170 Montauk RPS Disassembly

[jheiii]

I'm trying to replace the snap studs in the reversible pilot seat (RPS) of my 170 Montauk that hold on the seat cushion. There are six snap studs going across the front of the RPS. The snap studs that hold the cushion down are all corroded. I have to drill them through and retrieve it from the back side of the RPS. Thing is, I have a powder coated aluminum 24-gallon fuel tank in this boat, providing no access to the backside of those snap studs without removing the tank. There is a lot of gasoline in the tank, so I'd rather work around it.;

Q1: Does the RPS on this 170 MONTAUK fold over when you unscrew the three screws and nuts on each side of the RPS?

Q2: Or do you also have to unscrew the three screws and nuts along the front bracket, too?

If I can unscrew the three screws and nuts on each side of the RPS and have it fold forward that would be a game changer.

Q3: does the RPS in this 170 MONTAUK work like that?

Q4: do you have to unscrew all nine screws, the three on each side and the three in front, and take the RPS off in one shot?

Hope this makes sense. In case anyone out there knows the answer to this, thank you.

[jimh]

... I have to drill them through and retrieve it from the back side of the RPS.

I think "them" refers to the corroded snap studs.

What is the "it" that you retrieve?

Loosen the three machine screw fasteners on each side of the RPS and see if that provides the access you need.

Snap fastener studs usually have integral self-tapping screws that fasten them to the surface they are attached to. Why can't you just back out those studs?

[jheiii]

"It" is referring to the sharp, then discarded and drilled-through piece of stud on the backside of the leaning post.

I ended up putting a really long perishables bag with double sided tape along the whole top of the fuel tank right up to where it touched the back of the RPS. Then just drilled the studs through. This caught all the stud discards perfectly on the tape and the discards came right out on top of the bag and into the trash. New studs are in and are screw type so I nor the next owner will have to do this again. Used clear 3M Marine Sealant on the new studs screw threads. Will report back with results after 24 hours to cure.