ZCP Spoiler install with 3M Tape Q

[Cybertronic]

For those of you that installed the CF rear spoiler with 3M tape, and dont have any gap issues... What thickness of the tape did you use? And did you go all the way to the edges?
Thanks.

[Grail05]

the 3m tape only have one kind. most people use the betalink well actually dealer is required to use betalink but 3m tape should hold it without too much gap...

if your thinking of changing the lip or you think you are going to get bored... use the 3m... betalink is a pain to remove.

[chris s]

Not exactly true Sean... You can find 3M automotive tape on Amazon in both 1/4 and 1/2 inch varieties. It comes with a red backing.

I used both....the 1/4 inch is better suited for some areas of the lip, and the 1/2 is better in some. If it's applied close to the edges, there should be no gaps!

[Grail05]

Originally Posted by chris s

Not exactly true Sean... You can find 3M automotive tape on Amazon in both 1/4 and 1/2 inch varieties. It comes with a red backing.

I used both....the 1/4 inch is better suited for some areas of the lip, and the 1/2 is better in some. If it's applied close to the edges, there should be no gaps!

OIC never knew. I have gone to so many store and the only thing i found was 1 style of thickness of the tape. which i believe is .45 mill thick...

although i just browsed 3M's website i guess they have .25 mill thick.. but the one i see on the website are just semi adhesive. the one that automotive sells are the firm adhesive.

EDIT: ill check amazon... i hope this is the firm version... looks like they have several version of 3M tape that have the red backing

[F82_SID]

I dont know about anybody else but I intended to install my Performance spoiler with 3M tape but once I looked at it, I realized that there was no way that was going to work. The contact area on the spoiler is so small and thin plus the spoiler is so high and creates significant drag/downforce that I dont see how in the world the tape would work. So, I just used the Betalink and I am glad I did! It looks great and is VERY sturdy. Yes it is permanent but IMO it is the only way to go with the performance spoiler.

[Jbook]

I installed mine very easily with 3M tape. I used the wider 3M for the middle part and the thinner 3M for the sides. There are absolutely no gaps on mine and it probably took 10 minutes to complete the installation. It has been on for a few months now and is still holding strong. See pics in my garage.

[Brucewonder]

i used betalink on mine, fitment/install is flawless

[SIIK2NR]

I did threads on this....... YES you can use 3M tape. At first I thought the same thing that the contact area was too small but you have to put it all the way up to the edge on the front of the spoiler. The part that contacts the back edge of the trunk you have to attach the tape where it is notched.

3M has no gap. I recommend tape over Beta link anyday, everyday.

[Cybertronic]

Thanks for the drawing, that makes it very clear. (I did search for this before posting, but didn't find something this exactl)
My original question still hasn't been answered however.
What thickness (not width) tape did you use? And where did you get it?
Thanks

[Grail05]

Originally Posted by Cybertronic

Thanks for the drawing, that makes it very clear. (I did search for this before posting, but didn't find something this exactl)
My original question still hasn't been answered however.
What thickness (not width) tape did you use? And where did you get it?
Thanks

i can guarantee you that almost everyone got the same thickness of the 3m tape.... i know this cause 99% of autoparts store only carry one type...

like mentioned above i browsed 3m website and they only have a semi adhesive tape with red backing on it and you need a firm one which is only available in one kind. maybe you can call 3M to confirm but like i said the regular 3m red backing tape will just do fine.

Ill post the picture of what im talking about in about 2 hours.

[Jbook]

I went to OSH and bought just standard 3M tape. I used half inch width for the middle and quarter inch for the sides. You can also just cut the 1/2 inch width in half when you do the sides. I'm not sure what thickness it was, but I honestly only saw one thickness when I was there. GL

[SIIK2NR]

One thickness...... 3M ONLY....DO NOT USE SCOTCH Brand!!!

Width can be 1/2 or 1/4 inch For the spoiler, 1/4 is ok. But for the front lip or diffuser, absolutely use 1/2 inch.

[chris s]

Originally Posted by Cybertronic

Thanks for the drawing, that makes it very clear. (I did search for this before posting, but didn't find something this exactl)
My original question still hasn't been answered however.
What thickness (not width) tape did you use? And where did you get it?
Thanks

There's only ONE thickness...what's more important IS the width...and 1/2 and 1/4 work well.

[nusevad]

make sure you clean your trunk and spoiler throughly before install, any dirt/grim/grease/etc that is left on there will compromise the tape and lead to early failure.

[frankzlin79]

There is no indication on my 3M tape packaging what the thickness is. But I do have the part numbers of both sizes of tape I used in my DIY that I wrote today:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...83#post9893383

[roy@acuteperformance]

Everyone posted some good suggestions. I might also add that it helps to make sure you stretch the tape out while you're putting it on so it gets a little thinner and helps minimize the possibility of there being any gaps.

[SIIK2NR]

Originally Posted by roy@acuteperformance

Everyone posted some good suggestions. I might also add that it helps to make sure you stretch the tape out while you're putting it on so it gets a little thinner and helps minimize the possibility of there being any gaps.

I do not recommend this at all. I've worked with this tape for years and have tried this technique. Mostly to save tape by stretching it. The result is always bad install do to the tape fighting to stretch back. As it does this it loses contact with whatever it was adhered to.

I always make sure to NOT stretch the tape and to apply it on "relaxed" as possible.