Reply to "Removable Center Engine Cover"

Marlin,

Thanks for the photos. This is an upgrade that Jack DeRyke has mentioned often in the past and as you found, it is really pretty simple. As I just had my fiberglass bulkhead removed for AC service, I studied the bulkhead and would like to add the following to your procedure.

The numerous studs and nuts hold the edges of the upholstered panels. These studs are welded to metal strips (2) that anchor the edges of the vinyl sections behind the two seats. A third and very long metal strip anchors the top convex vinyl panel that runs on the outside edge of the bulkhead panel. But the vinyl covering on the center bubble is only glued on its edges to the fiberglass, and it runs beyond the bubble and beneath the metal strips. If you remove all the nuts and then the metal strips, you will find there is enough of the bubble vinyl to allow you to peel off the edges, do the fiberglass cutting, and then wrap and glue the bubble vinyl to the back of the bubble, giving the bubble edges a finished look. It sounds more complicated than it is. Just grab the bull by the horns, undo all those little nuts and you'll see how simple it all is. Again Marlin, thanks for giving us the photos :-)

Larry