How do I secure my interior side panels?

jberenyi · May 14, 2009

Hello everyone. I'm new to the group. I'm restoring a 20 foot Arrow Glass right now. In taking out the front bow backrests I noticed there was no way to remove the screws from behind so I had to rip the boards off. I am replacing all the wood and going for the complete upholster. Can someone tell me how to secure the backrests on a boat that has absolutely no room to screw from behind due to lack of space for even your hands? The factory must have installed these backrests before installing the top portion of the boat...its all I can figure. What ever you guys think works good, I will use on the side panels as well. Thanks!

bear_69cuda · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

Do you have any pics?

I was able to get in some tight quarters with a ratcheting type screwdriver, it's like a 1/4" drive type of tool, that you can use multiple driver heads with.

Very small and compact...

chrishayes · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

there are also many fasteners that expand as do not need a nut on the rear. Check out www.fastenal.com or google it.

Aviator5 · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

On my boat they used those so called Christmass Tree Panel Fasteners. Similar to those used to hold car door panels.

oops! · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

velcro

jberenyi · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

oops! said:
velcro

My side panels are 160" long with a boxed compartment. I doubt velcro will work.

oops! · May 14, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

velcro is allways an option when in difficult situations the more you use the stronger the hold.

if you are really having trouble.....try the link that was given above by chris hayes.

if you are worried about how to screw it after the uph is on.......thats why they have buttons!

jberenyi · May 21, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

oops! said:
velcro is allways an option when in difficult situations the more you use the stronger the hold.

if you are really having trouble.....try the link that was given above by chris hayes.

if you are worried about how to screw it after the uph is on.......thats why they have buttons!

I thought those buttons looked alright but do they last? And what about T-nuts on more accessible panel locations and then bolt the panels on. I'm really surprised that this topic has not generated more responses.

escapade · May 21, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

for the side panels where you have access to tighten nuts, install counter sunk bolts that would 'lock' into the wood from the panels upholster over them, drill holes for the bolts to slide threw, and tighten down normally with the nut and ratchet.

for the ones you don't have access to, finish your upholstery screw through the upholstery then glue on accent pieces to cover the mounting hardware, (same way a sub box is designed)

Yacht Dr. · May 23, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

Hello m8..

There are Bolster clips available that secure padded wood cushions by hooking the pad.

It kinda looks like the clip that holds your vhf mic. You would fasten the clip to the fiberglass behind your cushion/bolster .. dry fit your part into its location and press hard to see where the top of the clip hits your plywood. measure from the top of the clip ( open end is up ) to the bottom where the clip curves . Oh lets say its approx 1.5" .. go back to your ply and measure 1.5 " UP from the mark you made.. THAT will be the TOP end of your hole not your drill point if using a hole saw..

Hopefully not too confusing ..

Contact your local boat dealer they should know or they can call there manufacture for some..

YD.

AZSenza · May 26, 2009

Re: How do I secure my interior side panels?

Mine also use the automotive interior "Chistmas Tree" type. THey 1/4 turn into holes in the panel and push into holes in the boat. Still holding after 12 years...

How do I secure my interior side panels?

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