3 M Tape...What thickness?

[danno1]

Hi Folks

Looking to mount a rear spoiler with 3M Double Sided Tape. I see on Amazon there are different thickness. I assume the wider the better? But what about the thickness of the tape? Of course I don't want the spoiler having a "gap" from the tape being too thick, but what's recommended?

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[Cory S]

1/16" or about 1.5-2mm

 

[StangTime]

Hi Folks

Looking to mount a rear spoiler with 3M Double Sided Tape. I see on Amazon there are different thickness. I assume the wider the better? But what about the thickness of the tape? Of course I don't want the spoiler having a "gap" from the tape being too thick, but what's recommended?

Don't just use any ol' 3M double sided tape. You need to use the black VHB type and I highly recommend adhesion promoter wipes before you apply.
My factory installed PP1 spoiler was lifting at the ends. I had to remove it and do it right. Here is the 3M tape I used (slightly thicker than OEM). A year later and it's still rock solid.

3M VHB #12X12-6-5962 (Note: do not buy the tape from Amazon. Too many counterfeits on there)
3M Adhesion promoter wipes

 

[danno1]

Don't just use any ol' 3M double sided tape. You need to use the black VHB type and I highly recommend adhesion promoter wipes before you apply.
My factory installed PP1 spoiler was lifting at the ends. I had to remove it and do it right. Here is the 3M tape I used (slightly thicker than OEM). A year later and it's still rock solid.

3M VHB #12X12-6-5962 (Note: do not buy the tape from Amazon. Too many counterfeits on there)
3M Adhesion promoter wipes

So I assume we are looking at square sections of tape? Any benefit to that? Can you go with strips?

 

[StangTime]

So I assume we are looking at square sections of tape? Any benefit to that? Can you go with strips?

I bought a square to make full templates of the ends and middle of my spoiler.
If you're doing a long narrow spoiler, you can use a roll as long as it is real 3M 5962.

 

[danno1]

I bought a square to make full templates of the ends and middle of my spoiler.
If you're doing a long narrow spoiler, you can use a roll as long as it is real 3M 5962.

Item ordered. About 45.00?

 

[StangTime]

Item ordered. About 45.00?

Sounds about right.

 

[Jerry Carguy]

Been there done that many times. Tip: if for any reason you want to remove it in the future, omit the adhesion promoter. As long as you prepare the surface well, and use a fair amount of tape you will be fine. Reasons to remove later are: damaged, scratches, return to stock, resale car, and style changes. Use 30 test pound fishing line to 'saw' through the foam tape. Follow with 3M adhesive remover for remaining gum.

 

[danno1]

Been there done that many times. Tip: if for any reason you want to remove it in the future, omit the adhesion promoter. As long as you prepare the surface well, and use a fair amount of tape you will be fine. Reasons to remove later are: damaged, scratches, return to stock, resale car, and style changes. Use 30 test pound fishing line to 'saw' through the foam tape. Follow with 3M adhesive remover for remaining gum.

Ah, got it. Good little tip. What I'm actually doing is I bought a "Track Pack" spoiler to replace stock, but I'm also waiting for an "H" Style spoiler to come in. See which I like better. Might switch that later on so its a good tip.
Yeah, I've done the fishing line trick also.

 

[Jerry Carguy]

Well done. One thing about the fish line.... It will leave scratch marks 90* to whatever you are removing because the edges of the tape will hold grit and sand particles from use over time. But, they are easily removed with orbital buffing.

 

[danno1]

Well done. One thing about the fish line.... It will leave scratch marks 90* to whatever you are removing because the edges of the tape will hold grit and sand particles from use over time. But, they are easily removed with orbital buffing.

Yeah I've used the 3M eraser wheel. Works great too

 

[danno1]

What would anyone suggest regarding cleaning the surface (besides the adhesion promoter) Lacquer Thinner?

Also, with the square 3m how much is needed? Should I also use thin width tape on the front edge say going left to right so as not having any gap for any debris going under?

 

[StangTime]

3M Adhesive remover. Comes in a spray can. A little goes a long way.
Use the adhesion promotor only after the parts are completely clean.

What type of spoiler are you putting on?

 

[danno1]

3M Adhesive remover. Comes in a spray can. A little goes a long way.
Use the adhesion promotor only after the parts are completely clean.

What type of spoiler are you putting on?

Its the "Track Pack" style. Is the Adhesion Remover better controlled in a container and use micro fiber cloths?

 

[StangTime]

Its the "Track Pack" style. Is the Adhesion Remover better controlled in a container and use micro fiber cloths?

For long spoilers best to use the tape from a roll. Use adhesion promotor on the spoiler before applying the tape. You'll want a long continuous line and the tape will be able to follow the curve of the spoiler better. Butt the ends together so moisture and dirt can't get trapped.

The adhesion remover works best sprayed on a micro fiber towel. It evaporates quick and should be done in a well ventilated area. Spray small sections of the towel and wipe gently back and forth to remove the goo. Use old towels as they will be no good after.
For heavier residue such as chunks of stubborn double sided tape, spray small areas and use a controlled shot directly on the foam so it can soak in and attack the adhesive. Don't let it sit too long on the paint and don't get over spray on anything else. Be especially careful of spraying any plastic parts. Mask off areas to protect from overspray.

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