The old Spinlock XA clutches had an unidentified black sealant visible around one of the bases and I was a bit leery about how well bonded the clutches might be to the cabin top. After removing the through bolts I was pleasantly surpirsed when, after a firm sideways knock, each clutch popped right off.

Most of the sealant was a sticky white substance that gave up without much of a fight and, as the opportunity arises to update or repair items on the Bird, is turning out to be the goop of choice by the previous owner for installing deck hardware. I did notice that no precautions were taken to protect the balsa core of the cabin top. The PO just drilled the holes and installed the clutches with the sealant. Luckily, there was not water damage to the core that I could see or feel. I suspect I will be re-bedding all of the deck hardware over the summer as a precaution.