new and need help

[whydididothis1]

i am in the process of taking a 1997 smoker craft apart and redoing the interior how do i get the glue off of the aluminium?? do any of you all know the order that the boat can be taken apart in? any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new and need help

Welcome to iboats.

There is no specific order to take it all apart but you will see that many things are related. Usually the seats and work from there.

What are you going to put in place where the glue shows? Are you going to use carpet? Vinyl? or do you plan on bare aluminum?

Glue removal is a real PITA but, a high speed angle grinder with a soft bristle stainless steel cup brush will help. USE A LIGHT TOUCH!!! and the glue usually goes away quickly. If necessary, then you can move on to solvents and plastic scrapers....... not an easy task.

Look over some of the aluminum restore projects we have going and you will get some ideas.

 

[whydididothis1]

Re: new and need help

i am waning to use a roll on bed liner.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new and need help

You will not find many fans of the bedliner here (I am not). Too many stories about separation from the aluminum and too many stories of future repair nightmares if there is a hull problem.

 

[whydididothis1]

Re: new and need help

i have searched around the net, the boat has plywood decking, so the area between the decking is the only aluminium that will have it on it. this boat goes through alot of abuse we only use it for bowfishing and catfishing so carpet gets ruined fairly quickly.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: new and need help

Welcome to the site...it sounds like Nautolex marine vinyl would be a good choice. It's got gret grip, is very durable, water resistant and easy to clean. Just hose and scrub good.

I left all the old glue on my boat, since I covered the sides with the vinyl it's no problem.

Good luck to ya!