Removing rear sundeck 1999 Pro Air Nautique

[Clmsnflyj]

Hey fellas, I just bought a 1999 PAN and am in the process of stripping it down to work on this winter. The first thing on the list is to have the upholstery replaced in the bow, rear seat cushions, back rest, and sun deck. I removed everything with no issues until I reached the sun deck. I started removing the screws in the hinge to the deck, which was not fun. After getting started, I found a forum saying that I should remove the hinge from the boat instead of the deck, which is no problem....

My main problem is getting the gas piston off. Any suggestions. The screws don't seem to back out and I'm not sure if there is a way to remove the piston at the pivot point. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Tyler

[charlesml3]

Yes. These are actually called "gas springs" in case you're ever looking for them online. They are REALLY easy to disconnect.

Look at the end (either) of the gas spring. You'll see a metal clip that sort of wraps around the end of the fitting. Put a small screwdriver in the gap and gently pry the clip away from the fitting. Do NOT completely remove the clip. Just pull it away a bit and the gas spring fitting will slide right off the ball pivot point.

-Charles

[Clmsnflyj]

Thanks Charles. I'll give it a go tonight. I knew there had to be a better way!