My current challenge, hoping to get advice. Problem Solved!

[Rams]

My current challenge involves my Valkyrie/CA Sidecar project.

Both are currently at the paint shop, the painter and myself have agreed on my vision of how I want the sidecar to matchup with the Valkyrie in both design and colors.   (Hopefully that will work out.)

But, I got a call yesterday about the carpet inside the sidecar.   Seems it's glued very securely to the sidecar at the bottom and on the sides.   The painter said it's going to be impossible to get that sidecar tub off of the sidecar subframe without removing the carpet and the problem is, the carpet is going to rip trying to get it out.  Told him to do what he needs to do but, that now presents me with a challenge.  It means, I'll be replacing that old carpet.   Have asked the painter to hold onto the old carpet so, I'll at least have some kind of pattern to go off of.

The sidecar is not just a flat floor, that carpet does cover the floor and goes up the sides of the sidecar.  It's one thing to put carpet on a semi-flat floor but, covering up the contours and shapes inside the sidecar is a task I've never even considered before.  

Suggestions on how this should be done would be greatly appreciated.

Rams

[Serk]

I have zero personal experience but....

Maybe reach out to a local upholstery shop and see if they can tackle the job and/or have any suggestions?

Does it need to be carpet? Maybe try to find the rubber material they make floor mats out of and cut it to size?

Not very helpful but.... that's me!

[Rams]

I have zero personal experience but....

Maybe reach out to a local upholstery shop and see if they can tackle the job and/or have any suggestions?

Does it need to be carpet? Maybe try to find the rubber material they make floor mats out of and cut it to size?

Not very helpful but.... that's me!

Appreciate the suggestion.

Actually, I was hoping you'd be the first person over 5 foot 15 inches to hop in and take a ride in the sidecar. 

Rams

[Jersey mike]

That’s a great question and the only thing I could come up with is to find any info available on custom auto upholstery. Whether online (forums/videos guides) or from some antique auto upholstery shops in or around your area.

There just may be some links for sidecar restorations out there too. I would have to guess it would be a two man job, especially for a novice, couldn’t tell you for sure though.

I’ve done 3 trunks in my life and each was a challenge. Up and over different forms in the trunk floor and up the sides was never simple or easy. Doing it in a warm garage or a real nice day is definitely a plus.

I can tell you Permatex makes a good fabric spraay adhesive that sticks pretty darn well, but as for how to get good clean fit and finish and no lumps and bumps that’s a job for someone with real talent.

[Jess from VA]

I bet the screws/bolts holding the sidecar to the frame are covered by the existing carpet.  Unless you never plan to remove the tub again, I'd be thinking of a way to NOT cover the screws/bolts again when the new stuff goes in. 

If it's not too ripped up, the carpet that comes out would indeed be an excellent pattern for replacing with new (carpet or other materials).   If you want the project for yourself.

Otherwise, I'd be calling upholstery shops (or maybe even auto bump shops) to see if they will do it for you (or recommend who can).  And pay the piper.

I once put lime green shag carpet in my old 1967 Dodge van (it had been a Sears service van before it was retired to a liquidation lot where I got it).  Floor, up the walls a little (to wood paneling), and covering the engine compartment between the front seats.  I had help, and it didn't look too bad, but it definitely was not professional (more like Harry Homeowner  )  I was in high school and had no money to pay it done.   

[Rams]

Appreciate the suggestions.

I've also recovered auto floors and trunks, did a RV camper once, none ended up looking like a professional did the job.   Would like to look good when finished.   Thanks for the responses.

Edited: It just occurred to me that I could have told the painter to just cut slots where the bolts are located through the carpet to reach them thusly not having to rip the entire carpet out.   Unfortunately, it's a tad too late now.   Seems like I'm always a day late and a dollar short.   

Rams

[mbramley]

  I talked to a friend of mine that used to do carpet. A couple of points from him:
1) A little heat from a hair dryer or heat gun tohelp form it but to be carefull becouse you can burn the        
 carpet.

2) If you want to be able to remove the carpet in the future use carpet glue and it will release if needed or use contact cement following instructions for both of course. I used contact cement in my trailer for behind my bike and also my boat carpet. It will release with some heat.

3)He suggests doing the bottom first, then add the glue to the sides , doing the sides after tacky

[LadyDraco]

Can you chat to the Hack company? And see what they do..Or use..

Why can't the painter simply locate where the tub mounts, make a small incision at each bolt, and avoid removing the carpet?

It might take some time,  but removing all the carpet will take longer and  make a  huge  mess..

I know that what we did on our old J10 jeep...Instead of pulling  the carpet..
But what do I know

[Rams]

 I talked to a friend of mine that used to do carpet. A couple of points from him:
1) A little heat from a hair dryer or heat gun tohelp form it but to be carefull becouse you can burn the        
 carpet.

2) If you want to be able to remove the carpet in the future use carpet glue and it will release if needed or use contact cement following instructions for both of course. I used contact cement in my trailer for behind my bike and also my boat carpet. It will release with some heat.

3)He suggests doing the bottom first, then add the glue to the sides , doing the sides after tacky

Thanks, appreciate the response.   

Can you chat to the Hack company? And see what they do..Or use..

Why can't the painter simply locate where the tub mounts, make a small incision at each bolt, and avoid removing the carpet?

It might take some time,  but removing all the carpet will take longer and  make a  huge  mess..

I know that what we did on our old J10 jeep...Instead of pulling  the carpet..
But what do I know

Unfortunately, if's a bit too late for the small incisions.   Thought about that myself, just not soon enough.  Thanks for the response.  I'm at the point where the whole carpet will need to be recut, shaped and installed.    Live and learn.

Rams

[t-man403]

I’m not really sure of what the inside of a sidecar looks like. Having said that, if it’s like what I picture in my head, I would glue the carpet to the sides first and then I would make a false floor out of a of plywood, carpet it, and set it in so that I can lift it out to get at anything that would require maintenance.

[Rams]

I’m not really sure of what the inside of a sidecar looks like. Having said that, if it’s like what I picture in my head, I would glue the carpet to the sides first and then I would make a false floor out of a of plywood, carpet it, and set it in so that I can lift it out to get at anything that would require maintenance.

Thanks, I appreciate the response.  

I just returned from the paint shop.   Going by the description I got on the phone, I was sure that carpet was going to be shredded and putting carpet back into the tub was going to be very difficult.  Armed with the different ideas presented here, I went to the shop and intended to retrieve that carpet so that I would have a pattern for future installation.

What I didn't know was, the owner/father of the painter that had called me got involved and he made a cut on three sides of the area that needed to be exposed, folded the carpet back and exposed the covered bolt heads.   The father/owner told me what his son intended to do so, that's why he got involved.   So, it does appear I don't have the problem I thought I did.  The cut and rolled back carpet is only on the flat part of the floor and the sides were left intact.   A great relief to me.  Needless to say but, I'm very glad "Dad" got involved.

Thanks to all who responded and offered suggestions.  

Rams    

[Serk]

Thanks to all who responded and offered suggestions.  

Yay! Does that mean I might get that ride at next Inzane maybe?

...wonder if I could reach the bike controls from the hack...

[Jersey mike]

It sounds like there will now be a seam where there wasnt one previously. Depending on foot placement of getting in, out the sliding of and any repositioning of the passenger’s feet while riding may cause that seam to peel or roll. You may want to keep your eye out for some type of foot mat or just a rug that matches over the top of that area.

[Rams]

Thanks to all who responded and offered suggestions.  

Yay! Does that mean I might get that ride at next Inzane maybe?

...wonder if I could reach the bike controls from the hack...

Sir, if you can actually get your 5 foot 19 inch frame in it (this assumes that's the Valkyrie I bring/ride) then, I'll be very happy to give you that ride.  Very likely to be that bike but, the trike with tag-a-long trailer is also an option.   We might even try (will be my first attempt) to fly that sidecar with a live load in it.  

 

It sounds like there will now be a seam where there wasnt one previously. Depending on foot placement of getting in, out the sliding of and any repositioning of the passenger’s feet while riding may cause that seam to peel or roll. You may want to keep your eye out for some type of foot mat or just a rug that matches over the top of that area.

Well, will have to see how it turns out.   Was thinking that I won't just glue it back down but also stitch the carpet to keep it from doing as you suggest.   But, will know soon enough.   Thanks for the response and suggestion.

Rams  

[Serk]

Heh, if I manage to squeeze my carcass in that box, that 5'19" of length comes with a pretty substantial amount of heft as well, which should act as a pretty good anchor...

(Please note - that was NOT a challenge!)

[Hook#3287]

" Needless to say but, I'm very glad "Dad" got involved."

Aww, experience wins again

[Rams]

Heh, if I manage to squeeze my carcass in that box, that 5'19" of length comes with a pretty substantial amount of heft as well, which should act as a pretty good anchor...

(Please note - that was NOT a challenge!)

Gotcha!!    Getting you crammed into the capsule shouldn't be a problem (I think).  Getting you out might be a challenge.   This based on other volunteer experiences.

" Needless to say but, I'm very glad "Dad" got involved."

Aww, experience wins again

Absolutely!   No doubt about that.   The painter (son) left me with images of a shredded piece of carpet ripped and torn beyond any possible reuse.   I was never informed that Dad got involved until I actually went to evaluate the damage.

Rams