ERA carpet removal...

[Akimbeau]

I'm considering buying a street version ERA289 and making it more of an FIA car. 2 questions: How are the carpets installed in an ERA? Are they easy to remove but will it leave an adhesive or screw hole mess making it tough to go to the bare aluminum look? The car was built at the ERA factory. Also, will it be difficult to install the roll bar at this point?

Thanks!

Kim

[DanEC]

If the car was painted and assembled by ERA you would probably be well served to call them and talk to Peter or Doug about your questions. The problem with the carpets is even if ERA doesn't normally glue them down, most buyers of painted rollers have to remove them to install the engine and transmission (they may even be shipped loose with the car) but the owner may decide to do so on his own. So the current owner can probably tell you if they are glued down or not. Adhesive would be used on the rear bulkhead and the transmission tunnel. Also some owners might have glued down some insulation on the floors under the carpet.

The car might already have receivers welded to the frame to mount a roll bar. I suspect the 289 car does not have them. Again, ERA could tell you and the owner should know.

[kevins2]

The ERA build manual has illustrated instructions showing spray adhesive is used to install the carpeting. However, as Dan pointed out, buyers could easily go their own way, so best to confirm.

[Bernica]

It seems to me that in the big picture of things, just pull the carpet and preserve best you can however it is currently attached. If you can save them you can always use them for templates for new stuff. I would personally rather have it all glued down as opposed to velcro or other such.

My 2 c...

[patrickt]

Call Peter to check, but the mounts for the roll bar should be there, but you'll need to make some holes. Ripping up the carpeting will not be that difficult and this stuff will remove the adhesive residue. You can get it in bigger cans, too.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/3M-08987-General-Purpose-Adhesive/dp/B0002NUO6K/ref=pd_sbs_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=414YffWsfAL&dpSrc=si ms&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1CMDFQ1S1KS P9HHDHNAN"]Amazon.com: 3M 08987 General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner - 15 oz.: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414YffWsfAL.@@AMEPARAM@@414YffWsfAL[/ame]

[66gtk]

In my 427 ERA cars, the trans tunnel is fiberglass. Only the floors under your seats and supporting your feet are aluminum.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

In my 427 ERA cars, the trans tunnel is fiberglass. Only the floors under your seats and supporting your feet are aluminum.

Well, that's a good point.... But, ERA will sell you an aluminum tunnel cover to fit your vintage car if you ask them nicely.

[King- cobra]

ERA 289 Fia cars have aluminum tunnel not sure on the Slab side

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by King- cobra

ERA 289 Fia cars have aluminum tunnel not sure on the Slab side

ERA went to aluminum tunnels starting with the car before mine. I think the FIA cars always had them, and I can't imagine the slabs don't use aluminum.

[Murky781]

Slabsiode tunnels are aluminum with glued carpet.

[Akimbeau]

OK...great info! Thanks! I'll grab a can of the remover when I get to that end of the project.