Remove hip pads; replace with swappable pads

[djlewis]

Any advice as I prepare to remove a pair of foam hip pads that I glued in with Super 77? Just rip 'em out and clean up with laquer thinner... or something else?

Then, I'd like to replace them with velcroed pads, so I can swap in either a very thin one or a thicker pair. Yep, two people will paddle this boat on different occasions, and their hips are rather different fits. So, any advice on this operation? Will this result in solid pads? Is there another way to accomplish this? If this is the right way, where can I get velcro in wider sheets? Any other advice?

Thanks. --David.

[ccarlson]

I've successfully used the 2 inch wide velcro (purchased at Home Depot) for both outfitting pads as well as a foam seat. However, I did glue the velcro in with contact cement rather than depending upon the self-sticking adhesive. Be sure to leave a tab of folded-over velcro sticking out a bit on the part you want to be removable. That will enable you to pull that part from the fixed velcro without digging underneath it with a tool of some sort.

Good luck!

[Brian Nystrom]

Yep, just tear 'em out and clean up the remaining glue.

To add to Carl's comments, I'd suggest putting the loop part of the Velcro on the cheek plates and the hook on the pads. That way, if anyone ever needs to paddle the boat with no hip pads, they won't have to deal the abrasiveness and fabric shredding tendencies of Velcro hook on the cheekplates.

[cathyfoley]

David,

I would recommend using H2 glue put out by Wildwasser, to glue the velcro the boat and pads. This is some really sticky stuff that doesn't come loose after being soaked with water. I'm sure some paddle shops carry it or you can get it mailorder at NRS. www.nrsweb.com