Solvent to remove old carpet adhesive

[chrismsnt]

So, I'm pulling out all my old carpet as my journey continues on! Does anyone know what solvent to use to remove the old carpet glue? I would like to get things as clean as possible prior to sound deadening and then new carpet install. Thanks!

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Chris
1989 T3 Vanagon 16" Syncro
1967 Squareback
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[dobryan]

I used a wire wheel to knock off the big chunks and then sound deader over the panel. No need to remove all the glue in my book.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD

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[DanHoug]

i'm sure someone will chime in with the right solvent but i'll offer that the only place i'd spend the time on to remove the glue is over the seat lid. i like a floppy, unbonded piece of carpet over that personally. the rest is going to be bonded with the sound deadening adhesive anyway so what does it matter? it sure ain't coming off! now if it sticks up enough to affect the bonding of the sound mat, that's another matter. i'd start with laquer thinner, then Goo Gone, maybe acetone, then maybe WD40. just throw whatever is on your shelves at it!
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-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[DuncanS]

Gasoline is the universal solvent for gooey adhesives. It will take a fair amount and need stiff wire brushes to work it to a removable consistency.

Duncan

[csebern]

[Howesight]

LePage's glue makes a solvent for removing or cleaning up after using their contact cement. It works great and is not as toxic-smelling as lacquer thinner, which is mostly made up of toluene and xylene, both of which get you high unless you use a VOC mask. Lacquer thinner does, however, do a great job of removing contact cement.

Although I am a petrol-head, I hate the smell of gasoline inside a vehicle.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[tjet]

MEK will take that right off

https://www.westmarine.com/sunnyside-corp.-methyl-...HzEALw_wcB

[ZsZ]

I would try acetone or white spirit, but these residues are usually really dry and solvents does not harm them.

A rubber eraser wheel on a corded drill or small polisher would be the fastest and safest way.
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008

[Bonesberg55]

Lacquer thinner but wear a respirator.

[caseyl]

Have you tried dry ice? It sometimes works very well.

[Ronzo_volvo_guy]

Forum;

Good solvent possibilities already mentioned ...here's another one: Paint stripper may also contain the volatiles necessary to reliquify or just loosen the glue remains enough to allow wiping them away without attacking the surface beneath...length of time in contact is an important factor...too long and it may start affecting coatings on the surface beneath. Effectiveness and Compatibility tests are always called for!

Cheers and Greetings of the Season to all!

[tencentlife]

Well, I would ask why would anyone would waste their time on something so useless, but I won't because I know from observing others that anal-retentiveness is a powerful drive no matter how ridiculous the things it makes its sufferers do.

That said, MEK or TCE. I mean, seriously, if you're gonna be fucking around, why fuck around?
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[74 Thing]

3M Adhesive Remover

[DuncanS]

All this stuff you guys are taking about costs way north of $10/gallon. Gas here is $3.45. The smell of gas quickly evaporates and is nowhere near as toxic as the stuff recommended.

Duncan

[MsTaboo]

I just did this job in preparation of new carpet. Used a razor (with the edges rounded a bit) held in a flat holder and scrapped the old cement off easily.
Then used acetone to remove the little bits of residue. Also touched up any chips and scratches with some color matched marine enamel I have leftover from another project. Came out nice and spiffy.

Only went to this much trouble after reading some comments about the sound deadener I plan to use. Complaints about the stuff not sticking very well. Plus I've a touch of OCD .

_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[Glenn]

[DuncanS]

https://www.google.com/search?q=3m+general+purpose...nt=gws-wiz

$30 per QUART. $120 a gallon vs, gas and 3% of that price.

Duncan

[MsTaboo]

[DanHoug]

MsTaboo is uh .... dead on. gasoline has a flash point of -45F and acetone 90F. think of flash point as the temp at which a match or spark over the liquid will ignite the vapor.

both vapors are heavier than air and will travel along the floor like a snake looking for your furnace flame.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[DuncanS]

"Or a little labor and 30 cents of acetone." 30 cents of acetone is less than ½ oz. How many square feet can you clean with ½ oz of acetone? I'm guessing a a couple of square inches depending on how much adhesive there is. I use acetone to clean off the adhesive on glass or plastic bottles I want to save and it takes repeated applications to get rid of it.

Gas indoors. Why would you do that unless it's a small butter dish to clean a part? Back the car out.

Duncan