Tambor handle installation

[Air4563]

We have a 1975 31' with tambor doors under the front gaucho.I found replacement tambor material, but am having trouble with the handles-they were apparently pressure fitted. I have removed one and cannot get it reattached to the new tambor material. Help!!!

[idroba]

As I recall they were fit into a slot in the handle AL material and then something like a punch was used to dimple the metal to hold them in place. You may have to get inventive with very short screws, pop rivets or glues to put them back on your new material, assuming it is about the same thickness. You also may have to un dimple the old metal handle to allow insertion of the new material. Since it is on the back side, you could take a drill and drill out the dimple, then attach it differently.

[Air4563]

I forced the grove apart carefully until the tambor passed into the grove.I then drilled holes into the back side of the handle and used self tapping screws--about 3 per handle. They are still working 2 yars later.