Hey, guys. I've just done both elevators on my GP Ultimate, having had the stock CA hinges fail after only a few flights....I replaced them with Dubro 1/4 flat scale hinges installed with Gorilla Glue...they seem to be solid.

My question is about various ways of getting the OLD CA hinge out of there. I did it the old fashioned-way. Lots of cutting with a #11 Xacto blade, LOTS of cussin' and discussin', and an old Goldberg "hinge pick".

I'd appreciate hearing various other ways for this problem to be tackled, as I anticipate having to do the rudder, and certainly the ailerons eventually, and would like to make THOSE chores easier than these elevators were.

Ideas/techniques????

I recently replaced the ca rudder hinges on my Mayhem. The Great Planes Slot Machine made this a quick job. Cut the rudder loose with an exacto knife, then cut the hinges out of the wood with the slot machine. Still had a tight slot so the new ca hinges went in securely. Surprised me how easy it was.

Did you use the same location? Sawing up the "old" hinge into dust? How did you keep centerline?

Exact same location. "Dusted" the old hinge. Held the rudder in one hand and the SM in the other. Hold one corner of the blade/saw against one corner of the old hinge forming a "V". The blade and hinge touch only at the point of the "V". Carefully start the cut, then close the "V" by tilting the SM so you are cutting straight in (just like sliding a new hinge in). The SM blade is always in the same plane as the hinge. On new "first time" hinges, I draw a line where the hinge goes, press the blade against the line to get a slight indent, then cut. I never had any luck trying to use the cutting guide you can buy separately. I hope this makes sense to you. It works great, but my description may not make sense.