Fix the Fixed Ports

[HMT2]

Mine were raw aluminum (no evidence of paint) when I took them out and they were in decent shape. I figured if they were that good after 32 years, what the heck. So I just sanded mine with like, 250. 400. 600. 1000 grit sandpaper and a little polish at the end and a year later they still look good, not as shiny as the picture posted above but they will shine right up with a little effort. In the for what its worth category, I had my shifter levers powder coated a shiny chrome finish (it was not re-chromed) one day I was cleaning my stainless on my bimini frame and went over the shifters with the rag I was using and it took all of the shine off the levers. OOPS. If I were to powder coat again I would find out what cleaners/chemicals can't be used on it.

 

[pateco]

I must be doing something right My son helped to strip and polish the port frames

They turned out pretty nice.

I epoxied and clamped the port opening.

I bed the lens in Butyl tape, and masked it off before sealing with gray Dow 795 sealant.

Port lens bedded and sealed.

Starboard port reinstalled with more butyl tape.

Now I am working on the port side.

 

[pateco]

Port side lens was cracked, so, as part of the refurbishment, I am replacing it. PO had a replacement stored in the lazarette, but it has been there so long that the protective paper film on the plastic is hard and brittle. Anyone no of a good way to get this paper off without scratching the lens?

 

[pateco]

This is what the spare lens looked like.

 

[fred1diver]

maybe try goo gone, might help

 

[pateco]

maybe try goo gone, might help

I was told goo gone could haze the acrylic. I used WD40 along with a heat gun and plastic razor scraper to some effect last night, but still have more to do. This is some stubborn stuff.

 

[pateco]

I would love to use this stuff as it is magic at removing silicone sealant and vinyl striping, but it says right on the warning label not to use on acrylic.

 

[Charlie98117]

I think your only hope is water to soften then scraping with your plastic razor. Leave it overnight with a wet towel to soften as much as possible then see if it works better. The glue residue will still be difficult I think.

I know it's sad but if you count your labor it might be cheaper to buy a new one.