Aluminum strip in white rubber rub rail

[Orvy]

I'm having a tough time removing the rub rail from my Thompson Sea Mate. With all the staples and screws with out heads on them I am forced to pry it loose, which results in the aluminum insert being bent and kinked. I've only begun to remove about 2 feet of it and hate to go on as I am ruining the aluminum insert. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to straighten out the aluminum once it is off? I would like to save it if possible. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Orvy

[Classicboats4me]

when I did mine I padded a bench vise with some wood blocks. I then pulled it thru.[/i]

[Orvy]

Thanks Ron for the information. I'm doing this boat in a carport and working out of a shed 10' x 11'. The boat is 14' 7". Since the aluminum is in 3 sections, 2 - 10 1/2' and one 12', I could probably make it work if I can curve it around a little in the shed. That is a good idea. I hope I can make it work. Sure wish I had a little more working room. By the way, what did you pull it with? I don't think you could just pull it by hand!? Thanks again, Orvy