repairs to an old SIB

[lc0021]

I have an old Achilles inflatable which is punctured. I'm not sure exactly what material it's made from - it's definitely not Hypalon - it's possible PVC - but it actually feels very like rubber (could it be rubber ?).

The puncture is low on the inside of the tube - I'd like to repair it - I've beed advised to use a large (motor tube - as in Truck/Tractor size) patch - and either vulcanising solution - or a solvent based industrial contact adhesive such as Evo Stik Impact. I'm not convinced by this advice - any body got any opinions??

BTW - cosmetics is not an issue - I just want to fix it up for the kids to mess around in...

[Mr-d]

Lc, i dont think inner tube rubber/patches would be such a good idea, as it would be exposed to sunlight, and deteriorate verry easily (and also under pressure it is pushed against the tyre)

Do you know if you have something like Canvas/Nylon threading in the material?

At the moment myself i am using stuff from an outdoor shop used to repair any kind of waterproof material, works wonders!

How large is the hole?

Any pictures?

Thanks,
Daniel.

[lc0021]

mm - fair points.

Looking at the surface of the material, there doesn't seem to be any canvas/material through the tibes, and they feel quite rubbery.. I've convinced myself that it is in fact PVC.

The hole is big enough to see - but not big enough to put a pencil into...

[Mr-d]

If your convinced its PVC, i believe most inflatable (Sturdy) swimming pools liners are made out of PVC, have a look around your local "leisure accessory" dealer that would specialise in Sauna's whirlpools, swimming pools, and look if you can get a repair kit, most likely the patches will be in blue, from the big 10ft diameter pools. They are about 2-3MM thick. I think that is the best alternative, as they sit in the sunlight anyway...

Have fun!