Did you know that the BSP states that at times the I/R should remove the hinges? This would be when installing the subset where it was not possible to open the cover if the hinges were present.
Yes, indeed. I have received an example of this. Readers here may remember that I found a 554-C subset this fall which was in great original, albeit very dusty, condition. It came without the hinges. After cleaning and examining it, it struck me that the subset was probably installed without the hinges, there was no wear from friction either on the base nor on the cover where the hinges make contact. Ditto for the threads in the screw holes. A friend suggested immediately that this could have very well been the way the subset was installed, probably in a location that did not permit swinging the cover open while attached with hinges.