How to Perfectly Align, Hinge, & Scale Trunk Lids & Doors

Doug demonstrates his process for hinging trunk lids (works on hoods and doors as well!), that keeps them aligned once cut free from the model car body, and ensures the thickness of the edges are to scale.
Here is the link to our video about using magnets in your models:
Modular Model Building with Magnets: • Modular Model Building...
Here is the link to Scale Motorsport tools page:
scalemotorsport.com/collectio...
If you choose to purchase from this affiliate link we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Use the coupon code MODELCARMUSE to receive a discount on your purchase!
Brass used in the video: K&S Precision Metals "round brass tube number 8125" 1.57mm (OD); and "brass rod number 8160" 0.81mm
Those are the sizes Doug used, your application made need different sizes. You can find a good selection here: amzn.to/3qNRJG3
If you choose to purchase from this affiliate link we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you like our videos and want to help ensure we can keep making them, please consider becoming a Patron, and enjoy exclusive content from Doug's Bench as our thanks, on our Patreon at: / modelcarmuse Thank you to our tier 3 Patron: Mark S. Gustavson, Attorney at Law.Thanks for watching!
Music: Dan Lebowitz - Simon's Song, You Tube Audio Library
'Subscribe' clip by Imotivation, from Pixabay, CC0 1.0
© 2023 by Model Car Muse. All rights reserved.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Check out Scale Motorsport here: scalemotorsport.com/?ref=ModelCarMuse If you choose to purchase from this affiliate link we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Use code MODELCARMUSE to receive a discount on your purchase!

[@samuellopez2512]

I recently discovered your channel, and after 25+ years of building car models, you are teaching me things I should have known from the beginning. Thank you!

[@omichalek]

I have just now discovered the channel and it makes me even more want to start model making

[@FranksModelWorks]

Scale Motorsport has BEAUTIFUL products that are of the highest quality and easy to use…it’s great to see that they sponsored an episode of the best model car channel on KZbin!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Thank you, Frank!

[@BGsModelWorkshop]

Ok, i was just schooled in everything I do wrong! Thank you so much for the tips and tricks!!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Hi Brian! Glad to help.

[@kevinsmith7697]

A4 garage has made accurate hood hinges just like the real thing ! Someone should make and sell those! Would be the next best thing in our great hobby! No more hoods laying next to models at shows! I prefer to display my builds closed ! U don’t see cars parked with the hood laying next to a car ! Or propped up with toothpicks. Cool tutorial Doug ! Another great video! 😎✌️🤔🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Hinges made from tinplate, his work is amazing. Doug is superb also, two great, inspiring builders.

[@jslute]

A4 is on another level.

[@kevinsmith7697]

@@jslute yep him and Juha Ario 🫡😎✌️🇺🇸

[@jslute]

@kevinsmith7697 I will definitely look it up.Mokei Paint is pretty cool too,Thanks for the tip!👏🇨🇦

[@waynes.1242]

Great "How To" video! Twenty years of questions were just answered in fifteen minutes. Thank You!

[@ModelCarMuse]

What a great comment, thank you!

[@davidwalker4426]

I stopped opening doors but this clever method makes me want to start again. A simple idea that seems obvious now.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Go for it, Dave!

[@kregskorner8851]

Great tutorial Doug, with an easy finish.. I will be checking out the small saw type blades..

[@tint661]

I have the patience to do that kind of work but had never seen how it was done. Thank you for posting. I'm retired and getting back into the hobby. I used to build models when i was in high school.

[@crazypainter56]

Bill Geary does nice opening doors also

[@oscaraguirre602]

Hi MODELS CAR MUSE, good nigth great video about the details in the axel of the doors, lm fan of the modelism, thanks of share your experience in the world of the miniature and Tips for made best jobs,,, greetings and congrautlations, your friend Oscar de Playa del Carmen Q R México.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Thanks, Oscar, and welcome!

[@scooterdoughmas3012]

really dou only 500 likes you are scale modeling brought to life i got soo many ideas its almost silly😁😅🤣🤩thanks to you my friend 🤓scooter d😎

[@BloodyHatchetz]

I just found this and I subscribed!very nice video. I love your techniques

[@cruzer2123]

Great video Doug, always more than one way to skin the cat.....😉😉😉

[@garyparker2969]

That's Straight-Up C😎😎 LLL Doug 🏆🏆 Thanks For Sharing Your Experience and The SMS Deal👍👍 GBA 🤗 Gary.

[@ghrobbs]

Ive been following your work since the late 80's early 90's. I use your plastic welding technique all the time & now this. Thank you Professor of Plastics.

[@jonnyspa27]

That's a badass tutorial. Thanks for sharing that! That said, I might need to get another Ford GTLM body as I'm opening both doors, and could be in over my head there! LOL Matthew also has some fantastic PE parts. After seeing how well his scriber & saw blades work, I'll be getting some also.

[@modelcarmadness5119]

Great tutorial, thanks. You just cost me money as I had to order those photo etch scribes 😊

[@ModelCarMuse]

Glad I could help!

[@jimmycheesegrits9201]

ANOTHER Great Video…!!👍👍 Ordered Saw & Scriber Blades As Well As A Handle For Each…💪 Thanks For Sharing…🙏

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Nice video Doug..... 👍👍

[@michaelcooke2559]

Very nice technique. There is definitely no alignment problems with this method. I may have to try this one. Scale Motorsports has some very good stuff. I’ve used both of those blades for years, and they are great. Thanks for sharing.

[@DreamBigBuildSmall]

Great tutorial Doug. This came out just in time to do the hinges on the '67 Mustang fastback I'm building.

[@bkmodelcars]

Great video Doug lot of useful information never thought of that.

[@BoZn8r]

Doug, great video!! This is how i will be creating my moving parts!! Thanks for the tips, much appreciated!!

[@timstuper]

Wow I struggled with this I'll have to try it thank you sir!!

[@deenjoan9938]

Now that's was really helpful thank you vary much vary well done tutorial enjoyed.

[@thecrapgaragechannel.]

Great video! I have been watching other videos on the subject and, by far, yours is the best. If someday I decide to open doors or trunk, I will come back to your video and I will not have trouble to make it work. Thank you for this video!

[@moparnut6286]

The absolute master!

[@adrianbekerian4518]

Me encanto la técnica que lograste con el baúl del auto. soy de Argentina y me encanto esa forma no te volees loco para que después este en linea el baúl.

[@mohamedmouffok5408]

Merci beaucoup mon frère 🤗😘

[@3men2sify]

Wooo! Thanks 4 the tip

[@slowridemodelcars1687]

Thank you for that tutorial, very interesting!

[@dougmulle2627]

Wow! Techniques such as this has given me a new excitement for the hobby. Plus I've been looking for saw blades and scribers like these for years. Thank you!

[@skipragsdale3565]

Doug, I love what you've been doing, this is the same type of mentoring that many of us got from the seasoned modelers when we were just beginning. I got a lot of mentoring as well as needed constructive criticism from my Uncle who had been building for years by the time I came along.

[@KarlScaleModeling]

Very interesting video and procedures. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼👍🏼

[@machineman6498]

Thank you for making this

[@marcosfernandeznanita7150]

Awesome tutorial video Doug, I see I had made a couple of things the wrong way, but I can do a better job now, thanks for sharing my friend

[@ModelCarMuse]

Hi Marcos! Glad you liked it.

[@garyb6219]

That was excellent.

[@Ratsters]

Great tutorial Doug, Thanks!

[@timkustom]

Interesting way of doing that. Well done!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Hi Tim! It's all about the workflow. Thanks!

[@Builtbyronny]

Great Thank you for the tutorial 👍

[@neilreddick3062]

Excellent video sir! Thank you for the lesson, much appreciated!

[@robofatcat]

When you opened the trunk lid it was like magic

[@ericverpeten8503]

Great tutorial 👌👌👌👌

[@ricksrealpitbbq]

Great video Doug 👍

[@stanseel8900]

Am I the only one checking that drill press out? what a beauty! I'd love to have that in my mini machine shop. Is three drill presses to much?

[@ModelCarMuse]

Three is just right; every drill press has its own personality! My grandfather purchased this Walker-Turner, new, in the late 1930s. He replaced the motor in the '70s. "Ball bearing equipped" and still running strong.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

goods vid on the channel thanks lee

[@tomlappin9657]

Lots of good tips !

[@dalemettee1147]

I got little tidbit for you. I just thought of it this AM. If you want to say add some LED lighting to a project but don't have a lot of room for wires, dollhouse hobbyist use flat copper strips on interior rooms to add power for lights and things. The copper is mounted to tape that can be applied to the walls inside the structure. It comes in rolls. Just a thought for you.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Thanks for the tip! It's always useful to look at the techniques used in other hobbies.

[@rickfazzini22]

Liked and subscribed👍🏻 thanks for sharing!

[@robertmassucci1]

Obviously, you're a disciplined and thoughtful guy. I can't thank you enough for not only the specific content but also the fact that you actually Speak! I find the music video model guys an absolute waste of time. Sometimes phrase, "a picture says a thousand words " is not true. Your dialog is well prepared and succinct, and you get more information out there in a few sentences than other people do in a careers worth of "just watch how talented I am" videos. Are you a school teacher? An example of what I'm talking about is when you warn viewers about the placement of the hinge pivot point either interfering with the parcel shelf or the rear glass. That is sage advice. I run into poor planning issues like that all the time. My execution is pretty good with 54 years of building under my belt, but I'll be damned if I can get an F1 cowling to fit over all my "plumbing". Thank you, Grazia, danka

[@ModelCarMuse]

Glad you're enjoying the channel. I'm not a school teacher, but I do mentor a FIRST FRC robotics team for high school age students, which has taught me a lot!

[@deanlewis8083]

now this is a great tutorial! I recently bought these blades at a recent show and they work great. Nice and thin cuts. thank you and take care

[@alancyr3100]

That was a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

[@harveykeeler2661]

Very nice job, and thanks for sharing.

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

This was a Great video!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@hugheskirby]

Great video! I will be trying this method!

[@JimmyYahteez]

Great techniques! Thank you!

[@tnmcru2153]

Great ideas, great video...

[@robertlaffertysr.1621]

I wish I had known this technique a few years ago! Thanks for sharing!

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for this brilliant video: 👌👏👍! I love building motors into my slot cars, though they very often do not come with hinges. Now - thanks to you - I do know how to try.

[@steveminla]

Seems so obvious to set up your hinges while the doors etc are still attached to the model! I'm going to be sure to implement this technique in my future builds!! Also digging those saw blades too! I'll have to pick some up. Looks like the "thinner" saw blade would be good for going around corners and the wider ones, better for straight lines.

[@johnperson3377]

What size tube and rod do you use? I’ve always been hesitant to cut out doors because of the alignment issue, can’t believe I never thought of this method, thanks

[@ModelCarMuse]

I used rod and tube from K&S Precision Metals. The tube was "round brass tube number 8125" 1.57mm (OD). The rod was "brass rod number 8160" 0.81mm. But, use whatever sizes work for your particular model.

[@OgKrazyNick]

Cool

[@richardlee1092]

Excellent tutorial, professional easy to follow instructions. Thank you so much! 😎

[@grooveholmes79]

awesome!

[@scalemodelsnail]

Doing hinges for my first time and this video was very helpful. Thanks Doug! 🐌✌️

[@ModelCarMuse]

Glad to help, hope the hinges come out just the way you want!

[@RonGsworld]

Perfect!

[@karlsheffer8845]

Thanks for the helpful "how to" video! I have done a couple trunks, but have been hesitant to do any doors. This may get me to try them!

[@jamesleson9728]

Nice job Doug!

[@patrickbrun5830]

Thank you! 💯👍

[@alvintarrer6914]

Nice detail 👍☕️☕️

[@jimfolkers4425]

Great job!!! Doug.

[@Merylstreep1949]

So very cool!!! Plus I was blown away by the rare kits I was able to see in the background I'd love a video on your kit stash ❤

[@AdHocCars]

Great tutorial! I am still in the process of analyzing the best way to make the hinges, but I still haven't dared to make them on my own. I think your video will help me to just go for it! :) Thanks!

[@thebeardedguyjefflawless5887]

Awesome video Doug........I've had several questions about hinges and you just answered all of them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ronalddrain8033]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks.

[@scaleadventures9018]

Thank you for sharing this method, very very useful!

[@sodakmodelcars]

Thanks for the video Doug! Beautiful work and video! I've always been pretty intimidated and somewhat uninterested in opening panels until now! Thanks for sharing!

[@devingillis9661]

WOW!!! 🤯🤯

[@user-cr6oe6yv5x]

Very useful, will certainly try this next time. Currently tearing out hair on a bonnet and grill hinge system :(

[@KitbashedKustoms]

Extremely informative and good video. Love this! Thank you for sharing your techniques! Will absolutly try this!

[@oneteamgarage]

This was a very informative and amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely use this technique to hinge doors and trunks!

[@michaeldeckert6023]

Absolutely love what you do. Sit in amazement and watch always. I wish that when instruction like this is given possibly you could link us to the size of rod and tubing that you use? The amateur like me will go to the store and look at a "hundred" different packages for the tubing, and the same for the rod. If you would have linked that in your store I would have bought it immediately. Thank you at least for showing us your technique. Greatly appreciated.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Thank you, glad you enjoy the channel! There is now a link in the description to the brass used in the video. For reference, I used rod and tube from K&S Precision Metals. The tube was "round brass tube number 8125" 1.57mm (OD). The rod was "brass rod number 8160" 0.81mm. But, use whatever sizes work for your particular model.

[@michaeldeckert6023]

@@ModelCarMuse you are so gracious in your response and this addition. Thank you. Also bought the toolnset and scribing extra blades today. I appreciate you for those too. Know that I'll continue watching with both learning and wonder on all your projects.

[@dmgscalemodels2825]

I would like to see the same technique but with the doors and how to cover the interior of the door.

[@ModelCarMuse]

We'll add that to the future videos list!

[@MarkBatsonHobbydude007]

Excellent vid Doug!! Best video on this topic out there, thanks!! I'm sold on Scale Motorsports blades as well! Lots of great stuff!!

[@gordonenquist36]

Great video and have never done it, maybe now I will try it. Have you ever done a tilt front end conversion to a kit ? There are kits that the kit maker has done it for us but how to if not. I do realize that it is not practical for most cars, ie '59 Cadillac, LoL. Cheers

[@ModelCarMuse]

I have. That's a great idea for a future video, thanks!

[@bcsadman]

Great video! I’m building the 1/16 scale 1939 Jaguar SS 100 by MiniCraft. The doors are already separate from the body and I want to hinge them… they open from the back. Can you do a video on doors hinges? I’m guessing it’s probably similar to the trunk lid. I like your channel, I’ve learned a lot, I’m a subscriber, thanks.

[@ModelCarMuse]

thanks for subscribing! A door hinges video is being planned. And, yes, it similar to trunk hinges.

[@markforster6457]

Thanks for this video! I am trying to learn. 8:12 - Should I also grind the edge of the trunk lid, to make it look thinner, for the sake of appearance? Can you recommend a video that shows the process of fitting the body glass and the interior tub with the trunk hinges? Thank you for your patience!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Every build is a new learning experience! Once the trunk lid is loose you can fine tune the thickness from the underside. Yes, the front edge should be thin to be true to scale. I don’t know of a video off-hand, but once the hinge is positioned and attached, you may need to make some adjustments depending on the specific car. The lower edge of the glass may need to be trimmed; be careful because the clear plastic can be very brittle and crack easily. The interior tub may need to be modified, but it shouldn’t change the overall look from the outside of the car.

[@terryhachey482]

Hey Doug great video tutorial I have one question…well actually 2 questions. What size is the brass tube you’re using and what size is the rod that slides into the tube? Keep them vids coming us modellers really do appreciate them!! Thanks Doug!!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Glad you liked the video! The sizes I used are listed in the description under the video and there is an affiliate link to Amazon. Your needs may require a different size.

[@zonjuan5893]

What about the door sill plates ?? I've been searching for a long time for a video or a chat or a magazine article or anything about making scale sill plates....😢

[@ModelCarMuse]

I agree, I have not found ready solutions for sill plates and have not yet tried to make my own. A good candidate for photo etch?

[@timmithaterrable]

Oh why hell yeah lol

[@TakeTwoTen]

Hello Doug, great videos! I'm about to attempt my 1st hinge on a couple of VW rear engine panels. What size tubing do you generally use when you build your hinges? I don't know when I look at the brass stock which size I should buy. Thanks!!

[@ModelCarMuse]

Thank you, glad you enjoy the channel! There is a link in the description to the brass used in the video. For reference, I used rod and tube from K&S Precision Metals. The tube was "round brass tube number 8125" 1.57mm (OD). The rod was "brass rod number 8160" 0.81mm. But, use whatever sizes work for your particular model.

[@danielessad6638]

Hi Doug - Great video and technique... well done! Question - Have you experienced having the trunk lid not staying opened because too much play between the rod and inside the tube? If so, how did you overcome so that the hinge still works but enough friction exists to keep the lid open? Thanks much for any thoughts on this.

[@ModelCarMuse]

I have. Friction at the pivot and a counter balance go a long way to keeping it up.

[@danielessad6638]

Thanks Doug! I think slightly crimping at the pivot point should help. That is another reason I think using the brass tube makes so much sense as it allows for slight crimping. Thanks again for making the video. It has given me a solid go to technique... much appreciated! I really enjoy and learn a lot from your channel. Your building style really resonates with me. I think you and I are "cut from the same clothe"😉. Keep the videos coming and the great work!

[@tylerlachapelle6549]

What size of brass rode and tubing do you use? And where do you buy it? I want to be able to do this sort of thing on a current model, but I have no idea what size you use.

[@ModelCarMuse]

There is a link in the description under the video to the brass used in the video, with the sizes I used noted. But, use whatever sizes work for your particular model.

[@thomasrand4038]

What sizes did you use for this? Want to order quite a bit of it because I do doors and trunks.

[@ModelCarMuse]

You will find the brass sizes I used, and a handy affiliate link for the materials, in the description under the video.

[@TheGamerwanted]

Can I have a size of the tube and rod pleae?

[@ModelCarMuse]

Glad you are giving this method a try! As stated in the video description: Brass used in the video: K&S Precision Metals "round brass tube number 8125" 1.57mm (OD); and "brass rod number 8160" 0.81mm Those are the sizes Doug used, your application made need different sizes. You can find a good selection here: amzn.to/3qNRJG3 If you choose to purchase from this affiliate link we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@lackodhr.5303]

🤗👍👌👏💯

[@AnitaReno-re2iv]

I want to do black cuz I do mad Max s***

[@grahamc7283]

Why didn't I think of doing it that way? A real slap on the forehead epiphany. Why 5 minute epoxy and not something like medium or thick CA? Is that 5 minute epoxy is just something you are more comfortable using or is there some other reason? I ask as getting epoxy to bond well to polystyrene has been hit and miss for me, sometimes it is OK and other times it just peels off regardless of how I prepare the plastic. I have resorted to occasionally first applying a tiny bit of CA in the area I want the epoxy to bond to and that seems to help. Also, please tell us more about the door hinges as seen at the very beginning of the video. cheers, Graham

[@ModelCarMuse]

Hi Graham, I like 5 minute epoxy because it fills the gaps and it flows slowly so it is controllable. I usually scuff the area where the glue will go with some course sandpaper, then I use fresh epoxy and mix it well. However, just as often, I might use CA. The door hinges on the coupe are scissor-type hinges, scratch built from sheet brass. What you see there is just a temporary rod that passes between the upper and lower hinges, just to hold the door on the body for now. We’ll add that idea to the list of future video topics!

[@mikedillard835]

...as easy as 1-2-3......... lol..