Final Approach Eliminator Blind Parts

Threemuch · 09-08-2008, 11:02 AM

Hey gang-
Anyone know where I could get some parts for a Final Approach Eliminator? One of the two extending top raial were bent (by some unauthorized user at my club) and when I tried to bend it back, it broke.

I called Bushnell's service number, but I sat on hold for a half hour and then gave up.

Is there any local place that sells parts? Anyone have a parts list or diagram I could use to order it? It isn't the pro-guide model, just an eliminator, but I bet the pro-guide part is the same.

THanks for any help
Kurt

Wingmaster · 09-08-2008, 11:05 AM

I have heard people have had luck using a similar sliding rail made for the bimi boat tops. I got a contact through Bushnell to buy a replacement rod so it wasn't direct from them. I'll try to look up the info later tonight.

sharpshott · 09-08-2008, 11:38 AM

I actually just had to order the same part for my eliminator... Call (800) 423-3537...Thats through bushnell outdoors, the number is on final approaches website under contact, and just have your information and part ready...took about a week to ship and cost like twenty bucks if i remember right....

Threemuch · 09-09-2008, 07:30 AM

Finally got thru to Bushnell, and they said that they are completely out of the telescoping tubes, but if I send it in, they will see if they can repair it. If not, they will offer me a blind at a reduced rate. Process should take 6-8 weeks.

What a load of garbage.

Looks like I am going to be making the part. Boo-urns.

Update: Looks like I can buy the aluminum tube on Mcmaster-Carr for 10-30 dollars depending on the wall thickness I need. Then I should be able to drill the hole and be done with it.

Dave Smith · 09-09-2008, 07:54 AM

If you get in a big jam, I might have one laying around here

Threemuch · 09-09-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Smith

If you get in a big jam, I might have one laying around here

Thanks Dave! I bet I can make the part easy. I should just be able to order some 6061 3/4" tubing x 3' for 10 bucks, and put the existing nylon end (or a new one) in it, and drill a hole and put the existing spring thing in it.

I think the slide is 7/8 outer tube, and 3/4 inner tube. I'm not 100% sure though, and I am out of town, so I can't measure it.

Cruddy thing is this is a really common problem, the part bends when people get out of the blind. So that's why they have the supports. I had the supports in the blind, and whoever borrowed it, clearly didn't know what they were for.

DukAddict · 09-09-2008, 10:07 AM

Threemuch, shoot me a PM and I will see what I can do.

Brett Neffendorf

TheJester357 · 09-09-2008, 02:00 PM

I had a buddy that had the same thing happen to his pro guide. He tool his down to Allen Marine in Salem, and the owner helped him find something that worked with slight modification. It'd be worth a shot before you spend the big dollars.

Bob

NeverGuess · 09-09-2008, 07:07 PM

Alaska Copper & Brass might have the right tubing??

Also, not to hijack, I found a way to cut the bottom rails and make the blind fold way down, but still extend like normal during use. Not a big deal for guys with huge rigs or trailers, but nice for storage or guys with smaller rigs.

NG

SwellRider · 09-09-2008, 07:30 PM

I've got the same problem with mine to ,must be a common thing!I'm going to try the boat top stuff like stated earlier,should work fine.

riversledder · 09-09-2008, 09:12 PM

Its usually the smaller tube that bends. Go get a section of 1/2 inch metal conduit. Drill out the small star crimps that hold the plastic end piece in. Remove it. Also remove the small spring loaded push button from the old section. Put these 2 products on the conduit piece after you cut it to length. It should work fine. You can make all new tubes with 1/2 and 3/4 conduit and a little adjusting and customizing. PM if you have questions. I have made and repaired several of these and they all work great.

Threemuch · 09-10-2008, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riversledder

Its usually the smaller tube that bends. Go get a section of 1/2 inch metal conduit. Drill out the small star crimps that hold the plastic end piece in. Remove it. Also remove the small spring loaded push button from the old section. Put these 2 products on the conduit piece after you cut it to length. It should work fine. You can make all new tubes with 1/2 and 3/4 conduit and a little adjusting and customizing. PM if you have questions. I have made and repaired several of these and they all work great.

Good call. The small tube bent right at the hole for the push button. Steel conduit will be heavier, but it isn't a portable blind anyway. And the end result will be way stronger. Will the nylon eye actually fit inside a 1/2" conduit?

riversledder · 09-10-2008, 01:08 PM

Yes with just a tad bit of sanding it will fit .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threemuch

Good call. The small tube bent right at the hole for the push button. Steel conduit will be heavier, but it isn't a portable blind anyway. And the end result will be way stronger. Will the nylon eye actually fit inside a 1/2" conduit?

Threemuch · 09-23-2008, 08:07 AM

FYI, I did this repair with the conduit, very nice, and much stronger than the aluminum. I think I will do the other side too. Thanks for the tip!

riversledder · 09-23-2008, 10:01 AM

Glad it worked and glad I could help.
Have a good season.