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Mon Sep 05, 2016 6:15 pm

Has anyone discovered a way to remove that ugly brown carpet glue on the inner front firewall, and on the rear package shelf area? Did a quick search on the forum, didn't find anything that popped out ... An angle grinder and flap disc come to mind ...or is there a chemical method? Anyone tried oven cleaner, for example? Or ....just repaint over it??? From the various pics in the gallery, looks like people just leave it. But its SOOO ugly .....

Mon Sep 05, 2016 6:44 pm

Maybe?:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-128-oz-Adhesive-Remover-GKAS94325/100271088
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4309843

Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:14 pm

Thanks ....but Home Depot Canada doesn't carry the Klean Strip brand, and Lowes only carries their paint thinner, but not the other products. No luck at Canadian Tire (the 'everything' hardware store up here) either. We are a California copycat on some of this stuff since a few years ago ...... I'll try some Goo Gone, but that might be an expensive solution as you can only buy it by the 236ml bottle, which costs $7. I see they sell a slightly larger spray version 355ml for $6 ....but likely just watered down a bit. I'll give it a shot though ....good stuff, I've used it before on different projects, but never for carpet glue.

Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:37 pm

You cannot really paint over it, the paint crackles and fails. You might try a white rubber wheel on a drill motor. I've seen it used on aircraft interiors to remove adhesive without damaging the finish underneath.

Tue Sep 06, 2016 1:32 am

The best way I found was to use Acetone on a old t-shirt and srub...it's a real pain but managed to remove all the glue in three days and few beers :D

Tue Sep 06, 2016 12:40 pm

GOOF OFF great product.

Tue Sep 06, 2016 1:45 pm

Goof Off .....wow, $38 a gallon here at Home Depot Canada. I'll see if they sell it in a smaller amount to give it a try.

Tue Sep 06, 2016 3:58 pm

What about gasket remover. I used it one time on a custom trailer to get rid of permanent marker. Wouldn't let him t sit tok long though

Tue Sep 06, 2016 4:11 pm

Try gasoline. It's a great solvent...much more powerful than Goof Off, Acetone or Goo Gone. Just be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and FAR AWAY FROM ANY POSSIBLE IGNITION SOURCE.

BTW...it's also excellent for removing that white mold-release crap from new weatherstripping.

Tue Sep 06, 2016 4:19 pm

Digger89L wrote: Goof Off .....wow, $38 a gallon here at Home Depot Canada. I'll see if they sell it in a smaller amount to give it a try.

I would buy the small container and try it out first, before buying the large size.

A lot of glues get soft when heated, which can make them harder to remove, not easier. So an abrasive pad may have to be alternated with a cooling down time (or ice bath), in order to be successful

Sun Sep 11, 2016 7:15 pm

PROGRESS REPORT.

Had some time this weekend, so I conducted the experiments:

Goo Gone: nothing
Spray Nine: nothing
Gasoline (regular, unleaded): nothing
Acetone: nothing
Solvent: nothing
Methyl Hydrate (gas line anti-freeze): nothing
Windex: nothing (it was handy)

Method: apply ample amount to glue patch. Let sit for 5 mins. Rub vigorously.

None of these chemicals softened or removed the carpet glue. HOWEVER, I discovered after my experiments that the patch where I applied the Acetone was VERY easy to scrape off with a 1 inch metal putty knife. It was very dry (acetone evaporates) and scraped off leaving nothing but dust.

So ...I think I found my solution: Acetone. But, it will be difficult to use on vertical surfaces, so I'll need to see just how much exposure a patch will need before it can be scraped. I think this may be 'cleaner' solution than something that just softens the glue into goo ...which creates its own cleanup mess. This way, cleanup is by vacuum cleaner. By the way, use most, if not all of these chemicals in a well-ventilated area ...preferably outside (and apparently not in California). I only had my garage door open, and wasn't working outside. I have a three-bottles-of-cheap-wine headache right now.

Sun Sep 11, 2016 9:43 pm

i removed some glued rubber mats it with a heat gun..

worked fine.. maybe it works on carpet glue, too.

Sun Sep 11, 2016 9:45 pm

For the vertical areas you could try sticking a paper towel or rag to it thats been soaked in acetone. Just an idea, not sure how it will work! I used a pressure washer to get my glue off, worked pretty good if you don't mind getting wet

Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:22 pm

Just remember to ventilate well, and use a mask when scraping.

Mon Sep 12, 2016 6:32 am

How far is your car torn down? Are you going to prime/re-paint?

If so, put some 60 grit sand paper on and go to town, use a wire wheel in the grooves

Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:11 pm

Acrysol is what upholstery shops use. Works amazing. Not sure where to find it though other than a Keystone distributor.

Tue Sep 13, 2016 2:21 pm

I used paint stripper, a wire wheel, paint scraper, a face shield and heavy duty gloves. Harbor Freight has good deals on wire wheels, the kind that attach to your angle grinder are best. Probably ought to use ear protection too. I found that wearing a sweatshirt was good too, sometimes the wire wheel sends shrapnel and it doesn't feel all that great when it lodges into your skin, same for the paint stripper.

Tue Sep 13, 2016 3:41 pm

I use klean strip premium stripper in a spray can. Its the best for everything, but you cant get it. Its basically a varnish remover so its super strong and thats what that glue is at this point. basically varnish. Try this stuff. https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.ez-strip-paint-and-varnish-remover-946-ml-jug.1000802249.html

Tue Sep 13, 2016 3:48 pm

How about denatured alcohol. It will take of head liner adhesive from backing board.

Tue Sep 13, 2016 7:03 pm

"klean strip premium stripper in a spray can".

Hey ...finally something I can get in Canada!!! I think I'll give this stuff a shot. ... a little less volative than acetone!!

Thanks!