Flex-A-Rail Install

[Jeff42899]

Hello all. I've ordered new canvas from Great Lakes for my 99 340 Sundancer and also ordered new flax-a-rail since the existing stuff is cracked in places. Has anyone done this replacement? Any tips? I believe the track pieces are held on with adhesive caulk and screws. I plan to use heat to flex the track and want to mark the line on the arch where the existing track is. Is there a specific method to mark the arch that will easily clean off after the install? China marker maybe? Thanks for any advise or tips.

 

[KWB]

When i did my flex-a-rail for a new install. i made a cardboard template to bend it around. and i used butiline tape for a seal. its like plumber putty. only in a thin tape. you can find it at ( sailrite.com) There is also some videos on replacing a rear enclosure that details the install and bending if flex-a-rail. Hope this helps.

 

[Little Ducky]

How much are you replacing?

I need to replace about a 6" section that's been cracked for some time.

 

[atrick]

Go to sailrites web site, they have detailed instructions on how to do it

 

[Quint4]

Carefully apply blue painters tape following the edge of the old track before you take it off. Careful with the heat gun as too much and you will deform the track too much. Slide the welt into the track as you are working it to help it retain its shape.

 

[Jeff42899]

Great info. I removed all the canvas today and started to take the screws out of the old track. Many of the screws are stripped or full of hardened caulk. Looks like I will have to drill the screw heads off, pull the track and remove them with channel locks. It's going to be fun. The hardest screws to get to are on the front of the arch near the windshield. The old line of caulk is helping with alignment it appears. Painters tape is a great idea! I also plan to use the butyl tape. That appears to be what is there now. Thanks!

 

[Quint4]

Yes..butyl tape for sure.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Get you a set of left hand drill bits. Most of the screws will come out when you carefully “unscrew” them with the left handed bits.

 

[Jeff42899]

Get you a set of left hand drill bits. Most of the screws will come out when you carefully “unscrew” them with the left handed bits.

I finished removing the rail strip and I have to thank you for this idea. I was able to get all but two screws out using the LH drill bit. Those two the head was gone from drilling and I was able to remove the rail and get them out with vise grips. What a savior! Today is finish cleaning and getting the new rails on.

 

[Jeff42899]

New flex a rails and canvas from great lakes are finished. Thank you all for the suggestions. I ended up using the LH drill to remove the screws, blue painter's tape to mark the line, butyl tape along to old path and heat on the new rails for the bends. It was slow going but I'm very happy with the results! The new "brows" look great and fit well. This is a new to me 340 that the previous owner changed the isinglass and aft curtain last summer but not the brows attached to the arch. To finalize the install I will do a small bead of caulk along the rail track on the outside for extra protection. The inside looks great and I doubt I'll caulk it unless someone can give me a good reason. Thank you all again! Cockpit carpet next!