[Mike Bradbury]

I used bronze oil impregnated bushings with stainless steel spacers and 3/8 chrome button head bolts. Rather than milling out a pocket in each arm for a sealed bearing I just made the bushing type bearing. I have made other tools and mechanical devices with these impregnated bushings and have been very happy with the cost effective reliable performance. These hinges are tight and do not wiggle nearly as much as the stock ones did, yet are fully adjustable because I utilized the upper and lower brackets, I just made the custom arms. I did use teflon washers inbetween the arms to reduce and friction from the sliding surfaces.

I had some 3/8 aluminum lying around the shop so I used that for the arms.
I also found a set of struts in the junk yard off of a lincoln town car that had a huge hood. Unfortunately they are a little too worn out and I need to get new ones that are a little stronger.