[quote=davidsd]Use a piece of pvc or equal pipe and tape the tube on the end. Slide the tube in the beam and run bolt thru. Then pull out pipe (tape will give way). Make sure spacer tube fit nice inside tube. The beam might be distorted at the ends from the beam straps so make sure you loosen them. you might have to enter the beam horizontally here and then rotate it once inside. Be patient this can be a pain in the you know what. You can shave it down a little if needed and shape the ends to match the beam.
I removed the center tube on my older 5.2 and purchased the same Casting used on the new Nacras at the ends of the front beam. I ran a thru bolt angled to the aft of the hull to clear the bulk head and used a stainless steel bolt,washer and lock nut. Silicone on inside of hull between washer and hull. Even though the fiberglass is not that thick here it is fine for the rotational movement you are trying to stop. Make sure to properly torque your beam strap bolts (16-18ft/lbs) and don't let the aluminum square washers twist when tightening. Tighten the internal bolt last. If you feel the bolts are not tightening correctly just thru bolt them.The stress on the straps are greater at the rear beam. I have already had to thru bolt 3 locations on my 5.5. Drill out rivets form old center castings and your good to go. I would not drill and rivet thru the beam straps. This would change the strength of them and the load path they are deigned to handle.
Good luck 8-)[/quote]
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