Hydro turfing sides

So im almost ready to turf my side rails... When you guys turf your side rails do you wrap it underneath and go all the way under to the opposite side of the rail. or just to the bottom and cut it...? if i had a pic of what im talking about id post it but my ski is at a friends house.,
 

Crab

thanks darin...noswad!
Location
Seattle
Glue it, install it with a heat gun at the corners, use a rubber hammer to make sure it is bonded, and cut flush at a 45 degree angle with a razor blade. If done right it lasts forever almost.
 
Just to add on, can it be done with two strips that start at the nose to give it a seamless look or will a sheet of turf be long enough?

Also, do you use a straight cut strip or do you have to compensate for the curve of the hull when cutting the turf to fit? Im going to be very limited on the amount i have, so less mistakes is better
 

Crab

thanks darin...noswad!
Location
Seattle
Just to add on, can it be done with two strips that start at the nose to give it a seamless look or will a sheet of turf be long enough?

Also, do you use a straight cut strip or do you have to compensate for the curve of the hull when cutting the turf to fit? Im going to be very limited on the amount i have, so less mistakes is better
I use straight strips a little wider than what it actually takes (1/2" or so), then when you get to the curved area heat it up just till its almost too hot to toutch without gloves, you can do just about anything with it at that stage. Practice on a scrap to get a feel for how hot to get it. I usually one piece the nose as far back as it will go on each side, couple straight pieces then finishers on both sides that wrap the back.
 
I use straight strips a little wider than what it actually takes (1/2" or so), then when you get to the curved area heat it up just till its almost too hot to toutch without gloves, you can do just about anything with it at that stage. Practice on a scrap to get a feel for how hot to get it. I usually one piece the nose as far back as it will go on each side, couple straight pieces then finishers on both sides that wrap the back.


Will i hair dryer work or, or should i invest in a heat gun?
Also, what do you do at the seams? just keep it as close as you can?
 
k awsome.. yea i already have the weldwood contact cement .. i did my chinpad myself it was the first thin i ever turfed and it came out amazing... so the rails should be cake
 

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Wheres a good place to buy the contact cement? and is weldwood the "best"?
I still got a ways yo go on my 550 but id like to get everything ready for when i turf atleast.
 

The Penguin

triple secret probation
Will i hair dryer work or, or should i invest in a heat gun?
Also, what do you do at the seams? just keep it as close as you can?

Wheres a good place to buy the contact cement? and is weldwood the "best"?
I still got a ways yo go on my 550 but id like to get everything ready for when i turf atleast.

get a heat gun - dryer does not get hot enough.

starting with your uncut sheet of turf - you should be able to turf your rails with 3 strips of turf cut down the long side of the sheet.

match the seems - you should be able to get very close between the pieces you cut.

I started at the bow eye (I don't have the front bumper) with a piece cut for the notch and centered. glue it down at the bow eye - then using your heat gun, heat one side at a time and attach the top edge of the turf on the top deck. Heat the strip, then "roll" it down over the bond rail. repeat on the other side of the bow eye. Beat it down with a rubber mallet.

It helps to bevel a 45º edge on the bottom side of the turf where it is adjacent to the top deck. Make sense?

Match the pattern of your next piece at the seam. Using a partner - heat the turf and stretch it a few inches (lengthwise) - and that will turf the rest of your rail - all the way around the rear corner.

sorry, I didn't take pictures as I was doing it.

use DAP Weldwood. Buy it at Walmart.
 

Crab

thanks darin...noswad!
Location
Seattle
Oh he said rails.. ok yea what penguin said.
Yours looks great, don't think you can do the revs that way however, I try and go as far in underneath before making any cuts, they are just too deep.
 

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They dont have the kits in the diamond molding i believe.
Also, when your heating to wrap around the rails, do you have the contact cement applied already or do you heat, throw it on, then stick it? And are you putting the cement on the ski or the turf first?
 

N3vrSat1sfied

Military Member
Location
Fort Worth, TX
They dont have the kits in the diamond molding i believe.
Also, when your heating to wrap around the rails, do you have the contact cement applied already or do you heat, throw it on, then stick it? And are you putting the cement on the ski or the turf first?

I have bought two diamond pre cut kits. blowsion sells them.
 

sdrider

Custom User Title
Location
San Diego
When you turf the side rails do you go over the factory rails, or do you remove them? I just really want to get rid of the purple and not sure if the turf is applied directly over the plastic rails.
 
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