Steering Pedestal Drift Pin

[jgarmin098]

Guys, Gals:

I'm removing my Yachting Specialties steering pedestal. I am to the point of removing the drift pin that holds the wheel shaft in the unit. What is the proper tool for banging that sucker out? I can see that the pin in hollow and spilt down one side. I don't want to mash it and thereby prevent it's reuse.

As always, thanks in advance!

JGarmin
'88 32-3 in the frozen northeast (45 degrees yesterday!)

 

[Gary Peterson]

Use a round drift pin punch that can be purchased at any store that sells tools. Buy one that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the roll pin. Should pound out with a hammer fairly easy.

 

[treilley]

Why are you removing? I will be removing mine for a refinish this season.

 

[jgarmin098]

I'm getting some corrosion at the base caused by interaction with the SS mounting bolts. Plan to take it to the powder coater that coats Edson products. I expect it will be ridiculously expensive but plan to go ahead with it anyway.

By the by, I dovetailed this project with the removal/replacement of my hot water heater. If anyone wants to know how to get one out of an '88 32-3, I know the secret.

JGarmin
'88 32-3

 

[pick]

Yes. I think that I will need to know this in the not-so-far future. Any comments would be appreciated and probably save me some time.

 

[jgarmin098]

OK, so, just to verify, the heater is a Seaward S600. http://www.seawardproducts.com/waterhtr.htm
Because it's smallest dimension is 13 inches, it cannot come out of the cockpit locker hatch. It needs to come out through the quarterberth. There are three trim pieces that need to be removed from the top of the opening. They are about 4 feet long and have 7-8 screws each. The fourth trim piece is attached to the headliner in the quarterberth but it can be stretched just far enough to flip it over up flush against the bottom of the cockpit. Once that's done, you will have a bit under an inch of clearance to pull the heater out.

Keep in mind, no cursing or spitting is allowed.