J
Jim
Hi all, Am trying to track down a spare part for the pedestal steering mechanism on our 1980 O'Day 30, specifically the "backing plate" and the four bolts used to secure the pedestal to the cockpit deck. The backing plate, located under the decking and used to secure the entire pedestal to the deck, is rusting out badly and the bolts are also rusting out. Very odd that whoever installed the pedestal, or manufactured the pedastal and these parts, used steel, or maybe stainless that has broken down over the years, rather than aluminum. Anyhow, the boat is under its cover right now and I've never noticed a brand name on the pedestal steering. Checked Edson's catalog and tech support and they claim they use(d) aluminum bolts and backing plate, but, while they seem to offer the flat head bolts I will need, they don't offer the backing plate as a spare part. They didn't confirm whether or not Edson was O'Day's pedestal supplier back when. S-o-o-o, anybody know which brand pedestal we likely have on our vintage O'Day??? Also, any suggestions on fabricating a backing plate of my own, say 4" X 4", would be welcome. Seems like aluminum would be the way to go, about 1/4" or 3/8" thick perhaps??? Fair Winds, Jim