Seeking advice on interior work

[Laura]

I'm working on the interior, and have run into two snags:

 

1.  My new carpet is molded-to-fit, and fits great, but still needs some trimming and hole-cutting for screws and such.  I've tried using a box-cutter and scissors, but neither seem to cut through the carpet fabric and plastic very well.  I was thinking of trying a hot-knife.  Any suggestions?

 

2.  After vinyl-dyeing my seats, some un-cured epoxy spilled on them.  It's been about 9 months, and the epoxy is still sticky.  What can I use to remove it, without damaging the plastic of the seat too much?

 

Thanks!

[VWJake]

You may need to re-dye the seat section, but I’d probably try mineral spirits on the epoxy. A cheap $10 pencil type soldering iron will make quick work of your carpet.

[Laura]

Thanks, will do that

[Bibm5]

I bought a nice heavy duty pair of shears at home depot a few years ago for about $15. I haven't tried to use them for exactly what you're doing but they have some serious cutting power.

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[esty]

uncured epoxy will never harden and anything that you use to remove it will also remove your dye...i'd suggess lacquer thinner to clean the entire section the re-dying

 

i use regular scissors to cut the type carpet used for your moulded set...careful with anything hot, you'll melt anything the heat touches or get very close to

[Laura]

ya, I figured I'd have to re-dye, wasn't worried about that.  Just didnt want to melt or damage the plastic vinyl of the seats.   I already tried regular scissors, they wouldn't cut through.   Bought a hot-knife today, will update if that works.  Thanks for all the help!

Edited September 8, 2018 by Laura

[echappe]

X-acto knife

[02Les]

If you can mark the position of the holes with some accuracy, and then remove the carpet, you can punch the holes with a hole punch for leather.

After doing a few sets, I have found this is the easiest way to get a perfect hole. Put a piece of wood under the carpet where you'll punch the hole. You can get a Chinese set for around $5~$6.