[aksmith]

I would like to remove the radar arch on my 1992 3300 Open,to have it stripped, and primed and painted and reinstall. It was originaly painted White which does not match the Oyster color of the boat.

We will be installing a new radar and other new electronics this winter.

Anyone have any experence with a project like this? Any advice on the painting process? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!! :flag:

[momentum]

I did one on a 91 . Sand it ,bondo to your liking . Painted mine with centari enamel two part . looked real good . I did mine while upgrading electronics also. Currently need to do a couple spot repairs on my 40 ex .

[justrollin]

My arch is in good shape but the radar mount was peeling had it powder coated looks like new and better than paint. Something to think about while you have everything off.

[momentum]

the downside to powder coat is it cannot be touched up as time goes on . It is also difficult to remove .

[jmk]

I recommend powder coat for the best and most long lasting finish. I did my windshield frames and they look no different 10 years later than when they were just installed. I researched the best products and color matched. I used Tiger Drylac 38/10004 RAL 9010, which matches the "Ermine white" gel coat Tiara used on my 1990 36 Open. It is more expensive than other coatings, but is not damaged by UV. A contractor scraped it once, and I was able to touch it up with a small bit of ordinary enamel (auto touch up paint).

[momentum]

My frames could stand refinishing that's for sure . when you remove them does the glass come out ?

[Chris Burkard]

I like powder coat as it is much harder and much more durable, but as mentioned above, it can't really be touched up if you do manage to scratch it. Although powder coat is much harder to scratch in the first place.

Yes, the glass will come out of the frame, just be careful taking the frame apart. Take lots of photos and label everything!

[jmk]

When you remove the external frames, the glass will stay in place. There is another layer of adhesive and sealant holding it in place. I had mine like that for 3 weeks while I stripped and powder coated the frames. No leaks.

[momentum]

Thanks for the tips guys !

[tglass]

I removed the radar arch a year ago from my 33 Open with the intent of powder coating it and discovered it could not be done; the aluminum radar arch has a filler that is used to make it smooth and a powder coat finish will not adhere to it. I did however powder coat the wind shield frames over 5 years ago and they still look fantastic. Btw Tiara has screws with powder coated heads and nylon washers to avoid corrosion between the aluminum frame and the stainless screws.