2003 SANTE sun deck gas shock mounting question

[Bogus]

I was trying to remove the shocks from the sun deck/engine hatch on my 2003 SANTE and ran into unexpected problems. The first screw came out without a problem. When I went to unscrew the second screw, it loosened but would not start extracting. I stopped and decided to put back the screw that had come out. Now that screw behaves as if it's stripped out. So, I am wondering if there are nuts of some sort on the back of the screws. I'd like to find out for certain how the screws were secured into the platform, so I can figure out what I'm going to do next. Anybody have experience with this?

[Chexi]

Why are you removing them? To replace the shocks? If so, all you need to do is place a flathead screwdriver on the clip at the end of the shock, pry a little, and pop off.

The brackets may have bolts on the other end, which would mean you are screwed and may have to take the vinyl off. I know that the hinges are this way.

Just an idea, but if I'm right about what you are trying to do, a gerrymandering do would be to drop a bit of epoxy or jb weld in the hole and use a self tapping acre to resecure. Not elegant, but you don't want to take that vinyl off unless you are replacing it. You will not likely be able to get it stretched enough to staple it back on right as you would have no extra material to use for leverage.

[Bogus]

Thanks for the reply and suggestion. I was removing the platform to take it to a shop to have a tear in the vinyl repaired. I thought it would be easiest to remove the bracket from the bottom of the deck. I didn't realize you could pop the shock off of the mount easily with a screwdriver. Oh well, another lesson learned.

[shonuff]

Yup that would be my guess too. Based on what I saw when I re-vinyled my engine hatch, there are nyloc nuts on the other side of those screws. My hinge screws were loose and I didn't understand why I couldn't tighten them until after I pulled the vinyl and saw it.

[shag]

I had the same issue awhile back and was able to compress the vinyl (cant remember what I used) with out damaging it, and get hold of the nut.

[Chexi]

That is a great idea shag. I hope it works for the op.

Probably goes without saying, but take off the main hinges on the boat side, not the pad.

[Bogus]

Well, I decided to remove a few staples from the vinyl close to the bracket and was able to pry the foam up, get a 3/8 wrench on the lock nuts, and tighten the bracket back down. Restapled the vinyl and it's good as new. Took the pistons off using a screwdriver. Should have looked closer at the piston connection before I charged in. Rookie mistake. Thanks again for the replies and advice.

[AirTool]

Restapled the vinyl and it's good as new.

I hope you used stainless or monel staples.

Good work, otherwise.