Resto Started - How do you clean this mess?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 30, 2003 | 07:48 AM

78Vette-SA

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 7,032

Likes: 2

From: Newburgh NY

Resto Started - How do you clean this mess?

I posted this over in the C2 section but figured you guys may also have some great ideas. Doesn't matter what gen.

----------
Started ripping my 63 apart today. I've been planning it for several months but today is the day.

Tore out most of the interior except dash and door panels this evening. It was the original carpet. Dry as a bone under there, but also so dry it was all falling apart. After vacuuming, is there any quick way other than scraping to get this old glue and padding off? How about 3m weatherstrip adhesive remover?

Thanks

Nov 30, 2003 | 01:48 PM

Spook

Racer

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 486

Likes: 0

From: Point Pleasant NJ

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (78Vette-SA)

I reckon the best way is probably scraping very cautiously. I dont think that the adhesive remover is gonna help you nor do you want to go too crazy with it at first if you try it. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Nov 30, 2003 | 01:56 PM

Smokehouse69

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 9,662

Likes: 7

From: Semper ubi, sub ubi

Cruise-In VI Veteran

Cruise-In VII Veteran

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (78Vette-SA)

Joe, I'd start with a plastic scraper, something like windshield scraper and a shopvac. The 63 is too valuable a piece of property to get too agressive in trying to remove the old rotted carpet and glue. I wouldn't use any chemical much stronger than mineral spirits. This isn't based on anything I know for a fact, but I think strong chemicals might dry out surface of the fiberglass and make it prone to cracking.

Nov 30, 2003 | 01:57 PM

LemansBlue68

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 2,131

Likes: 4

From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (78Vette-SA)

You might try lacquer thinner or acetone. They're like the universal sovents for the garage. You might also see if the glue will soften by directing a heat gun at it and using a plastic scraper (metal might scratch the factory fiberglass-although you'll probably be covering everything back up with new carpet).

Nov 30, 2003 | 04:44 PM

Twin_Turbo

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 16,945

Likes: 9

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (LemansBlue68)

been there, done that. Carpet glue remover is the trick there. You want the stuff that neutralizes with water and you need a LOT. Put it on thick and wait a bit. Then scrape it off and then a scotch pad. Finally neutralize with water and wipe off with acetone.

Started with:

Ended with:

Nov 30, 2003 | 11:05 PM

78Vette-SA

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 7,032

Likes: 2

From: Newburgh NY

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (Twin_Turbo)

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Looks like three basic choices.

1. Scraper and maybe some mineral spirits
2. Scraper and a heat gun
3. Carpet Glue remover

I think I'll try them in this order and see ho the results progress.

TT - look sgreat

:smash:

Dec 1, 2003 | 01:06 AM

Desertdawg

Race Director

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 16,483

Likes: 1

From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.

St. Jude Donor '09

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (LemansBlue68)

Quote:

You might try lacquer thinner or acetone. see if the glue will soften by directing a heat gun at it .

Ummm, Be careful with the heat and the flammable stuff....... :mad

Dec 1, 2003 | 07:42 AM

vettfixr

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 9,206

Likes: 17

From: Sewell NJ

Re: Resto Started - How do you clean this mess? (78Vette-SA)

One other thing you might try is a die grinder with scotchbrite cookies. They are used for cleaning manifold surfaces withut damaging the metal. I've used them to clean up a number of items and they are much less aggressive than sandpaper but do a good job of cleaning up messes. Good luck.