Engine Compartment Hinge, Broken off @ body... OPTIONS?? Options

[Bimmerboy71_02]

The engine compartment hinge on my buddies' 914 broke off a long time ago, and I am finally able to get around to fixing it. Is there an easy solution to fix this? Welding is almost out of the question since the two halves of the hinge barely match up; like there's metal missing. Just hoping you guys could lay all of my options out.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/monkeydance.gif)
Ryan

[Eric_Shea]

QUOTE

welding near the engine gets risky and not everyone has the equipment

Well "Duhhhhhhh" Felix. This is exactly why he needs to go out and purchase four jackstands. Remove the engine and tranny. Check behind the backpad for rust on the floor. Remove the interior. Pull the peeling sail panels off. Remove the bumpers and check for rust there. Call Jake and get on the list. Pull the wheels. Pull the suspension. Send the suspension off for powdercoating. Get new bushings. New shocks are now in order. that powdercoated suspension looks so good you can't bolt it on that car. Fix all the rust spots. Ohhhhhhhhh... don't forget to weld the engine lid hinge. Bare metal repaint. Call Morph for some nifty interior pieces. Do a five-lug conversion. I know someone who can get you some brakes. Rennshifter (get on the list for that now as well...) Bolt it back together and enjoy your retirement. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/driving.gif)

But I digress. Welding is just about your only option. Luckly, you're two 10mm bolts away from getting the lid off which is something you can do in the parking lot of a good welding shop. Have someone that knows what they're doing with a MIG (the welder, not the jet) fix'er up. You should be back on the road in 30 minutes. Make sure they lay a welding blanket over the engine.