Mrs A took a fancy to the sisal carpet look, so whilst the current carpets aren't in too bad a state, we've now got a set of Madmatz sisal carpets and matching kick panels. Before I start ripping the old carpets out, is there a recommended glue for fitting the new ones? The gluey mess around the edges of the carpet are one of the reasons for changing the current ones. Any advice on fitting the kick panels without resorting to violence? The old ones barely stay in place they are so bent and kinked, and I don't want to kink the new ones whilst fitting them. The screw that holds the kick panels in place, near the air vent, is there a way of hitting the threaded hole behind the panel, first time? I'm thinking a paper template, similar to a sewing cutting pattern? Bonus question, between the accelerator pedal and the kick panel is a small metal bracket welded to the floor, ca. two inches long, maybe one high, nothing connected to it. The old carpets have a neat cut out for it, the new ones not. What is/was this bracket for? Many thanks
My carpets are loose fit, not glued, don't know about others. The metal behind the throttle is a stop, at some point the throttle pedal would have had a corresponding bit to limit the pedal travel. No idea on kick panels, mine are ABS ? and fit with a little flexing...may have trimmed them to fit better but can't remember for certain...screw hole lines up ok ish.
I definitely wouldn't glue them just in case they get damp(not unheard of in a bay!) and you need to get them out to dry.
You might need to consider some way of trapping the edge nearest the door, so you cant scuff it out the door as you get in and out. My 65p Ikea loose carpets (random disposable door mats) are always trying to get out of the bus. Also a sisal type carpet with lots of holes will end up having a deep pile of dirt under it as it falls down the gaps. Basically why not put down some waterproof covering for when you have real camping trips, and keep the pretty mats for shows and showing off.
Thanks for the comments. A PO must have really loved glue, and carpets that didn't move. I had a horrible thought as I started pulling up one section, that maybe they were actually structural, glue probably cheaper than welding... Mrs A got the sisal bug from a very nice hotel we stayed in a couple of years ago in Alfriston. The owner/manager spent more time telling us what we couldn't do in the room, incase it damaged the carpets, than actually welcoming us, red wine was a definite no no. I'll have to do a little more cutting than I'd hoped, but maybe if I don't remove the glue residues from the old carpets, they'll help keep the new ones in place?
I don’t glue anything to metal even the stuff the factory did. I still remember removing the rubber mats that wrapped around the seat pedestals and bulkheads coming away in sandwiches of rubber, horse bones glue and rust scabs. I like to pull the whole interior out every so often to clean it out and check for water incursions. Someday, something somewhere will require some touching up or welding. I use laminate flooring that I can remove a section and replace if it gets damaged or tossed and replaced. Carpet would have to come out for a good hose down or stay home for wilderness camping. The interior gets pretty rough service during camping trips. I generally avoid undercoating or any kind of goo. Before applying anything I always consider how hard it would be to remove.
I use Flotex bathroom/office carpet essentially lino with stubble. Feels like carpet but is totally waterproof. Still gets muddy but you can vacuum it off. And those really cheap Ikea doormats in case something oily or filthy needs a ride.
or,,, nails. I’ve heard that four inch nails would be just the ticket. Wang one in every six inches or so then bang em up and over nice and tight underneath. This also helps to hold the rusty bits up as well. Ozziedog,,,,,,,,posh peeps have galvanised ones
