|
Greetings SMMOMs, The nuts on the inside of the lead plates were rusted on, and it was to tight in under there to cut them off. So I just drilled out the carriage bolt heads instead, then punched them thru. Because there was no gap between the lead plates and the steel parts, those area rusted faster. I can see some one adding a few SS weld beads vertically on both sides of the vertical plate that the lead is attached to. So that the lead plates would rest up against them and let those areas dry out faster. I'm thinking I'll replace the vertical steel plate and lower skid plate with SS. There is some heavy pitting on the vertical plates, but there is likely still enough material there if I wanted to use it. If I did I would weld in some SS bushings were the attachment holes are. You'll notice that the port outside lead plate has forstner bit holes drilled all over it. that was because the inside port plate was much thicker then the starboard inside plate, and so the sub was at one time to heavy on the port side. For some reason they felt is was easier to remove the extra weight from the outer plate. So remember to weigh your plates before you install them. I will have a few small areas on the tube section of the hull to weld in some pits. But I don't think it will be to bad after talking with some of the guys. http://cid-5085d10eb6afe47c.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Lead%20Plates%20Removel " The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand." ~ Frank Herbert Regards, Szybowski |