26M models - replacing t-molding on mdf?

[Idiotfool]

Hello, all. Today, I have an accepted offer on a 26M that is in overall great shape, but for severely shrinking T-molding on the laminated mdf boards, doors and window trim.

Has anyone repaired these and can recommend a source for replacement molding?

I’m picking up the boat next week and hope to have materials available for this relatively simple repair, if possible.

Thanks!

[NiceAft]

How large a gap is “severely shrinking T-molding”?

[Idiotfool]

How large a gap is “severely shrinking T-molding”?

At least 3/16ths gaps, some with 3 or 4 in a 6 inch space. Not only gapping on the window trim, too; some of it has pulled away from the corners at least a quarter inch.

[Jimmyt]

I found 3/4" easily. No luck finding thinner. If you can't find thinner, you could use the 3/4 and a flush trimming bit.



My battery cover trim has a 1/4" gap in it. It's 1/2" thick. Galley table is thicker at 9/16".



Actually, I'd call these guys and see what they can do for you...

https://www.outwater.com/products/zz-105-668/

Sorry. Browsing while posting...

[NiceAft]

The reason I asked “ How large a gap is “severely shrinking T-molding”?”, is that you don’t need to spend any serious time and effort on something so minor.

It can easily be camouflaged by a simple touch-up. This wil not affect any functionality, and it will last.


I have used products like the above to make repairs for decades. There is no need to do anything other than melt the stick into the gap, and form by merely by rubbing rapidly with your hand to create friction. I did this professionally for over forty years on a variety of surfaces.

There is no question that this is a cosmetic repair, but that is all that is needed.


P.S. The product shown is a professional use product, but similar items are available in stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.

[Idiotfool]

The reason I asked “ How large a gap is “severely shrinking T-molding”?”, is that you don’t need to spend any serious time and effort on something so minor.

It can easily be camouflaged by a simple touch-up. This wil not affect any functionality, and it will last.


I have used products like the above to make repairs for decades. There is no need to do anything other than melt the stick into the gap, and form by merely by rubbing rapidly with your hand to create friction. I did this professionally for over forty years on a variety of surfaces.

There is no question that this is a cosmetic repair, but that is all that is needed.


P.S. The product shown is a professional use product, but similar items are available in stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.

I've used wax touch-up for various things of various widths and depths. I could see its use in smaller gaps, but these are too big to span, I think.

Since black vinyl t-molding was suggested, I thought about black Melamine. Home depot has peel & stick edgebanding. If I can't find appropriate rubber t-molding (SBR wouldn't shrink, but vinyl is still the most widely available) I might order that and give it a whirl. Melamine definitely wouldn't shrink, so I'd never have to worry about this, again.

https://www.t-molding.com/3-4in-black-e ... -50ft.html

[NiceAft]

I understand.

3/16 inch gap can be filled by melting the stick. The raised area is a different solution.

It all depends how much something bothers you. If you have the time and inclination, go for it. Just post pictures of the project; before and after.

[adudinsk]

Did some looking into the T-Molding, use it on all my video games I collect.
of you go to https://www.t-molding.com/5-8in-brown-t ... g.html#182

Its a 5/8" molding that they use.. then its SHAVED down on both edges... using an edge trimmer
https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html

All dimensions are correct other than the width/thickness and you can clearly see its shaved.

Once installed, it cannot be shaved on the window wood trim, the tool will not work.
To make the correct trim, cut a scrap pcs of wood the same thickness as the window wood.
Make the slit a bit larger to hold the molding but not too tight.
install some molding.. trim... slide more molding in your jig.. trim..

If your wood has swelled.. or got water on it.. you will need to tighten up the cut to accommodate the molding.

Use some of the following to "harden and tighten the edge that has the slit in it"
PC Products PC-Petrifier Water Based Wood Hardener



you just soak it into the wood ends.. weight 24hrs.. and it hardens it all up.. works great..
It is the consistency of milk. And the trim will hold in way better after the wood and product dries..

So they MUST have installed the trim on the wood.. then shaved it down.. THEN put it on the boat.

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[Idiotfool]

Did some looking into the T-Molding, use it on all my video games I collect.
of you go to https://www.t-molding.com/5-8in-brown-t ... g.html#182

Its a 5/8" molding that they use.. then its SHAVED down on both edges... using an edge trimmer
https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html

All dimensions are correct other than the width/thickness and you can clearly see its shaved.

Once installed, it cannot be shaved on the window wood trim, the tool will not work.
To make the correct trim, cut a scrap pcs of wood the same thickness as the window wood.
Make the slit a bit larger to hold the molding but not too tight.
install some molding.. trim... slide more molding in your jig.. trim..

If your wood has swelled.. or got water on it.. you will need to tighten up the cut to accommodate the molding.

Use some of the following to "harden and tighten the edge that has the slit in it"
PC Products PC-Petrifier Water Based Wood Hardener



you just soak it into the wood ends.. weight 24hrs.. and it hardens it all up.. works great..
It is the consistency of milk. And the trim will hold in way better after the wood and product dries..

So they MUST have installed the trim on the wood.. then shaved it down.. THEN put it on the boat.

AD

Thanks. I take it you’ve done this repair? If so, how long ago and will you have to do it again, do you think?

[adudinsk]

Sorry.. just got this .. Yes.. did it lots for video game repairs..
There is a special tool for this..

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