Hardtop Hinge Issue

[Snukulu]

Bought a 97 hardtop today for my 2000; other than needing lift struts it's in really nice shape. One scratch on top, no chips, cracks. But I noticed this on the driver's side hinge when I got home. Thought I could just tap it in but it almost looks like it's meant to be screwed in- either way, it wouldn't budge. Hit it with some rust penetrant and still no go (tried holding the glass up to take the weight off, but no difference). Thoughts? Thinking I should just bite the bullet and get a new set and not risk breaking the window window while I mess with the hinge. (I'm just a huge fan of making stuff look brand new with spray paint.)
(Also, I'm kind of new here; if there's some kind of etiquette that it's better to post thumbnails than full-size pics, please let me know. Thought bigger would be better for this.)

 

[macleanflood]

I'd probably use a c clamp to press it back in...

-Mac

 

[JMT]

Bought a 97 hardtop today for my 2000; other than needing lift struts it's in really nice shape. One scratch on top, no chips, cracks. But I noticed this on the driver's side hinge when I got home. Thought I could just tap it in but it almost looks like it's meant to be screwed in- either way, it wouldn't budge. Hit it with some rust penetrant and still no go (tried holding the glass up to take the weight off, but no difference). Thoughts? Thinking I should just bite the bullet and get a new set and not risk breaking the window window while I mess with the hinge. (I'm just a huge fan of making stuff look brand new with spray paint.)
(Also, I'm kind of new here; if there's some kind of etiquette that it's better to post thumbnails than full-size pics, please let me know. Thought bigger would be better for this.)
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That should be press fit. A vice would work too. Be careful.

 

[Snukulu]

I'd probably use a c clamp to press it back in...

-Mac

It really seems frozen, though. Is there a reason you think that would work better than tapping it with a hammer?

 

[Coadster32]

Bigger pics are better, and preferred, especially if you want good help..(so good call on your part)

BTW...welcome to the forum, if I haven't said that already.

 

[tr21triton]

It really seems frozen, though. Is there a reason you think that would work better than tapping it with a hammer?

remove it from the top and put it in a vise . you can get a lot more pressure on it in a vise.

 

[macleanflood]

It really seems frozen, though. Is there a reason you think that would work better than tapping it with a hammer?

Hammer... proximity to things that I break near hammers...glass...

That being said if you take it out and press it in a vice a couple of taps as you press it can help settle in the alignment.

-Mac

 

[Snukulu]

Bigger pics are better, and preferred, especially if you want good help..(so good call on your part)

BTW...welcome to the forum, if I haven't said that already.

Thank you! I've been lurking around for years, but just retired and finally have time to put some effort into my TJ

 

[Snukulu]

remove it from the top and put it in a vise . you can get a lot more pressure on it in a vise.

Gotcha!!!

 

[Coadster32]

I've been lurking around for years, but just retired

Congratulations on retirement.

 

[Snukulu]

Congratulations on retirement.

Thank you! Less money coming in but so much time to spend it, LOL

 

[tr21triton]

Thank you! Less money coming in but so much time to spend it, LOL

yep. been retired for over 4 years now and thats the problem. lots of time to do stuff but limited money to do it with. you have to pace yourself

 

[TJ Jim]

Looks like it is not lined up so it wont go in. Remove it , line it up and it’ll slide right in. And if you remove it you wont break the glass