I would like to re-paint the front beam on my Mystere 5.0XL (1995). For some reason Mystere did not use anodized aluminum and it resulted in terrible flaking paint on older Mystere beams and masts. I got the forward beam off easily but I cannot get the dolphin striker V-strap loose from the beam. It's held on with two Allen-head bolts on each end. (see photo) I've bent my Allen keys and bits trying to loosen them. If I break these bolts is there a mounting plate within beam that I could replace? Any suggestions?
Can you anodize aluminum that has been painted? I was told that you cannot, no matter how carefully you clean the metal.
