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Aging zippers

2K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  GMFL 
#1 ·
I've started restoring and prepping a 1983 Islander 30 Bahama that has been on the hard for about two or more years (by my estimates). The condition of the zippers in the headliner is either partially open because the previous owner (and I in one case) managed to break off the zipper pull or on the verge of a similar fate. Two-part question:
--Has anyone devised a means for restoring the pull and zipper with some sort of fluid so that the thing won't fall apart?
--Has anyone devised a clever way of closing the ones that are half open because of breakage? Velcro?
I've been following the headliner replacement thread but it's a project I'd rather not tackle--at least this season.
Thanks
 
#2 ·
Those headliners kept me from buying an early 80s Islander (the aging Volvo also had something to do with it) because I couldn't inspect the bottom of the deck hardware. I feel your pain.

I've had stuck cushion zippers on my Pearson and found an online trick of soaking the zipper pull in vinegar (using saran wrap to keep it there), then using silicon spray lube. That worked well enough for me to free them up. I broke off the pull on one zipper, but was still able to push the head using pliers.

If you don't want to do a full headliner now you could pull down the headliner and paint the interior of the deck white (instead of the dark brown that it probably is). The fiberglass that I could see inside Islanders (behind the vinyl) was generally very smooth. You'd only have deck hardware showing through, which isn't that big of a deal. That is a part-day project instead of a multi-day one.
 
#3 ·
I hope you did not ruin the head liner ! you can buy zipper pull replacements at fabric
and craft stores. Just find the right size, it works, than use marine zipper lube.
I am glade I did, you will be too.

1982 IB30 "Passat" Point Roberts WA.
Islander rendezvous! Deer Harbour July 12,13+14
 
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