those dam cleats

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by Skools Out

i think they were bolted on first to use to lower the cap in the boat due tono access to remove the nuts. my 78 same way. I cut mine off and just used heave #14 x 3 ss screws to hold the new ones in, or you could cut them off and install pop up cleats with the top screw holes and that what you have more cleat strength just a thought.

Must be it, cause my '74 and the '75s were easy to get to...