corlando52

iTrader: (1)

OK, so I have the whole rear hatch area re-done with cleaned-up panels and brand new carpet on most of the pieces (I dare anyone to tell me which are new and which is original!).
Anyway, the carpet is coming off the panels. I originally used 3M Heavy Duty spray adhesive, but that came up right away. Then I used Carpet tape, which is really sticky. This worked for about 2 days, and now it's starting to come away from the carpet.
What should I use to keep that carpet in place?
Thanks!
Chris

picasso_88

Wow that looks really nice. Have you tried actual upholstery spray adhesive? I dont think the 3M Heavy Duty stuff is strong enough for something like the weight of carpet.

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. The 3M stuff was supposd to be for Upholstery. I think I'm giving up on the spray stuff. When I pulled the original carpet off, the adhesive was a thin line. I'm thinking something like contact cement that hardens, but I'm not sure. Anything sticky comes up when it's too hot outside.

Chris

j3rry92

would double sided bonding tape work?

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

I don't think so. The carpet tape is the stickiest thing I've ever seen, and it's coming away from the carpet...sticks great to the plastic! I'm wondering what GM used.

Chris

j3rry92

yeah i have the same carpeting on my trunk panels as well.. i know what you mean.. mine is peeling back in a few spots but nothing major.. im just going to leave it be right now..

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I can just press the carpet and it goes right back into place, but it's annoying because it looks so good when it's all down, you know? I need to find out what the original glue was.

Chris

j3rry92

yeah mine will stick for like 5 or 10 minutes.. then it peels right back.. yeah if you have any luck with finding out what the adhesive is be sure to let me know..

KnottyBuoyz

iTrader: (2)

The only thing I've found that actually works is epoxy. I've done this on carpeted boat panels over fiberglass. I think it should work on plastic as well. You'll have to prep the area scuffing it up somewhat to allow the epoxy to get a good mechanical grip then wipe it all down with acetone. A thicker epoxy would probably work better. Not too much though you don't want it soaking through the carpet.

I've got an old panel in the shed I might give it a try on the weekend.

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

The only concern I have about a permanent solution like Epoxy is, what happens if you need to change the carpet again...? The OEM didn't come up, but I was able to take the carpet off with a little muscle. Then, the glue, which was a fine line of what felt like rubber, peeled off the plastic. I'm thinking they used a rubber contact cement.

Chris

Thirdgen Ranch

iTrader: (5)

What kind of carpet did you use? What kind of backing does it have?

KnottyBuoyz

iTrader: (2)

You're right Chris. The epoxy is more of a permanent fix. I suppose you could try silicone.

1ADan

iTrader: (4)

While the spray stuff should work, it will not stick if there is any residue on the panels or carpet. I had really good luck using the 3M super-77 recently, but you do need to let it get tacky on both pieces before putting them together.

Also, any chance you tried to mold the carpet's shape a bit? It may help to *carefullly* use a heat gun or hair dryer to try and shape the backing to follow the contours of the panels a bit. A flat piece of carpet is going to try and straighten itself out, so it will do its best not to conform to the curves of the plastics in our cars.

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

That's a good point about the molding of the carpet. Prior to gluing, I put each piece on the panel, and held it in place with clamps for about 2 weeks or so. That molded the piece to it.
The carpet I have came from Hawks, and has a thin, rubber type backing to it.
When I used the 3m spray, I did spray both sides, waited and then put them together. It worked until we started getting the 90+ degree weather here. They it started to come away, first from the edges. So I used carpet tape, which is really really sticky. It held for a little while, but again, the heat is making the adhesive melt. I can push the carpet back into place and it stays, but after awhile it comes right up.

Chris

j3rry92

thats the same problem im having.. i live in orlando florida.. and the summers are entirely too hot for these cars.. the heat really takes a toll on them. i try to keep my car covered as much as possible.

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I keep my covered all the time, unless I'm working on it. What the heck did GM use?

Chris

Curtisyz54

iTrader: (5)

where did you get the replacement carpet?

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

Hawksthirdgenparts.com
I got the whole interior carpet, front and rear, and an extra 2 yards of carpet for the cargo lid, and all the panels.

Chris

tenholewheels

i used clear silicone caulk and the walmart 8.00 a roll grey carpet
but i let it relax on the panels for a week.

the silicone really holds well but its not too rough to remove if you goof.

so far so good.

corlando52

iTrader: (1)

Good to know. Thanks!

Chris