Posts: 33
Threads: 8
Joined: Oct 2023
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Home Port: Lake Erie
Vessel Info: 1985 31 open Volvo 260’s
Just brought this boat home 5 days ago. So much to learn. I wanted to pull the fiberglass helm panel forward. I saw the hinges at the bottom. At the top on each side there is a recessed area with 3/8’ nylock nuts.i thought those were supposed to be removed, however they just spin along with the bolt or stud. Thinking I’m not doing this correctly. Is there another method? What am I doing wrong? All help appreciated.
Mike in Michigan
Posts: 486
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Home Port: Lake Michigan
Vessel Info: 52 Sovran, Cat 3406
I made the same mistake. I believe those nylock nuts hold a rubber socket that sits on the inside of the dash. There is a plug mounted to the other side and when mated, keeps the dash locked in place. There should be a grab handle or two on the dash. Give it a good solid tug and the dash will swing open on the hinges.
Posts: 245
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Home Port: Newport
Yup, just give it a strong pull and it should pop loose. I don't like those rubber sockets as they are often either too stiff (hard to open) or too loose (pop open in a sea).
Posts: 33
Threads: 8
Joined: Oct 2023
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Home Port: Lake Erie
Vessel Info: 1985 31 open Volvo 260’s
Thanks- it took two of us but it did open up.