Headliner Removal

[SVArgo]

I"m trying to remove the small headliner that is behind and above the refrigerator and galley lockers. I'm trying to install a return air grill for my Espar there.

Has anyone removed this and do you have any tips? It can't seem to get it past the locker and joiner coamings and am afraid of breaking it.

Thanks,
Ryan

[johnharch]

I got mine out of my 34, but darned if I can get it back.

[wsmurdoch]

On my 34, I got mine out, recovered it with new naugahyde, and put it back. It is half Chinese puzzle and half brute force. Well, 3/4 brute force. I recommend screwdrivers and paint can opener tools to grab the edges. Mine was just 1/4" fir plywood with naugahyde stapled over it held up with two screws but very tightly framed.

Bill Murdoch
1988 PSC 34
Irish Eyes

[SVArgo]

Thanks Bill. I wasn't sure if it was a Chinese Puzzle or brute force and didn't want to break anything. I'm going to end up cutting it to insert the return air grill anyway, so I suppose I'll be ok.

[johnharch]

Actually, I have mine almost in, But it is wedged tight. I gave up on it a couple of years ago and just left it. Probably you wouldn't know it wasn't in all the way if you weren't familiar with it or trying to take it back out. I think the only way I could get it the rest of the way in is with a hydraulic jack.

[SVArgo]

Ok, it's out....and the panel is fractured in several places and the nuagahyde is ripped in one spot.

Where can I get the replacement naugahyde? Mine's an off white/creamish color. Not sure if that's standard on all PCS's.

Ryan

[wsmurdoch]

I just took a clean scrap of the old naugahyde to a fabric store (in New Bern, NC) and picked the closest match of marine vinyl. Until you do it you could not guess how many shades of white there are. The one I got is a little whiter (newer?) but since it does not abut another piece, it is indistinguishable.

Bill Murdoch

[donaldsanford]

This is not a response to s/v Argo's question, but a related issue. I confess I do not know how to begin a new thread. My boat is a 1988 34' Pacific Seacraft with an overhead very similar to Argo's. The problem involves the Zippers that are so corroded they cannot be unzipped and in the area over the galley where I tried to to open several inches I cannot close it. Otherwise the overhead is in very good condion Perhaps someone else has had this problem and could recommend a solution.

Don Sanford s/v Blue Jacket

[SVArgo]

To free up the zippers I used a vinegar and water mixture, applied with a toothbrush, and alot of patience. They eventually worked free. You just have to keep working around the ends of the zipper piece to get the corrosion out. If you can get enough out to move it just a hair you will probably succeed in freeing it, though I have had some that just refused and broke.

Also, an occaisional spray of the zipper and track with a silicone lubricant helps to keep them from freezing up.

Originally Posted by donaldsanford

This is not a response to s/v Argo's question, but a related issue. I confess I do not know how to begin a new thread. My boat is a 1988 34' Pacific Seacraft with an overhead very similar to Argo's. The problem involves the Zippers that are so corroded they cannot be unzipped and in the area over the galley where I tried to to open several inches I cannot close it. Otherwise the overhead is in very good condion Perhaps someone else has had this problem and could recommend a solution.

Don Sanford s/v Blue Jacket

[donaldsanford]

Thanks for the quick reply Ryan. I will try your suggestion.

Don Sanford, s/v Blue Jacket