BenB
HalfDork
7/25/23 11:50 a.m.
I have an eBay fillet part that blends the rear window to the trunk lid on my BRZ. The fillet is made of ABS plastic and came with no name 2-sided tape already installed. I made an extra effort to ensure the tape had a clean place to stick to on the glass. The car sat all day in the sun and during my 65 mph drive home, the tape pulled away from the ABS and the outside edges started flapping in the breeze. I'm going to replace the cheap ass tape with some quality 3M automotive trim tape, and my question is, would I get better adhesion to the ABS plastic if I leave it smooth like the glass, or would it be better to rough up the surface first? I'm thinking keep it smooth but I thought I'd ask the experts.
Leave the glass smooth, and use the 3M adhesion promoter on both surfaces before you apply the tape. The 3M VHB (very high bond-strength) tape can be found in a ~0.020" thick version that will survive most temperature extremes.
BenB
HalfDork
7/25/23 3:03 p.m.
Thanks! Keeping the ABS smooth. I've also ordered the adhesion promoter.
Was the tape double coated (sticky both sides with a thin plastic layer in the middle to give structure) or a foam tape coated on both sides? My mind envisions that you want foam for this application 0.020 or 0.031" (20 or 31 mil) for a little give and temperature movement. VHB is the best and most costly candidate. Regular foam trim tape should be fine. ABS is pretty easy to stick to. Adhesion promoter won't hurt but is likely overkill. Just make sure both sides are clean. Smooth is better for double coated to maximize the contact area. Best practice will be to apply when the car can be kept in a garage for a couple of days to let the adhesive flow and build strength before being subjected to heat and wind.