Trouble getting 3M tape stuck down on spoiler

[ponyboy0123]

I installed a gt500 spoiler a couple days ago, MP concepts replica bought off of American muscle and I’m having some issues getting the tape to stick correctly, It’s starting to peel up towards the front think I prepped everything correctly but I’ll go ahead and list the steps I followed below

1. Use adhesive removal spray to help get up all the tape from the old spoiler
2. Wipe down the trunk lid area and new spoiler with alcohol pads
3. Installed and got the 4 nuts tightened back on
4. Applied pressure for about 5 minutes (me on one side and a buddy on the other)

I was thinking maybe I could remove it and getting some adhesive promoter or something similar to help it stick but any other ideas would be appreciated.

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[Snakebyte]

You didn't mention if you how good of a polish or coating you originally had on your vehicle surface. I can tell you from experience, if you have a ceramic coat (which you did not mention), I'd be be very surprised if the spoiler did stick.

Even a cursory cleaning with isopropyl on a top-of-the line polish may not be enough preparation. Ceramic coating is a generic term that retailers use as a blanket term, but in reality, their effectiveness varies greatly from brand to brand.

If you have a good ceramic coating, you may need a stronger cleaning solution or even a mechanical removal method on the area the spoiler is to be fitted. I just wouldn't even rely on isopropyl for a spoiler without knowing the protective properties of the car's existing coating.

Hope this helps.

 

[SHOdaddy68]

What side isn't sticking? On the bottom of the spoiler or top of the trunk?

3M did have a run of bad tape a while ago.

Temperature can affect the adhesive too. It doesn't like to stick when it's cold.

If you pull it back off you'll ruin the existing tape and will have to get it all off and apply new tape.

 

[SnowFox]

I switched away from the Red 3M to the 3M White "foam" style. The Red is overkill in my opinion, the white holds plenty fine in conjunction with the screws. It's also thicker and makes better contact.

Adhesion promoter is also beneficial but not required.

 

[Unbridled5.0]

I'll second cleaning it again. This time, use wax and grease remover, not alcohol as it causes clearcoat to swell, and then try a different roll of tape. 3m usually makes top shelf stuff but if it came in the box with the spoiler it could've sat in a warehouse for months or longer heat cycling and degrading. There's really nothing else, besides temperature as SHOdaddy mentioned, that would cause that to happen.

 

[S550HPP]

Acetone, nail polish remover or lacquer thinner are cured paint safe just wipe and dry wipe both surfaces with lint free something. Maybe wipe the body panel couple times.

Use 3M autobody trim tape purchased from local autobody supply store ( so it's not counterfeit inferior).

 

[First Stang]

There is a possibility that you probably got a knock off adhesive tape. They are everywhere online. Please post pictures of your project. I’m looking at doing the same upgrade.

 

[MAGS1]

Even if you have a wax or sealant and not a full on ceramic coat, an alcohol wipe isn’t going to break it down completely. Highly recommend a mechanical polish (doesn’t have to be anything crazy) to make sure any wax, sealant or coating (will require a decent polish) is fully removed. Then clean the surface with a panel prep or even just some soap and water. You are just removing the polishing oils/residue at that point.

I second the notion to go out and get the real deal 3M tape. That spoiler has probably been in a warehouse for a while and I’m guessing MP Concepts isn’t using top of the line tape. I like 3M’s adhesive promoter too. The wipes are fine. Just make sure to wipe an excess residue after you install the spoiler. That promoter is tough to remove once it dries.

 

[cuckoo4watches]

not to thread jack but I am running into the same issue…

bought a Drake Muscle Cars spoiler from AM and installed yesterday.

my car came with the small blade style spoiler and in hindsight, when removing the stock spoiler, I didnt cover over the unused holes assuming that new tape around the perimeter of the spoiler would be sealed up?!

I used a rubber wheel to remove all old adhesive; cleaned with adhesive remover and alcohol then wiped with adhesive promoter right before installing the new spoiler.

I installed the new spoiler, bolted it down and checked a couple hours later.

on the front edge I found a few spots where the adhesive looked to have a slight gap and did not stick down
(maybe 3-4 spots at about 1/2” each at most)

so, being neurotic I unbolted the spoiler and tried to pull up on it and it was really on there so I decided to tighten back down instead of possibly damaging the spoiler or my trunk in the process of pulling back off

I pressed the heck out of the edge of the spoiler and it looked to stick.

checked today and damnit if those spots didnt reappear.
and of course it rained a lot today and when it stopped and I went out and pushed down on the front edge, some little bubbles appeared in one of the spots where it didnt stick

I’m a bit worried about trying to pull all that off and getting myself into a real mess so I ordered some DAP automotive RTV Silicone (clear) that comes with a very small tip.
https://a.co/d/3LLtAUp

I figured I would run a small bead up under the front edge of the spoiler to seal it off; then run a small plastic tool under to make a clean seal.

Anyone else done this?

Thoughts?

 

[sachmo133]

I purchased a 3rd party spoiler and had the same issue. It was the fit that was the issue. I returned it, got the ford oem GT500 one and it laid right down. Not saying this is the issue but take a close look.

 

[cuckoo4watches]

I purchased a 3rd party spoiler and had the same issue. It was the fit that was the issue. I returned it, got the ford oem GT500 one and it laid right down. Not saying this is the issue but take a close look.

good input.

was your aftermarket one also a GT500 style?

One thing to take in account is that the GT500 has a lot less contact point than the 350 or Drake style.

This alone could make for an easier install as far as adhesion points.

 

[MAGS1]

I had the Drake spoiler on my 2016 and they used the most minimal amount of tape possible. I ended up adding more tape before I installed. The Ford Performance GT500 Swing comes loaded with tape, as long as the deck lid is properly prepped, it’s not going anywhere. And the tape quality is top notch

 

[cuckoo4watches]

I had the Drake spoiler on my 2016 and they used the most minimal amount of tape possible. I ended up adding more tape before I installed. The Ford Performance GT500 Swing comes loaded with tape, as long as the deck lid is properly prepped, it’s not going anywhere. And the tape quality is top notch

True, it had about 1/4 or 3/8” width tape.
I assumed that having the 4 mounting points would pull it down but between trunk shape and any ABS molding offsets, I guess I could end up where I am.

Maybe this is also what happened with the OPs install?

I just went out and of course its up a tad more in areas and I’m sure the rain didnt help.

I had bought some 1/2” VHB 3M tape but figured it might be overkill if I installed so I only applied a few small strips in addition to the stock adhesive.

I would really hate to have to go through the trouble of trying to get that thing back off because the parts that did bond seem to be really on there.

attaching a pic of a gap in the adhesive bond

It looks like where the mounting posts are that it pulled that down good.
Could I have over torqued and caused bowed up areas where no bolts?

what a pain

 

[MAGS1]

True, it had about 1/4 or 3/8” width tape.
I assumed that having the 4 mounting points would pull it down but between trunk shape and any ABS molding offsets, I guess I could end up where I am.

Maybe this is also what happened with the OPs install?

I just went out and of course its up a tad more in areas and I’m sure the rain didnt help.

I had bought some 1/2” VHB 3M tape but figured it might be overkill if I installed so I only applied a few small strips in addition to the stock adhesive.

I would really hate to have to go through the trouble of trying to get that thing back off because the parts that did bond seem to be really on there.

attaching a pic of a gap in the adhesive bond

It looks like where the mounting posts are that it pulled that down good.
Could I have over torqued and caused bowed up areas where no bolts?

what a pain

On the Drake spoiler, I pulled the original tape off the spoiler and put new tape all the way around and also around the decklid holes. Unless there’s a specific torque value in the instructions (I don’t recall on the Drake), hand tight is usually good enough. Most of them come with nylon nuts so they’re not going to back off.

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