F370ss Arch removal, hinge etc
 

Howdy all!

Well, I finally found a nice 370......

Can anyone tell me about the ARCH? what's it made of, how difficult would it be to remove?

How about installing a hinge to "fold" it down for storing in a building with a 12.5ft high opening?


I can fabricate and weld just about anything! My feeling is I could build a hinge out of 316 stainless and all polished up would even look good!


Anyone?


tnx/Rick

We removed the arch on my friends 2002 370ss to have refinished because of corrosion around most of the hardware. I assume it was made out of aluminum because of the corrosion. The newer ones may be fiberglass ?? It is attached to the boat with 1/2" studs if I remember correctly - the nuts are accessible but a PIA. Port side required unscrewing the battery switch panel under the sink console to get at the nuts & I believe the starboard side is accessible from engine compartment. Supported arch with a boom lift at the marina to take it down. Will also have to deal with the wires.

Thanks, This is an 03 model, so I would bet it's the same.........

I was looking at the boat yesterday and by tapping on the arch, it appears to be powder-coated aluminum.

It also appears that I could make a 1/4-3/8" stainless steel hinge that that could hinge forward at the base.

This not something I would want to make so it could hinge frequently. it would be a once or twice a year sort of thing.

A few years ago there was an independent company who made a hinge kit for the PC's, and maybe the SS's too. They were doing this with Formula's blessing. You might call up the factory, talk with a seasoned employee, and get the contact info of this little company. You may also learn why it was not a good idea, if that's the case.

Hi Rick:

Just wondering if you moved forward with this 370ss? Boating season is upon us :)