Help!

[inaforty]

Ok guys I need some experienced help.
I lifted the motor off the transom to install the new NFB steering and thought I would remove the aluminum trim and seal/epoxy the hull/cap joint. I can't get the aluminum off. I drilled out the rivets. I try in one spot to slide a putty knife under the trim but it seems there is a white sealant under there (seems like 5200). Was the factory trim installed with a sealant? The transom seems very very solid and I thinking that maybe someone already went throught trouble of sealing under the aluminum trim? Not sure if I should keep digging or let it be? Also is there anything special about the rivets or could I use SS screws to replace the rivets?

I'll keep busy installing the steering and be looking for your replys.
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[bradford]

If she seems solid I wouldn't dig any further. Old boats will present enough problems without you trying to find them.

 

[macojoe]

You already ****ed it up so might as well keep going!! Reseal everything when reinstalling, or better yet glass the top and get rid of the alum trim, there are a few here have done this.

 

[phatdaddy]

if you removed rivets, probably never been into before, i'd remove & reseal with glass..

 

[bigshrimpin]

add a little dab of 5200 to the rivet holes and sink some screws back in there. Button that back up before you open a can of worms. If it feels solid and the adhesive is causing you great trouble to remove . . . leave it!!!

Don't fix something that ain't broke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[inaforty]

Thanks guys!
I already started putting things back together. Pulled the bracket mounting bolts out of the transom to run them over a wire wheel and didn't find any moisture with an awl inside the holes. Motor has defiantly been off before and I'm betting the aluminum trim has been off also. Sealing everything back up with 4200. If it hasn't rotted by now they must have done something right.

Just thought I would do the right thing while the motor was off the boat.

 

[reelapeelin]

add a little dab of 5200 to the rivet holes and sink some screws back in there. Button that back up before you open a can of worms. If it feels solid and the adhesive is causing you great trouble to remove . . . Leave it!!!

Don't fix something that ain't broke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x 2!!....