Has anyone ever replaced the vinyl on the sail panels?, How easy is it? Options

[dbgriffith75]

Basically what the topic says- the vinyl on one side is shrinking to the point that it's pulling free of the chrome trim, and I figure that since I've gotta redo one side, just as well redo them both. I see Pelican offers reproduction vinyl which is where I'll probably get the material; I've just never done this type of work before.

My first inclination is to just get the material and find a professional that can do it for me, but if it's not that difficult to do, I'll give it a try.

Any suggestions?

[jonferns]

I've seen that 3M adhesive #77 at Lowes. Is it is the proper adhesive? I thought I'd have to order it from somewhere.

[Pat Garvey]

I've seen that 3M adhesive #77 at Lowes. Is it is the proper adhesive? I thought I'd have to order it from somewhere.

Look, 3M 77 works fine. Where you get the vinyl from is more impotant - make certain it matches original.

The key here is to remove the VERY soft aluminum trim without screwing it up. Never use a screwdriver to pry it - use plastic picnic knives. Squeeze those clips on the backside tightly & you shouldn't need to pry anything. Once the anodizing on that stuff has crazed, you may as well throw it away - it IS fragile.

So, what are you going to find under the vinyl? A little bubble, or indent? That's rust. You can't grind it off, patch it up & expect it to not come back. Lurking behind that sail panel (if it's original) is a very dense piece of foam - you know, like a sponge. And, act like a sponge it does. The seams let in just enough moisture to fill the sponge. The weep holes (if they aren't plugged) in the quarters do little to help. Until that sail panel is cut away, the sponge removed, and the interior area rustproofed - you're spinning your wheels!

Yep, you can make a quick fix, sell the bugger, and let the next owner go through the same episode.

The vinyl isn't the issue - it's what's underneath & how gentle you can be to remove that very soft trim.

Fix it properly & keep records.