Removing old glue from an inflatable

[wgriffith]

I am stumped.

I am replacing the glue-on pads for the Weaver davits on my hypalon RIB. I have removed the old pad with gentle heat, a little MEK solvent and much colorful language. Now I need to prep that areas for the new pads by removing the remaining glue residue. I can't find a solvent (that I am willing to take near hypalon) that will even touch it. Goof Off, OPPS, MEK, Gasoline, Alchohol, WD40, lighter fluid, carb cleaner, brake cleaner. Nothing even makes a dent in it. I acquired the RIB with the davit pads installed, so I do not know what type of glue was used.

Does anyone know of a magic elixar that I might try?

Many thanks

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Removing old glue from an inflatable

Maybe a mod will come along and move this to the inflatable forum. You'll get an answer there.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Removing old glue from an inflatable

Good luck. I tried everything short of buying a new inflatable. I couldn't get it off. I no longer have a front towing ring because I can't get clear material to adhere the new ring to.

I'll be watching this thread...

 

[lncoop]

Re: Removing old glue from an inflatable

Didn't hear Toluene mentioned. Might give that a shot.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Removing old glue from an inflatable

I've found the best (perhaps only) way to get the old glue off to use a dremel with a sanding band. Go very gently - you want to take it down to the surface of the Hypalon without exposing the polyester weave underneath. It helps to keep the sander moving at all times.

After you've cleaned off the glue, prep the area to be glued with toluene rather than MEK or other solvents.