How to replace city water entry

[Mo22]

Hi all, I am trying to replace the city water entry point on a 1300 Trillium. that 3.5x3.5 plastic flip cover.
first, how do I remove the rivets? I know there are several postings about this, do I drill the rivet out from the inside of the trailer with a 1/8 drill bit?
second, if I look from the inside, it is kinda all covered with fiberglass (or at least i think it is fiber glass), how can I take it out once I remove the rivets?

once this is done I plan to replace the other flip covers ( tank fill, sink drain and electric pigtail cover)

thanks for your help.

cheers,
Mo

[Gerry]

HI MO
Drill the flat side of the rivet, more then likely the outside with 1/8 bit and this will take the cap off the rivet.
I doubt that it is fiberglass on the inside unless somebody did this after manufacturing. It may just be insulation so take the outside off and do more investigating and pushing will may get inside flange off.
Gerry the canoebuilder

[Ed Harris]

Mo

On my 1300 the water enntrance was simply riveted in on the four corners.
I would imagine that if you see something additional schmeared? on from the inside that it would be caulk of some kind.

I would drill out the rivets from the outside,being careful to use a sharp bit and light pressure so you don't ream the holes out bigger when you get thru the rivet.

Then if it will not move try a putty knife or 5 in 1 tool to gently pry the flange from the glass.
If there is caulk on the outside you can lightly score with a razor knife angled under the flange but try not to cut thru the gelcoat.

Its funny but I just replaced the water entry on my new Fiberstream yesterday and I could not find one the same size so I had to enlarge the hole a bit.
The Roto-Zip is a great and tricky tool!

Good Luck
Ed

[peterh]

HI MO
Drill the flat side of the rivet, more then likely the outside with 1/8 bit and this will take the cap off the rivet.

If the rivet is at all loose I also find it handy to use a pair of crosscut wire cutters to hold the head of the rivet in place while I drill through the flat head of the rivet. If I don't do this the rivet spins, scratching the fiberglass, without managing to drill through the rivet head.

[jim munson]

Those little things that look like miniature urinals that Scamp puts on are the pits to fill with a hose.
The entry has two little bars that keep the soft plastic hose from entering, so I snipped them off. Better now but still a rather slow fill. Why does Scamp use them anyway? The only thing they would prevent from falling in would be a 1/2 inch rock- not dirt nor gravel.
Maybe Camper World has a better design.

[Mo22]

ok, I managed to drill the rivets out, but the thing is still attached to the fiberglass because of all the caulk smeared on it from the inside....
tried to remove the caulk but it is tough.
is it just a matter of patience, or is there a better way?

thnx,
Mo

[Ed Harris]

ok, I managed to drill the rivets out, but the thing is still attached to the fiberglass because of all the caulk smeared on it from the inside....
tried to remove the caulk but it is tough.
is it just a matter of patience, or is there a better way?

thnx,
Mo

Mo
You have not mentioned whether you have access to the inside where the entrance is or if you can just see it but not reach it.

If you can get to it you should be able to cut the caulk with a razor knife and pop the fitting out.

If you have no access I would try a putty knife or 5 in 1 paint toll like I suggested earlier and pry around the perimeter gently until it starts to lift out.
It may be difficult to spring loose but if you are replacing it anyway does it matter if it breaks?

If I am not understanding the problem correctly please try to elaborate or post a picture so we can get a better sense of the problem.

Ed

[Gerry]

Mo
It's a matter of patiance and as Ed said, try to get inside off first useing stiff putty knife.
You may want to try some heat from a hair dryer to try to soften up the putty while prying.
Gerry teh canoebuilder

[Mo22]

I got it out.... the 6 in 1 did all the work!

thanks folks.