Broken internal eye end on Taylor Made Bimini frame

[DanteC]

How do I remove a broken internal eye end on my Taylor Made bimini frame? It is the nylon insert in the bottom of the aluminum pole which allows you to attach the bimini frame to the deck hinge. (I can't upload a pic because it "exceeds the 2MB limit".)

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Most are held to the tubin' with a set-screw,......

 

[roscoe]

google


PLASTIC BIMINI BOAT END EYES SET OF FOUR

 

[Scott Danforth]

there should be a screw or rivet

you took the picture with your 2 gazzzilion megapixle camera on your phone. yes the quality is good, however its about 10X as big as this website will allow or that is needed

now email the picture to your self and reduce it to 25%. then upload the re-sized picture of 400kb

 

[DanteC]

Thank you Bondo, Roscoe, and Scott. I found an iBOAT forum post from 07-09-04 that deals with this exact predicament. My internal eye end is factory attached with an indention in the metal tubing. The fix suggested in the post was to cut off the end of the tubing right above the internal eye end and install a new internal eye end, and then secure it with a small SS screw.
However, if I do this then my matching Taylor Made zip-on side windows would flap in the wind because the overall height of my Bimini would be shorter.
I was considering using my heat gun to soften-up / melt the old (nylon), eye ends and pulling them out of the tubing. Then drilling out one side of the indention and installing a small SS screw to secure the new internal eye end.
What do you think? Will the heat damage or degrade the aluminum tubing?

 

[Chris1956]

They are crimped, in some cases. You can always drill holes in the old one until it collapses enough to pull out.

The new one will usually tap into the pipe frame. You can use a needle-nose plier to remove some of the crimp if necessary.

I would not cut the pipe, unless it is the last resort.

 

[briangcc]

Another vote for simply drilling it out then pull what's left out with a pair of needle nose pliers. Easy/peazy. Don't overthink it.

Did this for my FourWinns.