Next step, we masked off all of the parts of the boat that we didn't want to smear with silicone.
While Alyce applied sealant to the exterior, I readied the frames for installation. With two of the headless 3" 10-24 machine screws installed in the outboard section of the frame to give me something to hold onto from the inside and a bead of sealant on the frame itself we were ready to install.
Since both members of the installation team are covered Silicone at this point in the installation, I'll try to describe in words rather than make a mess of the camera....
With the frame held in position on the outside, the interior frame is placed over the guide pins (e.g. the headless 3" machine screws). While the whole mess is oozing sealant, the interior and exterior frames are temporarily fastened with the 10-24 flathead screws (with as many flat washers as needed to ensure a tight fit).
Here we are with the last portlight frame installed. Time for some cleanup...
Last edited by bill@ariel231; 03-13-2006 at 06:25 PM.
With the goop cleaned up, lets have a look at the frames from the inside:
All of the washers you see under the flathead screws have since been removed and the screws cut to fit. The washers are a time saver here since there is no time to cut them to length while the frames are being fastened for the first time.
Last edited by bill@ariel231; 03-12-2006 at 06:46 PM.
The installation was easier than the originals (I've never had the privilege of installing a complete set of unbroken aluminum frames). Who knows, if enough new reproduction parts enter the market (from either bristol bronze or the owner of the Rostand patterns) maybe a secondary market for original frames will develop... my left-over unbroken frames have since found a home on Triton #15.
Ariel 231's frames are in. They are still polished.. now the $64,000 question... Do I leave them bright or leave the finish to mother nature? My personal inclination is to apply an automobile clear coat to the interior frames and let the exterior go (they are bronze after all, not gold).
Plenty of time for that once we are in the water... time for bottom paint!
cheers,
bill@ariel231
Last edited by bill@ariel231; 03-12-2006 at 06:52 PM.
If anyone is planning a trip to the Maine Boatbuilder's show in Portland 17-19 March, Roger Winiarski is planning to have a set of frames at the Bristol Bronze booth.
Did anyone ever
think of using neoprene gaskets. Just as
an extra precaution against leaking frames.
I was thinking of using on the inside and
outside of the cabin.