Lining

[howie]

Noticed a small stain in the one corner of the cab roof lining earlier today (Fiat van conversion). Checking in the overcab cupboard I found that part of the carpet lining has come away from the inner steel roof resulting in condensation which has been running off into the corner, which explains the stain.

Getting the carpeting to stick back on might prove difficult, and what I need is a adhesive thats up to the job. Only thing that I can think of at moment is the industrial spray on glue used by carpet fitters which I can hopefuly buy from from a local carpet store.

Anyone come across and solved this problem before, and is there a adhesive other than the one i.ve mentioned that might prove more effective. Thanks.

 

 

[Guest Tracker]

I've used either carpet type spray glue or Evo Stick time bond type adhesives in the past and both work OK.

 

Spray glue is good for the bits you can't get your hand into but time bond is easier to apply without the risk of overspray.

 

If you thoroughly clean both surfaces with a non greasy spirit like cellulose thinners it will help as will both surfaces being warm and dry when contact is made.

 

Do be very careful not to get glue on any surfaces that will show because it will stain brown over time and can look quite unsightly even though you will not be able to see any marks at all to start with when it first sets.

[howie]

Thanks Richard and good to speak to you again. Did have a quick look first thing this morning and one or two problems will have to be addressed first. Access will be difficult as the door to the overcab area is on the small side so getting into the far corner will be a problem. Another thing will be the fumes given off by the adhesive itself. It means trying to squeeze myself into a small confined space with no ventilation while I apply the glue and get the carpet back in place. I have face masks here but i,m looking at the possibility of removing the actual cab headlining first to make the preparation and application easier.

Not much I can do over the holiday period so ive left the door off with plenty of towelling to catch the condensation, which in this weather is quite considerable. That spray glue you mentioned should do the job. I,m not sure if it takes straight on contact but it looks as if the remaining carpet liner will have to be removed and reglued and adequate room will be needed if i,m to do the job properly.

[davenewellhome]

Hi Howie, one problem with applying carpet directly to the metal skin is that the carpet will allow airborne moisture to penetrate through and condense on the metal. The carpet then becomes damp with this moisture which gradually soaks it and runs down to the lowest point it can settle to. In your case this will be the roof gutter section. Standing moisture can then gradually rust away at the joint. The old Bedford CF panel vans that were converted and the inside of the skin coated with carpet used to rot out the bottom of the side panels because of exactly this.

 

I don't know what would be the best course of action to prevent this happening in your 'van, especially as you say access is difficult.

 

D.

[Guest Tracker]

The spray glue is very much a one chance contact glue - unless you apply a lot and make contact before it dries - in which case you may need to hold it in place for a while whilst it sets.

 

Time Bond does in theory enable you to jiggle things about a bit before final fixing, but again in a confined space it can be a bit hit and miss.

 

Get it wrong and you may have to rip it apart, although that is not as bad as it sounds and the application of plenty of it might give you enough time to move the carpet after contact as long as you can hold it in place whilst it sets.

 

I do not recommend the use of a hair dryer or similar whilst glueing as there is both a risk of fumes and a potential fire risk in a confined space.

 

Better to wait for a sunny day that will warm the outer skin from the outside.

[howie]

Hi Dave. I,ve never had a problem with condensation before in this area and I presume that is why carpeting against the bare metal is fitted. I take your point re. airborne moisture and the danger of rust setting in, but on this occasion i,m afraid it looks like a job sloppily done when converted, and i,m sure once the carpeting is replaced the problem will be solved.

 

 

 

[howie]

A warm and sunny day Richard ?

[Guest Tracker]

howie - 2007-12-24 11:58 AM

 

A warm and sunny day Richard ?

 

In Pembrokeshire YES Howie - even in winter!

 

But not today!

 

Happy Christmas and every good wish for 2008 Howie.

[howie]

Thank you Richard, and my best wishes to you and Dot as well.

[pagey]

howie merry xmas be careful what adhesive you use,when i did my van con i used carpet spray which is useless it cant cope with the temp of the steel roof in summer and the lining falls off, i reglued with a spray with a high temp resistance. suggest you talk to either magnum or o leary

[howie]

Hi, and just an update on the lining problem. To difficult for me to get at so i,ve booked it into the local bodyshop next monday. Dissappointed about this but all the lining will have to come off and be reglued. Quoted £70 which is reasonable I suppose, and at least its something less to worry about. Thanks.

[davenewellhome]

£70 isn't too bad Howie, my mates just been quoted £70 plus VAT plus parts to replace a blown headlamp bulb in his Smart car 8-) apparently the wing has to be removed to gain access. He did it himself for three quid :-D .

 

D.