I'm starting to run out of things to do before lift and mate, this time permanently. Before I left I was able to get something simple done, though it took some time.
The manual calls for one long length of carpet all the way across the cockpit, and is one of the greatest areas of variation/personalization in everyone's aircraft. I decided to leave the center of the hull uncovered so water would not be trapped, and extended the front a bit. DAP Weldwood indoor/outdoor carpet glue was used, causing a flashback to 8th grade when I built a simple wooden kayak in shop class using Weldwood glue.
First, a piece of 2mil plastic sheeting was cut, trial fitted and used as a template.
After cutting the carpet was trial fitted....
and used to cut the opposite side. I did this early to make sure I did not cut 2 right sides.
The glue is much thicker than I anticipated, almost a heavy peanut butter consistency and I probably used more than I needed.
Starting at the inside of the chine, I worked my way upward. Lacquer thinner works fine to remove glue from the carpet if you press too hard and it soaks through. Only had to use that trick once (or twice. Ok, maybe three times.)
Yes, I was wondering where I put my shop glasses. :-)
Did I mention I'm a big fan of disposable gloves? I had visions of smearing a big gob of glue into the middle of the carpet by accident.
I want to thank Lowes for the generous donation of paint stirrers, used to clamp the top edge of the carpet until it dried. After working my way up I then worked my way inward.
When it came time to do the other side I lined the inside of the stringer with blue tape to keep the glue from attaching to the hull, and avoided a messy cleanup.
A good day's work.
The morning after. I had to catch an early flight to work so trimming the excess will have to wait until I get home.
For a laugh, go back over the photos and watch the progression from day to night. I think I started around noon and finished around 0200. It's not work if you're into the project.
The manual calls for one long length of carpet all the way across the cockpit, and is one of the greatest areas of variation/personalization in everyone's aircraft. I decided to leave the center of the hull uncovered so water would not be trapped, and extended the front a bit. DAP Weldwood indoor/outdoor carpet glue was used, causing a flashback to 8th grade when I built a simple wooden kayak in shop class using Weldwood glue.
First, a piece of 2mil plastic sheeting was cut, trial fitted and used as a template.
After cutting the carpet was trial fitted....
and used to cut the opposite side. I did this early to make sure I did not cut 2 right sides.
The glue is much thicker than I anticipated, almost a heavy peanut butter consistency and I probably used more than I needed.
Starting at the inside of the chine, I worked my way upward. Lacquer thinner works fine to remove glue from the carpet if you press too hard and it soaks through. Only had to use that trick once (or twice. Ok, maybe three times.)
Yes, I was wondering where I put my shop glasses. :-)
Did I mention I'm a big fan of disposable gloves? I had visions of smearing a big gob of glue into the middle of the carpet by accident.
I want to thank Lowes for the generous donation of paint stirrers, used to clamp the top edge of the carpet until it dried. After working my way up I then worked my way inward.
When it came time to do the other side I lined the inside of the stringer with blue tape to keep the glue from attaching to the hull, and avoided a messy cleanup.
A good day's work.
The morning after. I had to catch an early flight to work so trimming the excess will have to wait until I get home.
For a laugh, go back over the photos and watch the progression from day to night. I think I started around noon and finished around 0200. It's not work if you're into the project.
