Cannot find a thread, Industrial plastic balls for door hinge repair?

[Richard48Y]

I thought I had saved the link to them on my iMAC, but cannot locate it.
Tried search here too, no luck.
As I recall it was not that long ago the post was made.
I now have two sets of doors to fix with one being a bit urgent.
Help please.

[BDA]

I don’t remember the thread. Are you talking about microspheres for making fiberglass filler?

[Richard48Y]

No, a part called a "Ugiball"?
Something like that.
Getting nowhere with my searches.
They were relativly inexpensive and did not depend on the bobbins or long pins to work.

[BDA]

Could this help: https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?action=search2

[Richard48Y]

Tried several variations, Hinge repair, door hinge, hinge, etc.
None worked.
What I am seeking may have been in a thread that was not originally about door hinges?

[Richard48Y]

Ah, they are here, https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=6375.15

Igubal ball joints.

[Richard48Y]

Email sent to Iguball.
Hoping they have a US outlet and may help me to understand the posted drawings.
It is the adjustment that is confusing me a little.

[Fotog]

I don't think that this solution depends upon the brand of ball joint.  But I admit that I don't fully understand it. 

I think he's (Hachille) on to something here though.  Looks like real potential.  The problem with the original setup is that it all needs to be (or should be, anyway) co-axial, and it's difficult to achieve.  This doesn't demand that.

[Richard48Y]

I only have three sets of doors to do.
If I get this sorted maybe I will assemble some kits for others too.

[Kendo]

The Banks hinges don’t require coaxiality. So it will be interesting to see what having a ball joint adds.

[Richard48Y]

Yes, but the Banks kit is "Bloody awful" for expense!
This looks to be well under $100 for both doors.

[Hachille]

I don't think that this solution depends upon the brand of ball joint.  But I admit that I don't fully understand it. 

I think he's (Hachille) on to something here though.  Looks like real potential.  The problem with the original setup is that it all needs to be (or should be, anyway) co-axial, and it's difficult to achieve.  This doesn't demand that.

This is exactly the advantage of ball joints. The axis of rotation is aligned between the two centers of the ball joints. It is not necessarily aligned with the two holes in the bodywork. With a ball joint, the weight of the door rests on a large surface of this plastic that does not wear out at this rotation speed. I thought a lot about whether I should buy the Banks system. I know that many people use it and are satisfied. I had big doubts, and I do not regret this igubal assembly, because after all the years of use I have never had to readjust. The closure is perfect. But be careful, to tighten the screw at the top you have to remove the dashboard (easy on the S1). And for the bottom screw, provide an opening.

[Richard48Y]

I am disappointed to not get a response to my inquiry.
There are probably domestic (USA) suppliers.
I will get back to this in the new year.

[Fotog]

I don't know what you asked them, of course.  But the part is very general-purpose and I'm not surprised if they don't know how to help you apply it to your Europa.  They could still answer you.  Maybe they're like the British suppliers though.  Most are kind of helpful if you're about to order.  Otherwise, forget it.

When I get to it and figure out how to get the door off, I'll have some questions for Hachille.  I don't really understand how he has them mounted.  I suppose I could figure something out, but would like to benefit from his experience.

Google translate was only so helpful though when it gave him "Be careful, you have to be empty or there are red arrows." !  I know all those words, but I sure don't know what that means!  :-)

Below is the page detailing the part, -12 being the specific one.

[Richard48Y]

I have two sets of doors already off, and one more set to remove.
Of course the car I need to fix most urgently is the one with the doors still on it.