Any advice on how to remove the old part and how to use what look like to be 5 rivets to install new part would be appreciated. Underside of present top cover looks like the rivets have blobs of rubber or plastic over the ends.

 

if the old part was put together using plastic studs, you will need to drill the plastic out using the drill that the rivet size is so you can install the blind rivets and resecure the cover. you may need to purchase a rivet tool at ace hardware or home depot or walmart or lowes to install the blind rivets.

 

Hmm. So likely rivets were not used in the initial assembly and just plastic studs. Have to check out that tool also. Thanks.

 

mass production, plastic studs cheaper than manual tool with blind rivets or nuts and screws. sorry that is how any mass production is done. never thinking how the mechanic has to struggle at times to reassemble a cover.

 

Right you are. Honda Marine was kind enough to send me instructions on how to replace. Not easy but doable.