DJ Hellfire

I had a spoiler installed through one of my local dealers. I had them supply the part, paint it, and install. The reason I did this is because I didn't want to be liable for any paint defects, alignment issues, or peeling. The first one they installed was aligned perfectly but started peeling on the left side after a week and would not stay stuck when I pressed on it. So they ordered, painted and installed a second one. This one was good for almost 2 months. But now is peeling up in the middle and will not stick when I press on it. So now I how to take it back again. It's not something I can live with for besides the fact that it's ugly, debris gets lodged under it.

This is exactly why I paid the dealer premium price because I would be screwed if I installed it myself or had a local bodyshop do it and this happened. But what can I or the dealer do to keep this damn thing stuck to the trunk? I'm already waiting at least a week before washing the car when they install them.

First peel:





Second peel (now):

Airmousam

Damn, I got one from Taiwan for my past E350 for $70 painted and shipped. It peeled too.. Took it off and used heavy duty 3M tape and stayed on great...they obviously need to use a different tape this next time, or it's an easy DIY.

Alex.currie44

It is clearly a tape failure.
They won't fix it. You will have to do it yourself.
Try this:

http://www.gorillatough.com/gorilla-mounting-tape

scottmcdaniel1

i'm also willing to bet that they aren't prepping the application spot from the previous adhesive residue. we have replaced a couple, but once we apply the second one, it's not going anywhere. the trunk lid has to be prepped correctly with FULL removal of previous adhesive and cleaned before reapplying. honestly, i'm not a fan that they are applied with 3M tape (i would rather a bolt-in spoiler), but i guess that allows for easier replacing without leaving holes in the trunk lid...

unr1

Is the factory spoiler bolt or adhesive?

hyperion667

wow, that's just a sad day when MB techs can't even glue a spoiler on......take it back for a third try.......then tell them you'd rather have it taken off


it's like when Jerry returned the jacket out of spite


fwiw: same thing is happening on my 550

Arrie

Can you see which side the tape is failing? If it is on the trunk lid side then your dealer is not doing it correctly. If it is on the spoiler side then it is a defective part.

In any case, you paid premium for it so the dealer is to fix it.

I had an issue like yours and my dealer replaced the spoiler and it has stayed on. However I also had the rear window spoiler come loose at ends and this one I fixed myself with 3M tape. It has been fine. No worries to damage paint doing it as it glues on the window glass.

If they tell you they cannot do any better job ask them to remove it and return all of the money you paid for it. And don't go with their store credit, demand the money back as this is what will make them to try harder. No business want to return money...

You could also offer to buy the spoiler after removed for the cost you could buy one in eBay or somewhere else and then install it yourself using good tape. But don't let these "Best or nothing" people off too easily as if the spoiler tape fails on the trunk side your dealer service guy doing is not up to the task to do it correctly.

ph350

The dealer is not prepping your trunk correctly. The car has to be washed, and preferably surface contaminants should be removed with clay. Then wiped down again with water and dried. Apply 3m 94 primer to the surface of the trunk that will be in contact with the spoiler. Allow five to ten minutes for the primer to properly dry and apply the spoiler. The spoiler is probably coming up because air bubbles are present when the installer laid it down.

pamiboy

That sure sounds like shoddy workmanship by the dealer. I would expect the dealers to at least do a good job. Anyway Wishing you good luck with this one.

beejAMG

the double sided tape will peel off sooner or later especially if you wash your car often. ive put spoilers on a lot cars ive had in time and none peeled off unless i tried to. 3m double sided tape plus silicone glue. hold it down with a masking tape for at least overnight. wont move even if you try it even after a few years. tried removing it once with heat gun and peeled off very clean.

MBSebas87

if the third time doesn't work then use 3M VHB double sided tape and do it yourself!! OR have them use that tape lol

DJ Hellfire

With the extra double sided tape, does it look weird with the extra thick tape look? Any pics?

beejAMG

you can only apply one layer of double sided tape. you can cover the whole surface with tape but it wont get any "thicker" coz thats just one layer. no point really of putting double sided tape on top of each other. if anything you'll just weaken the hold. if thats what you meant.

DJ Hellfire

I mean thicker look in reference to adding more tape to what already comes on the spoiler. Doesn't make it look weird, like a big chunk of tape?

beejAMG

I always buy my spoilers on ebay. last spoiler came with a rolled double sided tape. I didnt use it since id rather use my own 3M double sided. I install the tape on the edges of the spoiler, my tape is narrow enough that I am able to install another layer. (side by side and NOT on top of each other) so it wont be any thicker.

now, to make it a BIT more permanent. I also put just enough silicone glue on it (just enough not to make a mess when pressed down with pressure) and held it down with masking tape overnight. its NOT permanent and you can easily remove it cleanly and without any damage to your paint should you wish to remove the spoiler. but itll hold better than double sided tape alone. your call mate.

DJ Hellfire

Cool. Thanks man!

Sgooter

Factory spoiler is adhesive.

unr1

Thanks.

g4benz

It seems my aftermarket trunk spoiler (installed by previous owner) "slips" off the adhesive when it's really warm out and under the hot sun. I have a feeling the heat melts the adhesive to an extent and causes "shifting" of the spoiler. On a cooler day, there's not as much slippage.

Cleanbenz

3M tape works best when you heat I t up with a hair dryer for a few seconds before bonding. If you do this then stick the spoiler on I promise it will not come off again.

ryson

After talking with 3M specialist, the better product to use is the 6397 tape (Automotive Acrylic Plus Attachment Tape). It has a faster bond time than 3614 that you may find at auto stores. O'Reilly auto parts has both available if you have trouble finding 6397. I was told the VHB was not meant for exterior auto use even though it may claim to have the strongest hold. $40 for a 30 ft roll.

http://3mcollision.com/3m-automotive...397-black.html

PeterUbers

Exactly

I used a heat gun to warm the hood nice and toasty after cleaning with Palmolive and rubbing alcohol ... The 3M heavy duty tape has worked just fine ... Home Depot

Did the same on my TL and no issues for 100k miles in all severe weather extremes of Chicago

fosterelli

I used 3M tape for my Asian spoiler (bought from JBSPEED on this forum)...I go through the car wash about once a week, then hand dry the car (I hate water spots). My spoiler has been on for a long time now, in Texas winter and heat...so lots of different temperature cycles. No issues so far, not one bit of tape fail / spoiler lifting. I used acetone to clean the trunk area first. Spent about 10 minutes installing the whole thing. Less than $100 total IIRC for painted matching spoiler, acetone, and 3M tape.