Check out this tasty vintage...

[Siouxzan]

Thanks for your description of the game play. This was my understanding. Now clarified.

I like the idea of the tube insert for an even easier conversion back and forth. The rest looks pretty easy. The plate holes would have to change accordingly though.

A picture of the top of each hinge is shown below. What it doesn't show is that the plate is 1/8" thick, which is really weird. A guy on the Pennymachines board in the UK posted pics of his solution. He too had only the top portions and made the bottoms out of brass and nickel plated the new and the old together. Came out really good.

[Cystic]

Thanks for the pic.

It looks fairly easy to fabricate from another hinge. Maybe a door hinge. The pic does not specify the barrel size nor do we know what the pin diameter is. By my calculations the barrel of a door hinge may be too big by about 1/16th. But you may find one with the right size. I have a modern door hinge in hand but it is .100 thick brass. The older ones(or repos) may be .125(or just from a different manufacturer)

You can plate it yourself once made, correct?

Can someone post a pic of a full Allwin hinge? or just measure the barrel(and maybe pin) size.



The payout tube insert could be made offset to the side closest to the drop tube and then you may not need a different plate. I think olde pennies and us quarters are both about the same thickness (0.069in for USQ).

Can someone with a penny put a mic on it and check thickness?

Or you could open the bottom box.(maybe pennies, maybe the other hinge parts?)

[Siouxzan]

Now for my burning question. What was in the bottom box?

Forgot to answer this. A half-rusted screw and some mummified spiders.

[Cystic]

OK I have read your posts over at pennyarcade.

I thought the pic you posted was the one that was made as a repacement by the other guy.(for some reason)

His are a bit different from yours.

What is the measurement of the barrel on the hinge(diameter and length) and what is the size of the opening for the pin?

Do you want to try to match the existing half or full replacement if some can be found similar to the other Allwin hinge?

I ask because I will be driving right past three places I know that carry old hardware on Tuesday and would stop and take a peek if you like.

Forgot to answer this. A half-rusted screw and some mummified spiders.

Oh well. ( I know you aren't telling me about the gold sovereigns just so I feel bettter about passing on it. Thanks for that.)

[Siouxzan]

Thanks for looking around.

Matching the existing half would be great, if possible, but I'm also open to a full replacement if I can create or find something suitable that won't require cutting the existing wood notch longer, etc.

Each hinge barrel is 5/8" long, so together they match the plate length of 1 1/4". They each have a 1/8" cap (see earlier post), so while the plate is 1 1/4", the hinge barrels put together are 1 1/2"

I tossed around the modification of a large hinge today and perused the hardware isles for an hour. "Can I help you find something? What are you looking for?" "I don't know, but I'll know when I see it."
It's just not going to work from what I'm seeing.

The biggest problem is the thickness of the plate.
The barrel is 3/8". The hole is (and pin would be) 1/8"
See pics below showing the large wood recess/gap I need to fill (3/8" of course). Also is a picture of the 2 halves I own (both uppers with holes rather than pins) mated together, just for fun, and, for even more fun, and edgewise view.

I described to my wife this community a bit today-- you and your time spent sharing your knowledge, JACKS and his tearing into his machine and posting pics, derek and his sending me pennies to play with-- and a light went on. She understands that aspect of hobbies-- relationships.

[Cystic]

OK I will stop and have a look.

Most modern hardware stores have become very poor in recent years.(don't get me started on Ace hardware)

If I find a "perfect" pair of hinges for a fiver or so and it's the last pair, I will pick them up for you. If I find something close I will tell you where and what I found so you can go and look and make the decision for yourself.

I will let you know what I have found late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

[Siouxzan]

Most modern hardware stores have become very poor in recent years.(don't get me started on Ace hardware)

I can't help myself-- I'm going to get you started.
Ace has gone downhill, but they're still leaps and bounds ahead of the big two these days.

I think you have a McLendon Hardware near you. Now that's still a decent company.

[JACKSJE4]

There is also a fantastic 'old style' hardware store in Boulder called McGukin Hardware. They have just about anything you need and a very helpful staff. I'm sure I will be visiting them when I start working on my damaged Allwin.

[new in town]

I described to my wife this community a bit today-- you and your time spent sharing your knowledge, JACKS and his tearing into his machine and posting pics, derek and his sending me pennies to play with-- and a light went on. She understands that aspect of hobbies-- relationships.

You are one step closer to a perfect relationship with someone.

There can be no "Better Halves".

There can be no "Worse Halves".

In a Relationship. There can be only . . .

Spoiler

Equal Halves ! ! !

[Cystic]

I can't help myself-- I'm going to get you started.
Ace has gone downhill, but they're still leaps and bounds ahead of the big two these days.

I think you have a McLendon Hardware near you. Now that's still a decent company.

When was the last time you were in a McLendon Hardware store?

They have been my favorite for years(I lived six blocks from one for a while) and I hate to tell you but last fall they pulled out all the old odd stuff in the small parts bins they carried and replaced it with the same system you get in Lowes and Ace.

I used to get screws and e-clips for my pachinkos there but they no longer carry them.

They are still better than Ace but not what it once was, at least in that area.

[Siouxzan]

Funny you should mention that. I went to the Woodinville one today, and you are correct. Sad.
At least they still seem to have customer service.

The Do-It Centers are no fun anymore either.

Is there no room for the old mom and pop, carry a little of everthing business model anymore? Again, sad.

[bfree]

Where I live all the old hardware stores are gone. There are a few Aces around but they are losing too much ground to Home Depot, Lowes, Menards. I hate to admit it but I rarely shop at Ace anymore unless I need expert help.

[Siouxzan]

Well, I'm still hoping Cystic finds that perfect pair of hinges, but I got a wild hair tonight and fabricated a prototype from brass (just in case).

It's not perfect (had a boo-boo), but I think it would work (strong enough) and be passable as an original. I don't think there are many people out there who would know it's not original.

Nearly cut off a finger in the process, but that's all part of the fun.

[Moparformances]

Nearly cut off a finger in the process, but that's all part of the fun.

what page in the book of hobby are u reading

[Cystic]

Sorry nothing perfect. I did find some close at Hardwicks.(42nd and Roosevelt in the U-district - eHardwicks.com - Fine woodworking tools and hardware - )

Several nice looking liftoff hinges but all would need some modification.

The other two places had nothing useful.

I would make a mockup of the hinge area(with screwhole placement and all) and take it with you.

I did not try woodworkers supply or the woodworking store on Stone Way.

Good Luck.

[Siouxzan]

Sorry nothing perfect.

Certainly no need for an apology. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this!

I'll continue to search. Nothing online so far and running out of places to look.

In the meantime, I'll fabricate another hinge, antique it, post it, and see if it passes inspection.

Thanks again.

[Cystic]

Do try Hardwicks. It is worth the trip. I had forgotten how much cool stuff they had in there. Lots of antiques and other weird stuff.(as well as a great selection of hardware) I even found the #4 x 1.5" screws needed to replace the nails on the backs of vintage pachinkos but I forgot to look for E-clips.(next week I will stop again)

[owennewton]

living in a hick town in Yamhill county I am lucky to have Wilco farm supply 4 miles away. I made 11 or 12 trips there when I was rebuilding the mercedes. I walk in thinking I will find something close and make it work and after 10 minuets of digging in the little bins I end up finding the exact screw or flangey thing I had just broke working on the car. Unfortunately they have been remodeling and the hardware section is getting the "modern" look so I fear the end of cool little bins soon

[NJ_Mike]

I'm lucky enough to have a couple of family owned, old style hardware stores within a 2 mile radius of my house.

I have no idea how they stay in business, but I try to go to them as often as I can. Of course, I'm not willing to pay 2X as much for a gallon of paint, but I am willing to buy most "everyday" items from them.

Good people...but again, I have no idea how they survive.

[luckydog]

if they own the building that cuts their operating expenses a lot, plus tax writeoffs help too.
and I'm sure the owners don't pay themselves $15.00 an hour.