How to Replace the Velcro on My Truck Cover

Truck covers that attach with Velcro have a smooth finished appearance--until the Velcro wears out. Then the edges gap, and the sagging cover can become stretched. Some covers even end up torn or completely lost if they come loose and flop around in the wind while the truck is moving. Putting new Velcro on the cover will save you money because it is less expensive to replace the Velcro than it is to replace a damaged or lost cover.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 24 feet loop Velcro
• Truck cover
• Razor knife
• Scissors
• Thread with UV coating
• Heavy duty sewing machine
• Heat gun (optional)
• Adhesive remover (optional)
• Soft cloth (optional)
• Fine grit sandpaper (optional)
• 24 feet adhesive-backed hook Velcro

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the cover before buying your Velcro. It will usually be between 22 and 26 feet if the full length is covered.

2. Turn the cover upside down and begin to cut through the old stitching that holds the Velcro but do not cut the cover. When the Velcro starts to lift away from the cover, you can pull it gently away from the cover and cut the threads between the cover and the Velcro. Keep going until all of the Velcro has been removed from the cover. It will come off faster this way than by cutting one stitch at a time.

3. Line the new Velcro up with the old stitching line. Place the edge of the cover under the foot of the threaded sewing machine. Try to sew over the old stitch line so it will not show. Stop 2 inches back so you have room to cut the Velcro.

4. Cut the Velcro when you come to the ends. If the Velcro that is attached to the truck is still good, you can stop here.

5. Hold the heat gun 4 inches away from the Velcro at first--you can move it closer if the Velcro does not release. Apply heat to the old Velcro with the heat gun set on low. Setting the heat gun on high can strip the paint.

6. Move the heat gun in a smooth and continuous motion without stopping in any one place to avoid ruining your paint job.

7. Remove any leftover adhesive with the adhesive remover and a soft cloth. It will not make any difference as far as the paint, but the new Velcro will attach better if the surface is thoroughly cleaned.

8. Check to see if the paint is shiny and smooth. If it is shiny, gently sand only the very thin strip where the new Velcro will be going. The paint needs to be free of wax, and it needs to be applied to a slightly rough surface. If it is attached to a surface that is too smooth, it can peel off in the heat.

9. Peel off a foot of the backing and fold the edge down, then attach that section following the lines of the old Velcro. Pull another foot off and attach that section. Continue until the new Velcro has been attached to replace all of the old Velcro.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if both the hook and loop need to be replaced before beginning the project. The loop will normally be attached to the cover, and the adhesive-backed hook will usually be glued to the vehicle.

• It is possible to buy only the hook or the loop portion of Velcro; if the local fabric shop does not carry it, check with an upholsterer.

• Do not try to save money by using small Velcro tabs for a project such as this because it will not hold and will end up costing more to fix the second time.

• Remember that the heat gun can actually bubble and remove your paint if you get too close to the truck with it or if you have the heat set too high.

• Avoid buying adhesive-backed Velcro for anything that is going through the sewing machine. It ruins needles and can even damage the inner workings of the machine if the adhesive gets in the bobbin case.

References

• Using a Heat Gun
• High-Heat Acrylic 3M Brand Hook & Loop (PSA)--Like Velcro® Brand