Doug, A few years ago I opened a new access slot and closed the original one. The aluminum is quite soft and flexible. To open the slot take a large screwdriver, twisting it and open the slot slowly by moving the screwdriver along the area you want to open. To close the slot tap lightly with a hammer, closing it a little at a time. It's really not difficult and I don't think the aluminum is tempered. Rick M15 #337 Bluebird Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:26:37 -0800 (PST) From: Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> Subject: M_Boats: Opening mast sailtrack? To: Montgomery <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Message-ID: <762659.32777.qm@web58701.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 I need to open the sail track on my mast.? It need to be wide enough to accept the goose neck fitting and no opening other than the sail track is there right now. Any suggestions on how to do this? Brute force - heavy hammer and a splitting wedge? Thanks Doug Kelch