Requesting suggestions in re-attaching torn "carpet" hasp in storage area.

[Jeff C.]

Yesterday I performed an oil change on the "Red Rocker".As a prelude to getting into the engine compartment it is necessary to hold back the "carpet" by attaching a hook or hasp that is a part of the "carpet",into a small rectangular notch.To cut to the chase here,after the change-out happened I was putting things back in place.As I was trying to disconnect the hasp from the notch I ended up tearing the hasp and the small semi-circular piece of carpet-like material that originally held the hasp into the "carpet".Now the problem has become this:What is the most appropriate glue or cement to use to re-affix the portion of carpet that will hold the hasp as it was originally intended?I must say--what is supposed to pass for carpet really isnt very substantial.It appears to be in essence a foamy version of styrofoam backing with a low quality synthetic "malnourished animal fur" feeling pile.Anyway--aside from the qualitative assessment,I need to re unite the ring of "carpet"which is still in the hasp to the main body of the "carpet".I am also concerned that once it is repaired it may be more likely that this would happen again.Any advise?

[lebikerboy]

Try here...
This to That (Glue Advice)

[jimvw57]

I'd forget about the hasp, I rarely could get it to work anyhow. I use a wooden doewl rod, abour 3/4 diameter cut to fit into the recesses on either side of the compartment just behind the seats. I also cut a second rod to fit the recesses near the tailgate. I place fabric across them covering the contents of anything in the back. If they can't see it, they won't steal it.

When you need to hold the 'carpet' up, just tuck it behind the rod and it will stay in place.

Kind of a handy man's cargo cover.

[Old smart]

I think that if you trim off the rough edge of the carpet and dispose of the original hook (an aggravating arrangement from the outset) you are starting to do well by yourself.

Then, buy a second "D"-ring and spacer from the dealer, and replace the driver-side (black plastic) hold-down with it ("D"-rings in the back are very useful).

Then, whenever you need to open the engine bay, just unscrew both "D"-rings (by finger), and the carpet will easily pull well forward and can be held back by whatever simple means you choose - prop, bungee on the lift-loop, ect.

[mvaldes]

I learned from PMOlink that if you have the SmartentU8, you can just move the seats forward and fold your carpet behind them. The extra weight of the SmartentU8 holds it in place. I tried his trick when I installed my Evilution air pipe and it worked great.

[Jeff C.]

Thank you so much for your suggestions.I was originally feeling sort of dissappointed when I stupidly tore off the hasp.As a result of your imput I can see that it is not that much of a big deal.I think that the dowel rod suggestion holds a lot of promise in this instance and also would have the dual utility value as a provider of cover protection as jimvw57 explains.Also Old smart ,the idea of replacing the black plastic hold down with a D-ring has a lot of merit and is something that I think that I will do.Lebikerboy,I appreciate you forwarding this reference.I had no idea that there was anything out there in space that could aid in deciding what products to select.While I originally intended to re-attach the carpet-like ring to the main carpeting,I am now thinking that it may not be needed at all.Mvaldes,I am not aware of what a SmartentU8 is.Would you please be kind enough to give a further explanation to expound on the idea?Again,thank you all for your quick response.

[mvaldes]

The SmartenU8 is a "sandwich" of Cascade Audio sound suppressant material between a vinyl layer and a carpet layer. It covers the top and front of the engine bay and attaches to the existing carpet (or remnants thereof ) by velcro. I think it would cover the torn area but, unless you want to decrease the sound and heat levels, it would be an expensive way to repair a little tear. Smart Madness sells them.

[Jeff C.]

Hello mvaldes,
Thanks for the explanation.All that I originallyintended to do was repair the detached ring of pseudo carpet.Since my original post I have been convenced that it is not necessary to repair the torn ring.There are other ways to prop up the carpet during future instances of checking the oil level/changing the oil.I had not been thinking along the lines that were offered above before receiving the responses.It seems like carrying out the suggestions would really be more effective in getting the desired result rather than even messing around with the hasp.I do appreciate your explanation though.

[SmartDigger]

If it makes you feal any better, I broke mine last week end when I did my 10,000 mile service. went to hook it up and pulled it off. I think I also will use the dowel rod suggestion. And, I also was mad at myself for breaking it.

[Brabus007]

Originally Posted by SmartDigger

If it makes you feal any better, I broke mine last week end when I did my 10,000 mile service. went to hook it up and pulled it off. I think I also will use the dowel rod suggestion. And, I also was mad at myself for breaking it.

Don't be mad at yourself for breaking another Smart Rinky-Dink design... It was designed to fail...<:-((