OEM replica spoiler / 3M tape problem
OEM replica spoiler / 3M tape problem
I have a replica OEM spoiler (from spoilerdepot) which seems to have pretty good fitment, let's say 9/10. When I was test fitting the spoiler I noticed that I have to apply some pressure on each end of the spoiler (where it comes to a point) in order to get the ends to lay perfectly flush against the hatch.
I cleaned the hatch with carwash soap and water, dried it, then sprayed the area with adhesive/tar/wax remover stuff and wiped it clean. Then I applied the 3M adhesion promoter stuff (comes in the small white packet), let it dry, then stuck the spoiler on. The spoiler was lined with 3M automotive tape, the gray/black color with the red backing. I pressed it down in place for probably 10 minutes, then on each end of the spoiler I put down some microfiber towels and sat a weight (gallon jug of coolant on one end, 10 lb bag of lanscaping sand on the other end) on each end to hold them down as the tape adhesion set up.
Left the car like this for 10 days while I went on vacation, came back and drove it around and everyhting seemed fine. Then we had a humid/rainy day and the adhesive at the ends started to fail, allowing the ends of the spoiler to lift up slightly. Not much, but enough to make me notice and annoy me. The tape stays on the spoiler , but the adhesion between the tape and the hatch fails. This is my second time installing the spoiler, and my second time having the same issue. From experience I know the tape will continue to separate from the hatch until the point where the spoiler has relieved any bending stress built up in it.
So...what am I doing wrong? Will the stress in the molded part always overcome the strength of the 3M tape? Am I using the wrong type of tape, or applying it incorrectly? I thought that all the cleaning and even using the adhesion promoter would be a sure thing. Any help would be appreciated!
I cleaned the hatch with carwash soap and water, dried it, then sprayed the area with adhesive/tar/wax remover stuff and wiped it clean. Then I applied the 3M adhesion promoter stuff (comes in the small white packet), let it dry, then stuck the spoiler on. The spoiler was lined with 3M automotive tape, the gray/black color with the red backing. I pressed it down in place for probably 10 minutes, then on each end of the spoiler I put down some microfiber towels and sat a weight (gallon jug of coolant on one end, 10 lb bag of lanscaping sand on the other end) on each end to hold them down as the tape adhesion set up.
Left the car like this for 10 days while I went on vacation, came back and drove it around and everyhting seemed fine. Then we had a humid/rainy day and the adhesive at the ends started to fail, allowing the ends of the spoiler to lift up slightly. Not much, but enough to make me notice and annoy me. The tape stays on the spoiler , but the adhesion between the tape and the hatch fails. This is my second time installing the spoiler, and my second time having the same issue. From experience I know the tape will continue to separate from the hatch until the point where the spoiler has relieved any bending stress built up in it.
So...what am I doing wrong? Will the stress in the molded part always overcome the strength of the 3M tape? Am I using the wrong type of tape, or applying it incorrectly? I thought that all the cleaning and even using the adhesion promoter would be a sure thing. Any help would be appreciated!
Last edited by sry110; Aug 23, 2010 at 08:18 AM.
Wow...never thought about using silicone on my car! Do you have any pictures of that kind of work done? I'm just picturing how much of a mess I would make trying to get that done right..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
