1974 Vanguard top cap removal

[Raist11]

Greetings!

So I have decided it's time to join the ranks of boat renovations.

I've done a fair amount of research and I'm quite handy with tools, building and so on. This weekend I'm going to cut out a test section on my floor to get a bit of a view on what I have going on. My floor is definitely soft, very soft.. but seems to be in just one section. So let's cross our fingers! The transom is also a serious source of concern.

Now that I've given the first impression that I ramble. My question:


How do I remove the top cap? I have seen a few videos of people showing that they removed it, but no details. If you look at the attached image you'll see I have a moulding that goes around the edges of the boat. I've read one person say theirs was held on by rivets and some caulking or something. (Perhaps that's only with an aluminum boat). Is it possible it's screws behind the moulding? I really don't want to cut the cap off. While I'm confident in my ability to cut out the floor... cutting off the top of the boat is an intimidating concept. :faint2:

Thank you for your time and attention.

Happy Weekend! The time when work ends.. and projects start!:facepalm:

 

[Raist11]

Re: 1974 Vanguard top cap removal

And yes, the boat trailer is going to be a project as well, obviously.. Particle board was not a good option for a gravel guard, I think.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1974 Vanguard top cap removal

The rubber Rub Rail needs to be removed. You'll find either rivets or screws holding the aluminum rail on and also the top cap to the hull. Remove them and the cap will be easily removed.

 

[Raist11]

Re: 1974 Vanguard top cap removal

Excellent, thank you. I can breathe a little easier now. So is there any sort of caulking or something in there as well? I'm thinking ahead here on what I'll need for reattaching it to the boat. (Look at me, acting like I'll have it off and be putting it back on by Sunday.

Thanks