replacing canvas leaders

[mgregory]

I finally bought new leaders, now I need ideas on how to get the old ones off. I'm sure someone out there has replaced theirs and can help me.

I emailed APQS and was told that they had been put on with Liquid Nail, they suggested using a putty knife.

Maxine

Hillsboro, Or

Millie

[Sparkle]

I had to remove my leaders when we got my Ultimate II home. They had come loose in various spots, and were just in general bad repair. I didn't buy new ones. I re-squared mine, serged new edges and marked them again.

My husband used a putty knife, a wire brush on his power buffer, and also a final smooth buff. It was quite a job. That Liquid Nails is like concrete! and globbed on way to thick. Does APQS still attach leaders this way? My gosh, I hope not.

Once they were all nice and clean I used Windex and cleaned them again. Let dry thoroughly. I used Scotch brand double stich tape and put down a strip the whole length of the conduit. There is a faint line in my conduit rollers so I followed that line. I attached the edge of my leader to that double stick tape to keep it in place while I smooth the leader edge onto the pipe. Then used Scotch brand 2" inch Clear Duct Tape over the edge of the leader. Half on the conduit, half on the leader fabric. I repeated this again with the next piece of clear duct tape half on the previous duct tape, half on the conduit. Repeat for each roller.

They look great! Important: Don't use any other product except Scotch 3M brand double stick tape or their clear duct tape. You won't get the same results. Get plenty of both types of tape, it goes fast. This application will last for years and years to keep your leaders in place. Other brands will not.

Good luck, and hopefully your Liquid Nails is so old it will pop off the conduit as you go along with the putty knife.