Thread: Updating and Upgrading My Skeeter F-80 Strada

Got right back on the Skeeter this morning after a trip to Home Depot for some Adhesive Remover #747.



I pulled the Aft Hatches, there was a plastic TrimLoc piece on the bottom of both hatches. The TrimLoc inserts have rusted and swollen the plastic outer body to the point I'm going to radius the bottoms of the hatches and just wrap the lip with carpet like they do boats today.



Removing the Hardware was first.



I used the Sawsall / Scraper to remove the carpet. On the edges I had to create a starting point with the Mini Wonder Bar before going full bore with the Sawsall.



The wood block and clamp really held the hatch lids well. When using a Sawsall for this and to prevent the scraper from digging in be sure and use the tool with the bevel up.



I spread a tarp down on the shop floor before unfolding & unrolling the replacement carpet upside down to layout the pattern pieces. Maintaining the direction of the carpet grain so all the pieces will have the grain running in the same direction is very important. With this layout I will have enough carpet remaining to do the Aft Compartment when I feel like it. Using a "Everything" marking pen I traced the pattern pieces allowing 1-2 inches extra for fitting later. Once traced all the pieces was cut out.



Taking the carpet job to the next level I ordered a carpet edge binding sample color card to get as close to a exact match as I can with the binding. Once I had the color I placed a order so it binding will come in next week. My plan is to fit and bind all the edges of the carpet that is seen. The 1-1/4in Binding attachment for my Walking Foot machine was a little tight so I had to bend it open a bit so the carpet would pass thru it.



You mix the #747 Adhesive Remover 1:1 with warm water. Right now I have the Rod Locker hatch setup and soaking in the shop with a good spraying of the mixture. It doesn't work fast, I will post a working time so others get an idea of what to expect.