Re-fastening Genoa Track

[KPL]

As I mentioned about a month ago, my Genoa track ripped out of the cockpit coming (1982 CP16).  It was held by 3/4" #6 stainless screws.  My thought for repair was to thru bolt with fender washers and lock nuts...  Well,  it turns out the coamings are foam filled (someone mentioned that....)  so I can't realistically thru bolt.

Soo.... Suggestions?

I'm was contemplating using the drill to hollow out a conical section of the foam, while keeping the hole through the fiberglass small enough for a #8 screw to thread through.  I would fill the void with thickened epoxy, then screw on the track.  The thought is that the epoxy would harden around the screw and provide an anchor for the screw (think drywall anchor). 

Do you think it would work?  Does epoxy have enough strenght to hold a screw?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

[Tim Gardner]

Kevin,

Chemical anchors are used all the time and are very effective. 

A suggestion,  Bend a stiff wire 90 degrees with a 1/2 inch "flag".  Chuck it in your drill, insert it through the old screw hole, and chop a relief 1/2 " below the fiberglass, one inch or so in diameter. This should really chop the foam into a fine powder.  Vacuum out the dusted foam, fill with epoxy, let it cure, drill and refasten the genoa track.

TG

[Paul]

Agreed.  Tim has the right idea.  Thickened epoxy would not seep through the foam.  Yes, epoxy thickened with colloidal silica or even microballoons is strong enough to hold the screws.  My choice would be colloidal silica, but others may chime in with suggestions.

Unthickened epoxy would be good for any stress cracks on the surface in that area.  Just widen the crack into a "V" shaped crevice prior to using the epoxy.  Keep in mind that the surface then needs to be painted to protect the epoxy from UV light.

Hoe this helps.