Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

[73dart360]

I am going to purchase new rub rail rubber insert but the aluminum at front of boat is pinched where somebody probably ran ito a dock, I am trying to be careful not to ruin the aluminum casing ,how can i pull it out so i can insert new rub rail insert.
The screws are rusted right off in several places ,I was thinking of drilling out the screws or buying a whole new modern rub rail kit all white from Taco http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...25&familyName=Taco+Flexible+Rub+Rail+Kit+3426
Any suggestions how to pull the aluminum out so i dont ruin it?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

That stuff is brittle, You can try to pry it out, but, a break is eminent. Without more experienced input, I'd give it a try.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

I woudl stick a screw driver in one of the good sections and tap it to the end, that shoudl open it up btu as foodfisher pointed out, extrusion hardens over time so it may crack but that si the only way to get it opened up again.

 

[73dart360]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

i can try prying it i agree what if i disconnected it from the boat and cut it an inch back ith a jig saw , do you think that ould work ,Any ideas with the rusted screws? on replacing them?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

Absolutely replace the screws with SS. Steel screws have no place on a boat unless it's a steel boat.

 

[oops!]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

i would replace the entire assembly with a modern one.

that one is fairly beat

 

[shrew]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

Those screws are more than likely stainless steel screws. They are called stainLESS, not stainFREE screws. If those were not SS, there would be no screws left based on the aparent vintage of the boat. If you can't unscrew them, try an eazy out. If that doesn't work drill them out. Try to use a drill bit that is no wider than the core of teh screw (notthe head or the width of the threads). You don't want to increase the size of the screw hole.

Rub rails are fairly generic. You'll be hard pressed to find the exact same one. the metal track will more than likely require some shaping to get it to fit correctly.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

Those look like replacement screws. You need to replace them with a pan-head SS nut/bolt or screws with a thinner head. Then it shouldn't be that hard to find rubber insert that would fit your channel. You should be able to get your channel back into reasonable shape.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

Given the condition I would probably replace the whole thing. If you are intent on keeping it I would first soak the screws in pb blaster rust penetrant than try to remove them as shrew detailed and replace with new stainless screws. As far as straightening goes I would try the screwdriver trick and if it does crack you can trim them back as you suggested. Good luck with it.

 

[73dart360]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

i Think i am going to have to drill the old rusted screws out but how do you stay on center its like shooting a bullet with a bullet

 

[lakelover]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

I'd say hit the center with a center punch and make a good dimple in it then do the best you can. You may have to increase the screw/bolt size slightly when you replace them. Is there a reason that's not possible?

You have screws now (?), they may be replacements. Starcrafts have nuts/bolts holding the channel on.

 

[73dart360]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

I can see where there are a few of the original nut/bolts but like the rest are very rusted , What if i left the ones there i couldnt get out drilled a new hole an inch or so away and installed new SS nut/bolt ,I already found the correct rubber insert from great lakes skipper they sent me a small piece to see if it fits in the channel , I feel if i take the entire channeloff it will end up being alot more work than i expcted , I did remove the winshield so i can flip the boat upside down .

 

[lakelover]

Re: Can someone tell me how to fix rub rail aluminum - heres pics

Sure, you can do that if you'll have a smooth path for the insert to be installed. I wouldn't bother removing anything that didn't interfere with the new insert. Agree, there's no need to remove the channel.