Removing old mainsheet traveller track

V

Vega1447

.
Oct 19, 2019
921
Albin Vega 27 Limerick
Hi,
bought a Lewmar track to replace original bronze one.
After 20+ years it is very difficult to remove the 12 bolts (also
bronze) - the slots in the heads of the bolts are easily damaged by
screwdriver so hard to get enough torque.

Apart from penetrating oil (WD40?) can anyone suggest any other
strategies?

Obviously I must avoid any damage to the grp that the old track is
bolted through so no angle-grinders pleas!

Thanks,

John
--
Albin Vega 1447 "Breakaway"

John A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148
Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...
University of Limerick FAX: +353-61-334927
IRELAND Web: John Kinsella's Website
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Try putting a hot soldering iron to the bolt slot for a minute or so (more if the bolt is big, of course), to get the bolt thoroughly hot. That will often loosen the fastening.Journeyman 1171Nicholas Walsh
Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.
111 Commercial Street
Portland Maine 04101
Tel. 207/772-2191
fax 207/774-3940

This email was sent from the law firm of Nicholas H. Walsh P.A. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you suspect that you were not intended to receive this email, please delete it and notify us as soon as possible. Thank you.
 
F

frank_lighthouse

.
Dec 18, 2001
31
Hi John,

The following holds true for Alkira - sorry in advance if Breakaway is
different!
Isn't it only the fixings at the extreme ends of the track that are bolts?
On Alkira the centre section of the track is attached to a wood beam located
between the cockpit well sides. Over the length of this beam the track is
secured to it with woodscrews not bolts.
Bolts form the final two fixings at each end of the track. These penetrate
the GRP and are secured with nuts / washers from inside the lockers. If you
can locate these nuts it should be possible to remove them working from
inside the lockers (if they prove immovable you could disc them off
carefully with an angle grinder - I don't think they are encapsulated within
the moulding).
What you then need to do is remove (again working from inside the lockers)
the 1 or 2 additional wood screws that pass through the cockpit well sides
and into the wood beam. Depending on the amount and tenacity of the sealant
present it should then be possible to remove the track with the wood beam
(and the seized bolts) still attached.

Hope this helps
Frank, Alkira, V1175, Liverpool.
 
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