Straightening aluminum rub rail?

[16victor]

My boat's rub rail is the aluminum with rubber insert type. It's not in horrible shape but since I just got it I want to tidy up the miscellaneous dents that are in it. No major smashed areas. I figure to pull the rubber out and make a tool to slide along the inside and work the dings out that way. Has anyone ever tried this, or any other method, and what were the results?

Alternatives are 1) do nothing or 2) replace it. Would like to repair if possible.

Thx for your thoughts,

Ron
2001 Stingray 200LS

 

[JimS123]

Re: Straightening aluminum rub rail?

Been there, done that, won't do that again.....LOL.

When the rubber ages it shrinks. When I took it out it went boing and was a foot too short now. The dent came out easy, but what should have been a 30 minute job took several hours of heating the rubber and stretching it to fill the same opening it came out of.

 

[16victor]

Re: Straightening aluminum rub rail?

That's the kind of info I'm after...I wouldn't have thunk of that...thanks.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Straightening aluminum rub rail?

Don't get too crazy opening the groove. That alum. is brittle and may crack/break.