Oxidized aluminum window frames

[brico]

On my (new to me) 1980 37 Convertible some smart soul screwed in plywood stoppers in the frame so only the aft glass pane can slide while the front one could not. While i do not challenge the idea, the way it was done caused damage and inevitable oxidation of the anodized aluminum frame that now has few small holes.
In additionee to that, the front side window frames have some oxidation as well and on few places the rubber seal is slowly bulging out being pushed by the oxidation and small leaks are developing.

I could probably temporarily arrest the oxidation and maybe repair the rubber seal but it will not be perfect job. Has anyone attempted removing their window frames in order to replace the rubber seal? I see some "dedicated" boaters have gone so far to replace the entire aluminum window frame with vynil ones looking smart and would perhaps outlive the boat but that seem over the top.

Any pointesr on how to get this fixed?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

The stop block was there from the factory.

Go look at the "tips and tricks" section on Sams site. There are detailed directions for rebedding the windows and replacing the rubber.

 

[lumina]

Hi All,

What Sky said ....

As far as battling aluminum oxidation there are as many techniques as there are Hatteras yachts.

We are in the process of refurbishing all of our aluminum rub rails, trim, and the interior of the helm window frames (coincidently).

I just can't handle another commission project of incredibly hard, laborious, and time sucking work to make them look barely decent for a season.

For the aluminum rub rails and the rub strakes (terminology could be incorrect) and the exterior aluminum trim we chose to use the Walter Quick Step polishing system. Using a multi speed angle grinder and a series of abrasive pads we are removing all of the oxidation, scratches and wear marks etc. Once this is done we will clean the rails with an acid blend meant for aluminum and the finish off the rails with a primer and finish coat again specifically made for aluminum.

I've seen this done and it looks great and is very durable. I'd rather touch up a chip or scratch in the finish than spend countless hours every season cleaning and polishing.

As far as the interior aluminum helm window frames we are applying the acid solution in a stronger mix and hand sanding with 400 and 600 grit paper. We'll then clean and prep them and follow up with the finishes described above.

 

[ADaily3224]

I have a 1988 fresh water 36. There's no damage corrosion or oxidation on my frames but the original color, powder coat or whatever bronze is very thin and faded. You can see the primer here and there. It's original. So what paint, color, is available to try and return them to their original look. Most that I've seen have been reprinted the same color as the hull. I'd rather it be kept as it left the factory.

Thanks Tony.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Mine were refinished years ago using Imron in an aluminum color with a clear coat. They still look good. We did not remove them from the boat, we just did the outside. If I were doing it again, I'd take a deep breath and just take them off the boat and repair and refinish them completely.