need new side rails

[wygang4]

hi everyone,
i have searched high and low on how to
either upholster worn out side rails on my 87 bayliner
or some place to buy new ones.
i have upholstered my back jump seats along with the backs
and it looks fine, but the side rails or whatever you call them
are in bad shape can someone help me.
the rails have an aluminum strip running down the middle
and i dont know how to re-upholster them with this strip.
thank you all so much.

 

[Robert D]

Re: need new side rails

Pictures....speak a thousand words

 

[wygang4]

Re: need new side rails

hi robert,
i dont know, but did i miss something in your reply?
i read the other post but i didnt get the answer i was looking for.
i can upholster, i did my jump seats and they turned out great,
i just dont know about the aluminum strip that runs down the middle
of my side rails. i know how to take the rails off too, but what i am trying
to find out is if anyone knows how to or if that strip comes off.
or does anyone know where i can buy use or salvaged one?
if i cant take off the strip i guess i will jst upholster over it.
thank you for your time reading my post.
margo.

 

[lowvlot]

Re: need new side rails

I too have an '87 bayliner with the aluminum strips. after reading your post i went out to mine and looked at how those come off. There just held on with clips. I call them Christmas trees. There plastic clips that just push in and pull out. I just pulled on the back of my aluminum strip and it popped right off on the back corner just do this all way to the front.

 

[geedubcpa]

Re: need new side rails

Half the work of restoring your boat is trying to figure out how to take it apart - putting it back together again can be just as tough. I just rebuilt my sides and used carpet for the panels to match the floor. Just an idea.

Good luck with the project

 

[redone4x4]

Re: need new side rails

take the whole complete boards off. Slide the vinyl off the fore and aft ends of the strip. The strip then slides either way, all the way off. there are plastic discs on the back of it, and the strip slides over those holding it all on to the board. I just redid my boards, but eliminated the strip cause i couldnt find the replacement fasteners locally. It came out alright. not perfect, but great for our boat. I did all new 1" high density foam under everything too.

 

[lowvlot]

Re: need new side rails

Hey redone,
Looks real good. I plan on tackeling my side panels aswell. Hope they turn out as good as yours.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: need new side rails

Hey redone,
Looks real good. I plan on tackeling my side panels aswell. Hope they turn out as good as yours.

it is really hard to get the upper and lower long stretches to meet in the middle and look good. As you see, mine are a little "wavy", not real concise lines but hey its better than bare plywood or 23 yr old vinyl lol. Just take your time, we took about 5 hours for each side including cutting all the foam n stuff also.

 

[Nick Devenney]

Re: need new side rails

Mine were similar to yours. I actually burned them along with a bunch of other junk that i ripped out of my boat. I purchased 2 spanish cedar boards that i am gonna replace them with. I havent had time to install them yet but when i clamped them in for a test fit the looked surprisingly good. Just an idea for ya

 

[redone4x4]

Re: need new side rails

mine was a low-budget fix...about $60 for ALL the material for both sides, including glue, vinyl, high density foam, staples, etc. if i get another 5-10 years out of it ill be extremely happy.