3M Tape in the Cold

rjd_F30 · 01-02-2021, 08:24 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Hey all, quick question. I recently picked up (i.e. was gifted for Christmas) a CF trunk spoiler that installs with 3M double-sided tape, as they all do. However, it doesn't get much warmer than 40°F in NJ this time of year, and I was cautioned against installing it in this weather as I was told the tape won't adhere properly. Cursory research on other forums was a mixed bag: some say it'll be fine, others say wait until the spring, wondering what the bimmerpost group has to say.

P.S. I do have a garage but not a heated one...

Thanks!
Ron

Billfitz · 01-02-2021, 08:30 AM

Wait until spring, or at least a warm day when you can put the car in the sun to warm up the sheet metal.

John in VA · 01-02-2021, 08:44 AM

I agree with Billfritz, & suggest using adhesion promoter:
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...1952368&rt=rud

rjd_F30 · 01-02-2021, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Wait until spring, or at least a warm day when you can put the car in the sun to warm up the sheet metal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

I agree with Billfritz, & suggest using adhesion promoter:
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...1952368&rt=rud

Thanks for the input, already got some adhesion promoter

What do we consider a warm day? Today's actually the warmest day we've had in a while... it's 50° and sunny right now and I've got nothing better to do.

BWbimmer · 01-02-2021, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd_F30

Thanks for the input, already got some adhesion promoter

What do we consider a warm day? Today's actually the warmest day we've had in a while... it's 50° and sunny right now and I've got nothing better to do.

I think we are taking about 20°C and above :-)

Get and clean up your fender liners if you haven't got anything better to do :-)

im_an_alien · 01-02-2021, 09:48 AM

Wait...a good installation is the key, otherwise you will be redoing, especially with tape.

BimR · 01-02-2021, 09:52 AM

You could take a heater to the metal for a while and then heat up the spoiler glue. Though it's probably best to wait for an 80F day....in May.

rjd_F30 · 01-02-2021, 10:02 AM

Dang, I guess I'll be waiting until spring then. Thanks for the input everyone!

tardboi · 01-02-2021, 10:35 AM

I did mine in cold weather last year. One tip slightly peeled early on, but it's barely visible. Went thru plenty of ice cycles and hasn't seemed to get any worse.

Billfitz · 01-02-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd_F30

. it's 50° and sunny right now and I've got nothing better to do.

After an hour in the sun your sheet metal will get up to at least 70°, so I'd go for it.

jcdub · 01-02-2021, 11:48 AM

Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat both the spoiler with the tape already applied. Also heat the trunk. It doesn't need to be hot. About 30-35 degrees Celsius. Then fit the spoiler in place and secure. Ensure that your wipe the spoiler and trunk with IPA or alcohol wipes to remove any polish wax residue before securing the spoiler in place

rjd_F30 · 01-02-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

After an hour in the sun your sheet metal will get up to at least 70°, so I'd go for it.

46° and Sunny on Monday... gonna go for it then. Also going to bring a hairdryer into the mix for reassurance.

Silverlining_m2 · 01-02-2021, 07:25 PM

I honestly did mine with the temps in mid 30's and over cast.

Windex then alcohol to clean the trunk lip. Heated up the tape while already on the spoiler, got it set right and stuck it on a corner. Pulled the tape covering as I slowly pressed it on. It is very secure. That warm tape/spoiler literally stuck like glue the second it made contact. In warmer weather when I did it on my 328i, there was more flexibility to kind of adjust it, before you press it all down.

When I say this stuck like glue, I mean that warm tape on cold trunk stuck IMMEDIATELY. I tried to pull up the first 2"-3" in an effort to back out and it was flexing the trunk metal so much, I worried about it crinkling. At that point I just went ahead and stuck it. Best part of all of it is I'm waiting for warmer weather to take it back off hahaha. Decided I'm not a fan on the f32

rjd_F30 · 01-02-2021, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f32spaceship

I honestly did mine with the temps in mid 30's and over cast.

Windex then alcohol to clean the trunk lip. Heated up the tape while already on the spoiler, got it set right and stuck it on a corner. Pulled the tape covering as I slowly pressed it on. It is very secure. That warm tape/spoiler literally stuck like glue the second it made contact. In warmer weather when I did it on my 328i, there was more flexibility to kind of adjust it, before you press it all down.

When I say this stuck like glue, I mean that warm tape on cold trunk stuck IMMEDIATELY. I tried to pull up the first 2"-3" in an effort to back out and it was flexing the trunk metal so much, I worried about it crinkling. At that point I just went ahead and stuck it. Best part of all of it is I'm waiting for warmer weather to take it back off hahaha. Decided I'm not a fan on the f32

That's a nice bit of reassurance. I'm just gonna do it the next 45°+ day and I'll heat both the spoiler and trunk with a hairdryer just to be extra safe.

BWbimmer · 01-03-2021, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd_F30

That's a nice bit of reassurance. I'm just gonna do it the next 45°+ day and I'll heat both the spoiler and trunk with a hairdryer just to be extra safe.

Good luck and don't rush it. It's a bit of a game to get the position right.

Will you show us the result?

BWbimmer · 01-03-2021, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f32spaceship

I honestly did mine with the temps in mid 30's and over cast.

Windex then alcohol to clean the trunk lip. Heated up the tape while already on the spoiler, got it set right and stuck it on a corner. Pulled the tape covering as I slowly pressed it on. It is very secure. That warm tape/spoiler literally stuck like glue the second it made contact. In warmer weather when I did it on my 328i, there was more flexibility to kind of adjust it, before you press it all down.

When I say this stuck like glue, I mean that warm tape on cold trunk stuck IMMEDIATELY. I tried to pull up the first 2"-3" in an effort to back out and it was flexing the trunk metal so much, I worried about it crinkling. At that point I just went ahead and stuck it. Best part of all of it is I'm waiting for warmer weather to take it back off hahaha. Decided I'm not a fan on the f32

Do you have some pictures from the rear? Your Garage doesn't show any.
Btw, What is "Suspension: 704 m suspension"

Silverlining_m2 · 01-03-2021, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWbimmer

Quote:

Originally Posted by f32spaceship

I honestly did mine with the temps in mid 30's and over cast.

Windex then alcohol to clean the trunk lip. Heated up the tape while already on the spoiler, got it set right and stuck it on a corner. Pulled the tape covering as I slowly pressed it on. It is very secure. That warm tape/spoiler literally stuck like glue the second it made contact. In warmer weather when I did it on my 328i, there was more flexibility to kind of adjust it, before you press it all down.

When I say this stuck like glue, I mean that warm tape on cold trunk stuck IMMEDIATELY. I tried to pull up the first 2"-3" in an effort to back out and it was flexing the trunk metal so much, I worried about it crinkling. At that point I just went ahead and stuck it. Best part of all of it is I'm waiting for warmer weather to take it back off hahaha. Decided I'm not a fan on the f32

Do you have some pictures from the rear? Your Garage doesn't show any.
Btw, What is "Suspension: 704 m suspension"

Wow I forgot about "my garage". I think thats still my old 328i lol. I probably worded it wrong when I made that, but 704 suspension is oem non adaptive sport suspension. And this is what my spoiler looks like.

rjd_F30 · 01-03-2021, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWbimmer

Good luck and don't rush it. It's a bit of a game to get the position right.

Will you show us the result?

Oh I won't, with how sticky 3M is you really only get one chance to get it right!

And I will certainly get some pictures posted up once it's installed

BWbimmer · 01-03-2021, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd_F30

Oh I won't, with how sticky 3M is you really only get one chance to get it right!

And I will certainly get some pictures posted up once it's installed

Maybe you want to be ready for a second go and get some spare tape? Just in case

rjd_F30 · 01-03-2021, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWbimmer

Maybe you want to be ready for a second go and get some spare tape? Just in case

Haha, Kies Motorsport on YouTube actually has a video showing a nice strategy of securing it in the correct place using painter's tape prior to applying the 3M. Seems pretty idiot-proof, but then again, I've proven before that there's no such thing. I do have plenty of extra anyway

BWbimmer · 01-03-2021, 02:12 PM

Yes, his videos are quite good. I followed his tricks too, although I used Betalink on my spoiler due to the fact of our higher speeds. I really don't want to loose this thing

rjd_F30 · 01-04-2021, 04:09 PM

As requested, some pics after install

I ended up leaving the car in the sun for a couple hours (about 45° out) then heating the trunk and tape as much as possible with a hairdryer. It feels really well secured, so to anyone worried about 3M in the cold, I'd say if you can get some sun and a bit of temp in the tape and metal with a heat gun/hairdryer, go for it. Pics (please forgive the dirty car):

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01-02-2021, 08:24 AM	#1
rjd_F30 Brigadier General 2000 Rep 3,679 Posts Drives: 2013 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	3M Tape in the Cold Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Hey all, quick question. I recently picked up (i.e. was gifted for Christmas) a CF trunk spoiler that installs with 3M double-sided tape, as they all do. However, it doesn't get much warmer than 40°F in NJ this time of year, and I was cautioned against installing it in this weather as I was told the tape won't adhere properly. Cursory research on other forums was a mixed bag: some say it'll be fine, others say wait until the spring, wondering what the bimmerpost group has to say. P.S. I do have a garage but not a heated one... Thanks! Ron __________________ Instagram: rjd_f30 \| Current: EBII 2013 335i 6MT RWD & Sprint Blue 2008 Audi RS4 \| Retired: 2013 328i, 2000 XTerra, 2022 Civic Si \|
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01-02-2021, 08:30 AM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Wait until spring, or at least a warm day when you can put the car in the sun to warm up the sheet metal.
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01-02-2021, 08:44 AM	#3
John in VA Colonel 985 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	I agree with Billfritz, & suggest using adhesion promoter: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...1952368&rt=rud __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
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01-02-2021, 09:48 AM	#6
im_an_alien Lieutenant Colonel 1127 Rep 1,508 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Florida/NH iTrader: (0)	Wait...a good installation is the key, otherwise you will be redoing, especially with tape.
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01-02-2021, 09:52 AM	#7
BimR Lieutenant 245 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2016 328 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	You could take a heater to the metal for a while and then heat up the spoiler glue. Though it's probably best to wait for an 80F day....in May.
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01-02-2021, 10:02 AM	#8
rjd_F30 Brigadier General 2000 Rep 3,679 Posts Drives: 2013 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Dang, I guess I'll be waiting until spring then. Thanks for the input everyone! __________________ Instagram: rjd_f30 \| Current: EBII 2013 335i 6MT RWD & Sprint Blue 2008 Audi RS4 \| Retired: 2013 328i, 2000 XTerra, 2022 Civic Si \|
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01-02-2021, 10:35 AM	#9
tardboi First Lieutenant 83 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 335i xDrive MSport Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (1)	I did mine in cold weather last year. One tip slightly peeled early on, but it's barely visible. Went thru plenty of ice cycles and hasn't seemed to get any worse.
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01-02-2021, 11:48 AM	#11
jcdub Lieutenant 202 Rep 584 Posts Drives: 330e M Sport Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat both the spoiler with the tape already applied. Also heat the trunk. It doesn't need to be hot. About 30-35 degrees Celsius. Then fit the spoiler in place and secure. Ensure that your wipe the spoiler and trunk with IPA or alcohol wipes to remove any polish wax residue before securing the spoiler in place
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01-02-2021, 07:25 PM	#13
Silverlining_m2 Major 1732 Rep 1,236 Posts Drives: 2023 M2, 2024 m235i Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I honestly did mine with the temps in mid 30's and over cast. Windex then alcohol to clean the trunk lip. Heated up the tape while already on the spoiler, got it set right and stuck it on a corner. Pulled the tape covering as I slowly pressed it on. It is very secure. That warm tape/spoiler literally stuck like glue the second it made contact. In warmer weather when I did it on my 328i, there was more flexibility to kind of adjust it, before you press it all down. When I say this stuck like glue, I mean that warm tape on cold trunk stuck IMMEDIATELY. I tried to pull up the first 2"-3" in an effort to back out and it was flexing the trunk metal so much, I worried about it crinkling. At that point I just went ahead and stuck it. Best part of all of it is I'm waiting for warmer weather to take it back off hahaha. Decided I'm not a fan on the f32 __________________ 2023 M2. ZB. Manual. 2024 m235i
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01-03-2021, 02:12 PM	#21
BWbimmer Captain 277 Rep 833 Posts Drives: BMW F36, E36, E93 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 08/2017 440i GC MPPSK [0.00]	Yes, his videos are quite good. I followed his tricks too, although I used Betalink on my spoiler due to the fact of our higher speeds. I really don't want to loose this thing __________________ Such Fun If you finde any spelling mistakes in my posts you may keep them, no return required
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01-04-2021, 04:09 PM	#22
rjd_F30 Brigadier General 2000 Rep 3,679 Posts Drives: 2013 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	As requested, some pics after install I ended up leaving the car in the sun for a couple hours (about 45° out) then heating the trunk and tape as much as possible with a hairdryer. It feels really well secured, so to anyone worried about 3M in the cold, I'd say if you can get some sun and a bit of temp in the tape and metal with a heat gun/hairdryer, go for it. Pics (please forgive the dirty car): __________________ Instagram: rjd_f30 \| Current: EBII 2013 335i 6MT RWD & Sprint Blue 2008 Audi RS4 \| Retired: 2013 328i, 2000 XTerra, 2022 Civic Si \|
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