Upholstering the shell

[pomai]

Has anyone ever upholstered the inside of the shell of there K-5?

Ive checked around here and the problem seems to be the adhesive. they say that the adhsive wont stick to fiber glass.
Is there no such thing as adhesive that will stick to fiber glass?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[lectric80]

I have been planning on doing this, although I am not going to do it as straight upholstery.

Basically I plan to make three panels that will attach to the top using screws. They just need to be short screws, but it will work. There are adhesives that will stick to fiberglass, since the weatherstrip is glued to the top at the header.

There was a K5 on e-bay a while ago that had the whole interior exposed area upholstered, but I don't know exactly how they did it. My plan will leave the larger reinforced areas exposed, as well as the mount points for the bolts. I will be happy to post up once I start the process if you are interested. I plan to paint the exposed surfaces to match the interior color plans.

 

[dyeager535]

Might see what Ryoken has to say, he works with boats, unsure if it's solely mechanical or with stuff like this.

As much as these tops "sweat" when the temperature changes, I think I'd be hesitant to put anything on it that might give mold/mildew/fungus a foothold.

 

[RudyO]

I think the problem is more related to the type of adhesive. Most articles I've read about interiors tend to go with a professional with the proper spray equipment. It seems to be the stuff from the aerosol cans that doesn't hold well. Not sure about the straight spray to fibreglass, as upholstery is done mostly to backing boards. Porosity of the materials maybe?

 

[Fancy]

I upholstered my top with an industrial adhesive and carpeting. It looks good. I also fabricated a self that i store a few things with and mounted speakers on it.

 

[mordachai]

just a bump from my experience working in an upholstery shop.
the only glue that will hold up over time is a HHR contact cement.
HHR means high heat resistance, you usually need to go to an industrial supply house to get the stuff, you could also see if a local upholstery shop will sell you a gallon or so.

we get 100+ degree days with 85% or higher humidity, and we've never had anything come back because the glue was releasing. btw- we use wilsonart brand contact cement, but I know diy'ers have used the weldwood with pretty decent results.

We have had alot of jobs come in the shop where owners tried it with some aerosol adhesive and inevitably the glue fails, and we make it right.
cheers

 

[colbystephens]

I upholstered my top with an industrial adhesive and carpeting. It looks good. I also fabricated a self that i store a few things with and mounted speakers on it.

pics?