AC Access Panel: Installing hinge and hasp?

[OBXTucker]

The AC unit access panel on our 58 LRC (going down the stairs to the master stateroom) has two access panels (one large, one small). These were installed with the factory Hatteras screws and over the years the wood has become stripped.

Access to this area has two results:

1. Access to the AC unit
2. Access to the stereo and entertainment equipment that's also in this cabinet.

I find the need to routinely get into this area and am trying to configure a way to install a piano hinge on these panels. Sorry, I don't have pictures of the panels, but they're typical of every wood access panel of this Hatteras era.

Couple of questions:

1. Has anyone ever installed hinges on these panels? If so, can you tell me what hinges and hasps you used? Trying to shorten the learning curve!
2. If you haven't done this, do you have any ideas?

The panels are recessed into the main cabinet and are only about 1/2" deep, which means a standard hinge is too wide. There's also a trim piece around the edge, so I'm wondering what type of hasp to use to secure the new "door".

Any thoughts are appreciated! Someone HAS to have done this in the past!

 

[StratPlan61]

Jeff, look at Rockler Hardware (www.rockler.com), part # 37750 or 28018, both are piano style hinges only 1" wide, 1/2" per side. These should fit nicely I think? 36" length for $18, you cut to length. Good luck!

 

[OBXTucker]

Thanks! Ordered them today. I'm going to try and tackle this over the weekend and take some detailed photos to post up.