On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 00:35:06 GMT, engsol
wrote:

How would you guys do it?

============================

I've been through that process, and to be perfectly honest have not
found an ideal approach other than pre-bending the track in some way.

If I had it to do over again I would drill the holes one at a time,
bending the track as I went, and use no bedding compound at all on the
first pass. Mask off the area on each side of the track with tape to
prevent squeeze out from getting on the deck. I would then pull all
the bolts and take the track up. Next I would lightly counter sink
the top of each hole to create a space for the bedding compound to
form a small O-ring around the bolt as you tighten down.

Remount the track and bolts with the track about 1/2 inch or so above
the deck, leaving just enough space for the tip of your bedding
compound tube. Circle each bolt with a small ring of compound while
the entire track is still off the deck. Finish up by pressing the
track and bolts down one by one, but DO NOT TWIST the bolts. Hammer
them straight down if necessary. Tighten the bolts from below deck
only, using someone topside with a large screwdriver to prevent
twisting. Ideally the screwdriver should have a square shank with
vise grips applied to increase leverage.

The objective is to not let the bedding compound be turned away from
the threads so that the O-ring effect remains intact as the fasteners
are tightened down. Allow the bedding compound to skin over but
remove the masking tape before it completely sets up.

Thoroughly clean up the underside of the track and the deck with
WD-40. A light coating of WD-40 on the underside of the track before
the second installation will make the clean up easier. Run some
hardware up and down the track to find any sticky spots before the
bedding compound sets up.