Need T-top Advice

TooFly · #1 09-26-2011, 09:37 PM

So I need to re-re-anchor my t-top. I bought toggle bolts, from West Marine, that require a 1/2" hole and ~ 2" of clearance under the deck to work. I widened the existing holes to 1/2" and apparently hit the top of a stringer and stopped. Is it ok to keep drilling, use an allen wrench to clean out the foam in the stringer (if there is any) and mount the toggle bolts? Any other suggestions? I'd eventually like to replace this T-top so nothing is set in stone.

Thanks,
Paul

TooFly · #2 09-27-2011, 08:44 AM

Anyone. [sniffle]

I'm also debating pulling the t-top off, but then I'll need to move my VHF, stereo, speakers and stern light. And we all know that space is lacking on these oversized consoles.

htillman · #3 09-27-2011, 11:23 PM

You might try to take a syringe and some really thick epoxy with cabosil and inject into the holes. Let it dry reinject if needed, let dry and then drill with holes for screws. This is a temporary fix until you decide to do something else. I have used this procedure to fix soft floors and re-anchor screws in the floor until I make major repairs. Good luck
ET

workinpr0gress · #4 09-27-2011, 11:38 PM

I've used epoxy soaked wooden dowels, it's just an up sized toothpick in a stripped hole trick, lol. I wouldn't go charging through the ocean @ 30 knots thinking it's fixed though. You eventually want a better solution.

TooFly · #5 09-28-2011, 10:18 PM

Thanks, guys. I was talking to my wife about this and we came up with the dowel idea, too. We didn't think to use epoxy with it, though, which is a great idea. I'm going to talk to a friend's buddy tomorrow, who is a welder, to see if he can tie the t-top into the console for a fair price. I think both the epoxy/dowel idea and tying into the console will hold me for at least the rest of the season.

Thanks!
Paul