Which stretch carpet?

[NickB]

I'm completely out of my depth when it comes to sourcing stretch carpet.
I've seen loads of adverts and ebay listings each purporting that their carpet is the easiest or best.
Question... is there a rule of thumb, or recognised front runner, and/or a stretch carpet to avoid.
Thanks as always in advance.
Nick.

 

[peterc10]

What is a stretch carpet?

 

[NickB]

A stretchable carpet used to line vehicles interiors.

 

[Lenny HB]

What is a stretch carpet?

What they use in PVC's you can stretch it around the curves & funny shaped bits.

 

[NickB]

There must be a recognised brand and a corresponding brand to avoid... any suggestions?

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[Treeeev]

Nick

When I was converting my last van (a VW T4 into a camper), two names frequently came up on the VW T4 Forum, Mega Van Mats and . I personally used Mega Van Mats and found the quality to be good of both the stretchable carpet and also the high temp spray adhesive. Others I knew used Harrisons and also found them good.

I did find that some high temp spray adhesive wasn't very good, but I had no trouble with the Mega Van Mats HT spray adhesive

If you haven't done it before, you need a little patience and a hair dryer to assist with the moulding of the carpet. Megavan Mats used to supply a guide with their carpets if it was requested

Cheers

Trevor

 

[NickB]

Thanks Trevor,
That's two for me to look up.

I'll be deciding/ordering later next week so if anyone else has a product that worked well please let me know.
Thanks
Nick

 

[Misterg]

I've used 'Veltrim' and it worked well for me - available from loads of places (cheapest seems to be ebay where it is bundled in with the right amount of high temperature adhesive). The alternative is often '4 way stretch' carpet which is beloved of VW owners - it is supposedly easier to stretch around things. I only had a sample but it seemed a lot softer and 'fluffier' than the Veltrim (which was a bit more like thick felt). I thought it might not wear as well.

Veltrim softens up slightly when you spray adhesive on it, but you do have to get quite 'physical' to get it to stretch neatly.

(If you don't know, it has a front and a back side - not immediately obvious if you aren't aware.)

This video shows the sort of technique:

 

[NickB]

Misterg. .. that's great info... 'front and back' I never considered that thanks... and the "feel" of Veltrim... I've watched several of the youtubes... good to hear of an actual product experience. .

 

[Misterg]

Quite a few places will send you a few samples of different carpet for ~the cost of postage.

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[NickB]

I decided to go with the mega van mats stretch carpet....
Reason 1. On the VW forums, here and several other places it's well thought of.
Reason 2. Here and several other places Veltrim is described as a little harder to work with.. (I'm for the easier life!)....

 

[NickB]

Well I've completed a few panels and reporting back:-

1. Mega van mats carpet much thicker so better than I expected.
2. IMHO Mega vans mats Smoke colour is slightly darker than the Veltrim sample I received.
3. Covers/hides rough edges of jig saw cut plywood really well.
4. Trimfix dries quicker than I expected you have a second chance but don't hang around.
5. Wear gloves or you will get hairy finger tips.
6. Sharp blades and sissors essential.

 

[csd4t]

+1 for mega van mats