Ranger deck lids

[duckhuntr07]

I have a few of the deck lids on my boat that have broken the pop rivets that hold the lids to the hinges.

Does anyone have advice on fixing them?

The center lid in the front and one of the live well covers and one of the rear compartment covers.

It's a 2001 R83VS and last time at C&C they said I'd have to replace the center lid next time it needed to be fixxed.

I'm kind of on a budget now and was wondering if anyone had some advice.

Thanks,

[GW]

drill them out and bolt them. I have replaced a bunch of lids and thats the best way. (There are some you just cant bolt and have to re-rivet)

[492slayer]

Put an aluminum backing plate behind the fiberglass when riveting them and it should last.

[Hardshell]

Be sure to use Stainless Steel bolts, nuts and washers. The nickel plated ones will rust or corrode in no time and stain the sh#t out of your carpet! They cost a little more but they are worth the cost.

Hardshell

[Mitch]

Use 1/4" aluminum backing plate or you'll be right back in the same fix again. if you go to an aluminum fabricator he will have scrap pieces you can get cheep or maybe even FREE !!!!

[smpboy]

good imfo i have same problem

[duckhuntr07]

Thanks for al the feedback guys. So, 1/4" Aluminum backing plate and SS screws and nuts. I haven't taken them apart yet but it looks like the rivets went into a hollow part in the back edge of the lids. I couldn't see the back side of the rivets. How would I get the amminum plating into that hollow part?

Or am I missing something?

[fishon662]

I had the same issue on my 520 i went through the whole flange of the lid and re rivoted with back up washers

[bigstick]

By a Bass Cat! Problem solved

[SloppySeconds]

If you decide to go with the aluminum strip, check with your local metal recycler first. I have found some insane deals on scrap aluminum for dirt cheap. Depending on the week, you might find anything from aluminum strip to diamond plating.

You probably guessed, but make sure if you go with nuts/bolts, get the locking nylon-insert nuts!! (Nylocks...?) That way they don't rattle loose.

I'm guessing the aluminum strip might have to be 1/8" thick and 1/2" wide to be the right size, then drilled with the same hole pattern as the rivets. I would get bolts with rounded heads (with flat, not tapered bottoms) and philips heads.

If the fiberglass around the holes is breaking apart, I have heard folks using JB Weld to patch it up before re-bolting.

Good luck!

[doug77]

I have a few lids for a 518(lt grey carpet).If they fit Ill make you adeal/Freight would probably be pricey or you could pic them up in Santa Barbara

[duckhuntr07]

Thanks again, I have the idea on the aluminum strip and SS screws and nuts.

The problem is when I turn the lids overthe back part of where the screws would og in seems to be insidethe hollow top portion of the lid.

In other words, the rivets now go into the top edge of the back edge of the lid (opposite where the handle is). The holes that the rivets go into seem to go into a hollow portion of the top largest protion of the deck lid and I can't get to the back side of where the rivets are. I'm not sure if I'm making myself clear but I can't seem to get into where I would put the aluminum plate ans hold trhe nuts to tighten. Any help here is appreciated.

Oh, and thanks for the Bass Cat advice, that was genious. I've been in one or two....I'll keep my Ranger. But, really,.....Thanks.

[kopper_bass]

Duckhuntr,
If possilble, you may consider using SS plating instead of the aluminum, to avoid any corrosion from dissimiliar metals.

Being in contact with the SS screws, the aluminum may tend to corrode when wet, particularly with brackish or salt water (think Delta).

Kopper

[duckhuntr07]

Great advice also, I'm familiar with the dissimilar metal issue. I will go with SS for the plate. That will be stronger also.

Thanks Kopper.

I just need to figure out how to get to the back side of where the nuts and plate will go.

I don't want to pull back the carpeting until I know what I'm doing.

[mark poulson]

That's probably why they use rivets, because the inside of the hollow deck is inaccessible.
A rivet gun and rivets is cheap. Just lube the hinges every season with WD40, or Reeleze.

[cib11b]

I fixed my Step dads on his Ranger last year with Garilla glue. Works great! No probs at all over a year later.

[duckhuntr07]

Ok, ..........how'd ya do it?

[cib11b]

Just re-use some of the rivets if they are ok to use or get screws of similar size. Cover them in garilla glue (dont forget to spray with water) And feed them back into the fiber glass. Make sure the lid is closed and the screws are all the way in while it dries.