Any words of wisdom?!?!

midwesttransplant · Post by **midwesttransplant** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:24 am

I am beginning the task of recarpeting my Tracker. I have ordered the carpet, adhesive, riveter, and marine grade plywood to replace some soft spots. Any words of wisdom from anyone who has done this before???

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:27 am

Measure carefully several times and only cut once..

mac

Todd Dunlap · Post by **Todd Dunlap** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:07 pm

Use 3m spray adhesive for corners of the lids(wraping over)

duaneg4 · Post by **duaneg4** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:29 pm

I have recarpeted two boats. I would suggest using cardboard or some heavy grade paper to make a pattern of the areas you need to carpet. Use the patterns to make your cuts.

If you haven't already taken off the old adhesive, be careful of what type of adhesive remover you use. Too much or too "strong" of a solution will erode your paint, glass, or carpet. It can leave blemishes on aluminum also.

I found that placing a weighted board on the carpeted area while it dried helped keep it flat without bumps or ripples.

midwesttransplant · Post by **midwesttransplant** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:53 pm

Is acetone ok???

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 3:42 pm

Let me give you some input that may help

1. Save the old carpet and use as a template. (if the carpet tears â€“ use duck tape to put together)
2. Place the new cut carpet down before gluing to check fit. Look for section to work on â€“ like where the lids line up. This could be a semi - just in case you make a mistake.
3. Glue both the surfers (the back side of carpet and the wood).
4. Let the glue (contact cement) dry a bit before laying in place.
5. I would use both bulk and spray contact cement.
6. I would not waste time removing the old glue â€“ once the new glue is lay down both will bond together.
7. You might want to tape off the areas next to the carpet â€“ it makes cleaning up a lot easier.
8. Think about putting a rubber pad down then the carpet up front on the deck â€“ to make it soft to stand on all day â€“ just like the Ranger boats. When I do my boat this is what Iâ€™m going to do.

Good luck

big_limits · Post by **big_limits** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:59 pm

Probably the most helpful is to save the old carpet as a template. this will save u much headache. The glue must get plenty of air and set before u put the carpet down. I'd make sure i was in an environment 70 degrees or better. Ur gonna need to resin the new wood before puting it down too. Make sure you seal any drilling you do as well.