[army_guy]

I am rebuilding an 1968 14ft Aluminum Duracraft. This boat has three bench seats. What I want to do is remove the middle bench and put in a carpeted floor. Both because of the design and because I want to bang out a dent that is confined behind the bench.

My question is about rivets. I would need to replace approx 20 rivets. I have read how to do it but I am afraid of the leaks it may cause. I would like to hear any suggestions or tips on weather I should remove the bench or not. And if I do remove it... how hard is it to replace them and keep my boat leak free.

I'm new to iboats... so go easy on me if this has been discussed already.

[arks]

First, welcome to iboats!
I would not recommend taking out the seat. The framework is most likely structural to the hull and if removed, the hull sides will weaken considerably. Maybe you could try to contact someone at Duracraft and see if they think it would be OK (my guess is NO).
As far as the dent, try a suction cup puller. They work pretty well on light gauge stuff.

[Bob_VT]

I am a former Army (retired in 93 from FLW, MO) can you get anything in to feel the dent behind the seat?

How big of a dent? You might ask around and see if there is an automotive Paintless Dent Removal person (they have the tools).

Welcome to iboats! Are you stationed in MO?

[Calhere]

With the dents you can use a ball ping hammer hold a piece of wood or something flat to the other side and tap out the dents.

On the seats im confused, are you wanting to permanently remove them or replace them with new wood? If so I would use a piece of hard wood you can pick up at home depot lamb pine works great just coat it with primer or a marine grade varnish.

As far as the rivets go ahead and replace them then you can use gulvit or something of that nature that will keep it from leaking.

[army_guy]

I am planning on permanently removing the bench. I will mostly be fishing alone or with my wife. I wanted the bench gone so I don't trip on it moving to the front of the boat. As well as hold important items like the beer cooler. I am putting in a flat carpeted floor between the two other benches.

I don't think that bench has much structural value. I have seen them removed on similar Aluminum V-bottoms.

I will post pictures of the dent tomorrow. I banged out what I could already. I can't reach the rest without removing the seat.

I was mostly concerned on being able to replace the rivets.

Thanks for the warm greetings... and I just finished school in MO and am waiting for my orders to go????

[Calhere]

Have fun Man I was in I got a Medical Ret in 2006 after taking shrapnel in iraq

[Bond-o]

I was mostly concerned on being able to replace the rivets.

Ayuh,... Google up Closed End Pop Rivets.......

[jerry1865]

rivets, no problem. 2 ways to go. factory type(solid core) can be put it with a bucking bar and an air hammer with a dished punch.
i personally prefer 3/16 or 1/4 inch closed end pop rivets that you put in with an air riveter.( pease do not try this without the air riveter)
as to the bench removal. no big trouble, just be sure to put in 2 pieces of angle aluminum to act as ribs. and you will have her whipped.
(its pretty easy to form the aluminum to act as ribs)

[Bob_VT]

Originally Posted by jerry1865

rivets, no problem. 2 ways to go. factory type(solid core) can be put it with a bucking bar and an air hammer with a dished punch.
i personally prefer 3/16 or 1/4 inch closed end pop rivets that you put in with an air riveter.( pease do not try this without the air riveter)
as to the bench removal. no big trouble, just be sure to put in 2 pieces of angle aluminum to act as ribs. and you will have her whipped.
(its pretty easy to form the aluminum to act as ribs)

Hmmmmm This project was completed in Jan 09 ........ about 6 months ago.

Thanks for posting but check the dates!!