Taveler Track Removal

[Larry Austin]

I have a (as probably all CD's) aluminum bridge with the track
for my traveler screwed to the alumium bridge with a screw and a nut
about every 2 inches holding the track to the bridge. MY QUESTION.. I can loosen and remove the nuts at the ends , but how do I get to the nuts farther in? And if I do get them loose...I also have got to get them threaded again..with a flashlight you can see the nuts inside there. The only thing I've come up with is to "weld" a 2' piece of metal on the end of a box wrench ...any ideas? Thanks

Larry
CD 30 MKII

BTW...The Bridge is about an 2" square "tube" . The nuts are inside this "tube"



laustin@us.ibm.com

[Jeff Barnes]

Larry:

Your idea of welding an extension on a box-end wrech is actually a good one. I believe this is how Cape Dory assembled these originally.
I replaced the traveler track on both my CD30 and CD36 ("Jazman") with Harken systems. Removing the old track was a challenge but could be done without an extended wrench. Just apply constant upward pressure while removing the machine screws and the nuts should remain stationary while the screws are removed. Regarding the replacement process, I drilled through the other side of the square tube and through bolted with SS backing washers, lock washers and cap nuts. I actually have more confidence in this set-up than the original from Cape Dory.

Regards,

Jeff

[Duane Yoslov]

Your idea of the box wrench on the piece of metal is exactly how to do it. I replaced my Nicro/Fico traveler with a Schaefer line control system last year and it was a &#$(&%&! I taped a box wrench onto the end of a wire hanger to grab the nut for removal. For reinstallation, I used rubber cement to hold the nut in the end of the wrench.

**It helps to have the new track prebent by the manufacturer. Send them a template of what you need.



yoslovd@aol.com

[Larry Austin]

Thanks guys for the advice..I kinda thought thats what I'd end up doing..got a wrench all made up and will remove the track tomorrow.
I called Schaefer today and they said trace your old track and we'll bend a new one for ya....I think I'll end up going with the Schaefer.

I cancelled my order with Rig-Rite...too long to get the parts.
Larry
CD 30 MKII
LAYLA



laustin@us.ibm.com