RE: ca hinges
Go next to the old hinge. You don't want to go above or below because you will be off the centerline of the surface.
IMHO the best way to cut hinge slots is with the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK263&P=ML]Great Planes Slot Machine[/link]
Ken