yourself work projects, especially the old steel bumper era muscle cars.

[LeighP]

Glad those worked out for you....would have loved to have used them on mine, but I was passed the point where I could easily retro fit them.

[sullyman]

I totally understand where you are coming from. Had I not been changing out the front fenders I would have tried to make the factory hinges work out the best I could. It just happened to be an opportune time that Ring Brother’s was putting their completed hinges out on the market at the time. By the way I have been following your build for quite some time. It was part inspiration for my purchasing the 73 Formula. You cannot beat the look of old steel bumper muscle cars in my opinion. A while back I had an 81 black and gold Turbo Trans Am but could not shake wanting and early 70’s Trans Am or Formula. I have to pin part of that on the movie McQ with John Wayne. Some awesome car chase scenes with a green 70’s Trans Am in that movie. I can only hope down the road my Formula will turn out half as nice as yours. I had the Camaro to the body shop today to arrange getting the new front fenders sprayed, as well as the rest of the car (the original painter, who just hung and shot the reproduction fenders, unfortunately took the same approach to the rest of the car). So gonna have the new body shop squared away the paint and finish of the car. A six months to one year project turned into three years unfortunately. I originally got hooked up with a shady engine shop. They built a very poor low quality SBC 383 stroker motor (unfortunately for a premium price), did not put more than 1600 miles on that motor (their poor machine work and assembly eventually reared its ugly head), which ended up being replaced with a properly machined, quality parts built 383 from another shop. Lost my new TKO 600 transmission to a shady dyno shop. Left the car with them for dyno tuning and came back to a blown out drive shaft. Rear yoke straps and bolts were sheared off from some type of sudden stoppage. Broke the transmission case and tail housing and I had to have the rear end completely gone through to make sure everything was okay. Unfortunately no video footage of the dyno run and what happened. The front spoiler showed gouge marks of being folded up onto something and then returning to its orginal position(appears that the car lurched forward into something). To the less than stellar original paint shop. Sad the quality of work some people are willing to pass off in their quest for the all mighty dollar. Anyway the new body shop/painter was totally impressed with how well the body lines on the doors line up and how easily the doors opened and closed. Attributed to the new Ring Brother’s hinges of course. He was impressed given the build quality and function of early-70s GM automobiles.

Thanks and regards,
Tom

[Benttube]

Been trying to get some feedback on how these hinges are holding up. Posted in paint and body section and got a reply from someone with bad experiences with RB hood hinges but still haven’t heard from anyone that has the door hinges and has used them for a while.

Please let me know your thoughts if you have these hinges.

[BBBluey]

Some feedback would be good to know and appreciated... especially as inflation has raised the price $275 since the first posting. I'd like to know if these hinges are truly worth that kind of coin.

https://www.ringbrothers.com/1970-1981-camarofirebird-door-hinge-kit-black

[badazz81z28]

Some feedback would be good to know and appreciated... especially as inflation has raised the price $275 since the first posting. I'd like to know if these hinges are truly worth that kind of coin.

https://www.ringbrothers.com/1970-1981-camarofirebird-door-hinge-kit-black

Worth is subjective. I have the RG door hinges....I can say I rather have these than some over price NOS pieces that need rust treatment and will eventually wear like the old ones. I'm also not a fan of repop stuff as its usually lower quality....in this case I have seen people with issues on the OER hinges.

$775 is alot of coin!!

[camloops11]

I'd personally rather spend the 20$ for a bushing kit for oem door hinges before dropping 1000$ on door hinges.

[Rsj4h]

Worth is subjective. I have the RG door hinges....I can say I rather have these than some over price NOS pieces that need rust treatment and will eventually wear like the old ones. I'm also not a fan of repop stuff as its usually lower quality....in this case I have seen people with issues on the OER hinges.

$775 is alot of coin!!

How is the operation of the RB hinges, do the detents work well?

[Benttube]

How is the operation of the RB hinges, do the detents work well?

Only used for mock up so far. That being said, the detents do work well and the doors have a good solid feel through the travel and closing.

[Huff_diesel]

These hinges are on my purchase list in the future. Seen the first hand and helped install some. Great product. Aa little pricey but will not have to worry about sagging door again.