Garage metal working guys

Bare with me as I’m not real good at explaining stuff online.

My Lund has a livewell across the back of the boat. If the motor is trimmed at all it interferes with the livewell lid opening all the way. The boat is a tiller.
What I want to do is cut the lid (it’s aluminum I think) and make it a two piece lid. Hinge will need to be cut also I think. So what i’m looking for is somebody who is shut down that does metal work and is confident this is something they could do. Maybe it’s as simple as cutting the lid. Maybe a new lid would need to be made and carpeted. I know if it was cut some sort of brace would need to be installed to support the cut ends when somebody is standing on it casting.

Hope my explanation makes sense. Hope somebody has the talent and confidence that they can do something like this.

It would need to be done by the third week in April. If you can or know somebody who can handle this let me know. I have no interest in trying it myself.

Thanks.

Ever think of installing a short assist ram like is used on rear SUV hatches? Would hold it open even if not fully..just a thought.

Thanks Wingman but no, I think I want a portion of the door to swing all the way up. I don’t think it’s going to be a hard thing to do if I can find the right guy.

Dutch, this isn’t your perfect description but I had to make a custom hatch on my boat at the transom live well. It might give you some ideas. I used starboard instead of aluminum so it can double as a cutting board. Use a grinding wheel to cut a SS piano hinge to length.

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The main problem is there is a baitwell back there I want to use. To much hassle if the door is only partially open. And yes, somebody smarter than me will need to figure it out but i’m sure it can be done. Maybe to get the strength I need they will need to make 2 new doors that are bent over on all 4 sides.

Post some pics Dutchy. Can very likely be done by just cutting where needed and welding or riveting some aluminum angle or C-Channel on each side of the cut. If you want it to look good it will probably have to be recarpeted if there is something that will match. Otherwise you’d have a seam with frayed carpet on each side.

I’d volunteer but I’m one of them people considered “essential” right now and busier than ever.

Being essentially stuck in my chair i’ll get pictures in the next couple days.

any local airports in your area? see if one of the mechanics are looking for side work right now,they would have all of the tools needed to make it look/function right.

Iowaboy1 wrote:

any local airports in your area? see if one of the mechanics are looking for side work right now,they would have all of the tools needed to make it look/function right.

Iowaboy1 wrote:

any local airports in your area? see if one of the mechanics are looking for side work right now,they would have all of the tools needed to make it look/function right.

Good idea, thanks.

The livewell lid is 39″ x 15 1/2″. I’m not sure if it is aluminum or a composite. It has foam on the inside.

I’m thinking of cutting it around 18″ from the baitwell end. That gives me plenty of room for getting in there.

Need to find out what the lid is made of and go from there I guess.

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