[czarcone]

I removed the aluminum arch on my '95 31 Open for refinishing (fill holes from old equipment, corrosion, etc.).  While prepping arch for paint, I drilled out the 50+ riveted snaps.  Each snap is mounted with a white, plastic washer beneath it.  I assume these are to help protect the painted surface when installing/removing the canvas.
Most of these plastic washers are brittle and/or cracked & I would like to replace them upon reassembly.  They are approx. 5/8" in dia. & 1/32" thick.  Any insight/info would be appreciated.  Maybe a Tiara rep could comment?

[ReelMagic]

I needed them as well and Tiara provided... Cost was minimal.....Contact Tiara customer service, they have been great to me over the years. Always ready, willing, and able to support.

[czarcone]

I needed them as well and Tiara provided... Cost was minimal.....Contact Tiara customer service, they have been great to me over the years. Always ready, willing, and able to support.

Contacted them yesterday before posting here.  Just waiting to hear back.  Thanks

[trit21]

Just to add a little insight (maybe) I would think they are there to also protect against galvanic corrosion. Aluminum arch/stainless steel snap, separated by a plastic washer. I would think Home Depot/Lowes probably has them or McMaster Carr/Grainger as well.   

[czarcone]

Just to add a little insight (maybe) I would think they are there to also protect against galvanic corrosion. Aluminum arch/stainless steel snap, separated by a plastic washer. I would think Home Depot/Lowes probably has them or McMaster Carr/Grainger as well.   

Appreciate the comments.  My thoughts were that I can get a sheet of 1/32" Teflon & punch them myself for about $40, but was curious to find out more about them & see what Tiara would charge.

[Chris Burkard]

There is a gel called TEF-Gel (comes in a small tube - should be available in any marine supply store). This should be applied to the threads of the snap screws when installing. This will reduce corrosion between the two dissimilar metals. You "should" remove them every year and re-apply TEF-Gel. Just hand tighten snug.

[czarcone]

There is a gel called TEF-Gel (comes in a small tube - should be available in any marine supply store). This should be applied to the threads of the snap screws when installing. This will reduce corrosion between the two dissimilar metals. You "should" remove them every year and re-apply TEF-Gel. Just hand tighten snug.

Thanks, Chris

I did receive 60 washers from Tiara (less than $10, delivered).  The only difference is that the new ones are twice the thickness.  Snaps were all riveted on to arch.  Will probably reinstall the same way.

[Chris Burkard]

If you have not done so already, I would still apply the tef-gel to the rivets, especially if you are going to use stainless rivets. If you are using aluminum, I would still use it to keep the rivets from reacting with the stainless snaps. Just my $.02.

There is a gel called TEF-Gel (comes in a small tube - should be available in any marine supply store). This should be applied to the threads of the snap screws when installing. This will reduce corrosion between the two dissimilar metals. You "should" remove them every year and re-apply TEF-Gel. Just hand tighten snug.

Thanks, Chris

I did receive 60 washers from Tiara (less than $10, delivered).  The only difference is that the new ones are twice the thickness.  Snaps were all riveted on to arch.  Will probably reinstall the same way.

[czarcone]

Just ordered a 2 oz. tub.