Top Box Hinges

[GrumpyTwo]

Hi

I’m not sure that this is the correct section to be asking this question in, if there is a more appropriate section, please feel free to move me.

One of my winter projects is to make a set of aluminium panniers and a top box for my 1200GS. I’ve almost finished with just the fittings to go, but I have come across an unexpected problem which I hope someone on here will know the answer to.
Does anyone know what type of hinge is used on the original BMW top box or what type of hinge would be best suited to this application? They have to open the lid without it fouling on the inner lip, I’ve tried offset, detent (like the 1150 top box uses), butt and various others to no avail.
Any ideas? I could just make a lift off lid but that seems like such a cop out and I wanted to use the lid as a windbreak for my stove.

 

[Bendy toy]

Check out a yacht chandlers also search "flap hinge stainless" on ebay
Otherwise fabricate your own with laser cut alloy or stainless parts.

 

[hiup]

I note that Maplins do corner sections and bits for computer/speaker cabinet making that look an awful lot like the those on our original BMW alloy panniers. Maybe they do hinges?

 

[Bendy toy]

The often available aluminium tool/brief/camera cases appear to be made using standard brackets extrusions and so on. But trying to find somewhere that sells them is not so easy. EBAY usually has some random bits & pieces but never a matching set.

 

[birdseye]

Check out a yacht chandlers also search "flap hinge stainless" on ebay
Otherwise fabricate your own with laser cut alloy or stainless parts.

This is sensible advice - yachts usually have just that sort of lid fixing on cockpit lockers to avoid water getting into the boat. Have a look at www.sea-sure.co.uk though there are lots of other chandlers suppluing a variety of fittings plus the monel rivets to securely attach them to the aluminium.

 

[GrumpyTwo]

Hi and thanks for all of the help.
I have discovered that Trax use a stand-off hinge on their top boxes and that Moss Express sell the exact same hinge, so I have bought two of them to try.

I’ll post some pictures when I am finished.

Hinges as used on Trax Top Boxes

 

[Bendy toy]

have you managed to find a source of case hardware - edge trims, angles, corners, seals, etc?

 

[GrumpyTwo]

I think so

I think I have everything else sourced:

Protex for the locking catches
Delta Rubber for the seals
Anglesey Marine Supplies for the SS eye plates
Swan Flight for the corners etc
Direct Plastics for the HDPE to make the pucks
Forward Metals for any bits of metal I need
Grampian Fasteners for any nuts and bolts
Mega Van Mats for the carpet lining
Ebay for the aux lights, relays, wire etc.

and hopefully that is all I need