Removing old stringers - How?

[weweber3]

How do I remove the old stringers - meaning, separate the stringer from the hull? Then once I do that, do I need to sand down (?) the fiber glass flush with the hull?

I have seen tons of how tos around replacing stringers, but not early enough to answer my question.

Pics attached for reference. Thanks.

 

[danond]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

Use a sawzall. Cut them out, pop any remaining wood out with a prybar of some sort, grind the old fiberglass away.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

If they are wet you will likely find there is not much holding them in. I used a 4 1/2 inch grinder with an abrasive cut off wheel to remove any solid fiberglass covering the top of the stringers. After the cap of the stringers was removed they pulled right up. Then it was just a matter of grinding away any soft, contaminated, or delaminated layers of glass until you get down to good solid clean surface. Oh, and I HATE dust! wooppee!

 

[weweber3]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

Thank you for the replies- very helpful.

The old stringers should "pop out" - they are in pretty bad shape. They do not have fiberglass on the top, the tops are exposed (is that ok , or when I replace I should encase them?).

It is the "tabs" that need to be grinded down. Do they need to be ground flush to the bottom of the hull or really just cut down to nubs?

I assume I need to suit up in the tyvek body suit, wear a mask, etc to avoid itching for days?

Also - I have a dewalt random orbital sander... what kind of grit should I be using?

 

[92excel]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

if you use a sander, you will be there for days.

grinders are pretty cheap and add a flap disk you will have nothing left in an hour.

and dont just use a drywall mask.. use a respirator!

 

[weweber3]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

I also have a dewalt angle grinder - that should work I assume. I will start with more grit and finish with something more fine.

Do I absolutely NEED to grind the old fiberglass down to the hull or I can leave some sticking up (1/2-1/2 inch? )?

Should I use a respirator even when cutting fiberglass?

Sorry, very very new to this stuff. I appreciate the advice.

 

[92excel]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

Yup use your dewalt angle grinder with a grinding wheel or flap disk. no need to go with a fine grit.. everything under the deck doesnt have to be finish quality as no one will see it

The respirator should be used when cutting, grinding, sweeping up after cutting or grinding, and when thinking about grinding.. you get the idea..
fiberglass particles are horrible to get into your lungs.

some have a channel of the old stringer, others grind it to the hull. I did the second i think its easier to bed and reglass the new ones. if you have a channel you cant see under to make sure your stringer isnt touching the hull somewhere..

you should also wear the respirator when you are applying glass as the fumes can knock you out.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

yes, you will need to wear the respirator ESPECIALLY when grinding fiberglass. Make sure you have particulate cartridges in, not VOC.Get some google too! Even if you suit up all the way, you will likely still itch. Nature of the beast man...

I have been wondering the same about leaving a small 1" section of the old glass where it rises up the side of the stringer. This would make placing the new ones WAY easier. I guess if you can ensure that the glass is still good and solid then just scuff it up real good it shouldnt be a problem, but I am only just beginning too.

 

[weweber3]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

Thanks Chris - very helpful. Glad I found this site, it has been a huge help.

What a wealth of info in the hull extension thread too - that guy is crazy... in an awesome way.

 

[salty87]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

leaving a lip from the old stringer is fine if your new stringers are going to follow the contour exactly. if there's any deviation, the old lip will probably get in the way of a good job.

that's one of the corners you need to decide if you want to cut. if you do 90% of the work but don't get the stringers bedded VERY well...what's the point of doing everything else very good?

get your grinding done early and completely. the fumes are bad enough from poly resin...putting the grinding gear back on is even worse once you thought you were done. grinding down something you just finished glassing is a real hoot.

 

[wambs8]

Re: Removing old stringers - How?

I used a sharp wood chisel and a hammer to cut the csm flush with the hull. After I cut both sides the stringers pulled right up (rotten). I have a 4 1/2 inch grinder with a cutoff wheel, but I was a little paranoid about cutting into the hull.

Dave