removing old carpet glue

[fimbulvetr]

I have recently bought a 1950's 14' aluminum hulled Peterborough speedboat, complete with a mid-50's Johnson and trailer. The original floor is long gone, having been replaced with a piece of (now rotten) plywood that was only vaguely cut to the correct shape. The sides in the hull and the rear aluminum bench are covered in old marine carpet cement and some scraps of carpet. What is the best or easiest way of removing the carpet cement? IT is hard as rock, and stuck pretty tight. I have no intention of putting carpet back into the boat so I would like to clean up the sides really well.

I'm thinking of replacing the floor with cedar or composite/plastic wood decking. As I don't have a template to work from, it will be some guess work getting it the right shape.

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: removing old carpet glue

I just dealt with issue on my floor. The best way to remove it is to use an angle grinder or some 40 grit. I used the angle grinder, but I am reglassing the floor.

However, in your case since you are not recovering, this may really mar your aluminum sides.

The only other route you could go is the solvent route. I'm not sure what would cut that old glue and solvents are pretty expensive to use trial and error. Try googling an MSDS for the substances in carpet glue and that may give you some idea as to what would cut those adhesives.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: removing old carpet glue

my problem with solvents, is there reaction to the metal in the bilge, it's going to run down, and is it going to be flamable. is it going to break down the foam, if there is any there.

 

[fimbulvetr]

Re: removing old carpet glue

No foam to worry about. But the cost of trial and error and potential chemical reactions with an unknown cement are a concern.

 

[sdunt]

Re: removing old carpet glue

Heat? Heat gun or propane torch?

There really are only 3 options:
Mechanical and muscle - Sand paper - scraper - grinder
Solvents
Heat - Heat gun, torch, etc

 

[mckevin]

Re: removing old carpet glue

If they used a latex based adhesive (most replacements do), what you need is a product called Detach, made by Parabond. Totally non flammable, mix 4-1 with water. If kept wet for a couple of hours it will virtually liquify latex adhesives.
Downside, hold on to your wallet!

Tech Data Sheet at http://www.parabond.com/techdetail.php?prodRef=detach
MSDS http://www.parabond.com/MSDSdetail_new.php?prodRef=detach

 

[Bondo]

Re: removing old carpet glue

An Angle Grinder with a SSteel cup Brush is what the Pro's use.......

With abit of Finesse,..... There'll be No Damage to the base metal......

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: removing old carpet glue

Bondo beat me to it (again!!!). Wire brush it off. If you're really interested in the appearance of the aluminum afterwards lightly sand in straight lines with 100 or 120 grit paper to remove the swirl marks the brush may leave.

 

[fimbulvetr]

Re: removing old carpet glue

Thanks. I'll try the wire brush. Worst case scenario, hopefully paint will cover it up.