Windshield frame mounting studs

[am_dew]

I have a windshield and side panels on my 1972 v-hull closed bow runabout which I am constantly having to tighten down to keep from rattling. Everything is in good shape however the studs that protrude into and under the boat's deck and the nuts that are on them used to tighten the windshield down are brittle and rusted. I have broken a couple of the studs while tightening the nuts. How easy is it to replace the studs? I am presuming that once I unscrew the nuts from under the deck that the windshield would lift out and there will be some sort of channel or something that holds the mounting studs in place.

The nuts and studs on the rear end of the side panels (see pic; the studs are just a few inches bow-side of the end of the side panels) are a bear to get to as they only accessible by reaching your hands about 10 inches up into the boat's side pocket. Then because the space is limited under there getting a wrench on the nut and loosening/tightening the nut is a royal pain. It literally would probably take me more than an hour to remove the nuts on the rear end of each of the side panels due to the limited space available when using a small 3/8" box wrench. The studs are too long to be able to use a standard socket and I have not looked for a deep socket that would be long enough.

Any suggestions or comments?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Windshield frame mounting studs

Welcome to iBoats!
You're gunna have to use a 3/8" deep socket to get to em. I just don't know any other way. It is NOT an easy job.

I'm just sayin...

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Windshield frame mounting studs

You could use a ratcheting box end wrench like " gear wrench " ( I recommend because you dont have to turn them very much to work ).

YD.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Windshield frame mounting studs

Thanks for the suggestions. I think a deep socket would be the easiest way to access the nuts that secure the side panels.