[retiredmarine]

Ok so I got my $88 spoiler from Ebay and I was concerned about proper installation as far as just tape, adhesive promoter, damaging paint, etc. I spoke to 3m today and got all my questions answered. I picked up some 3m auto molding tape at Wal-Mart instead of what they sent with the spoiler. The 3m rep said the following:

1) Use the adhesive promoter when attaching double sided tape to a plastic surface (i.e. under the spoiler). The plastic will leech plasticizers over time, which will break down the bond and the chemicals in the tape, and could weaken the grip.

2) Adhesive promoter IS NOT needed anywhere that the tape attaches to a metal surface. There is enough contact area and no chemicals to break down the bond if you prepare the surface by removing all contaminants (dish soap, alcohol).

3) Ideal installation temperature is 60-70 degrees. They do not see a need to use a hair dryer or do it out in the hot sun.

4) There is no "cure" time for the double sided tape. They said as soon as you apply pressure, the bond is pretty much set right away. No problems with putting pressure on it for a few minutes to assure it grabs, but no 12-24 cure time like some people were talking.

5) Adhesive promoter has the potential to damage a painted surface if removal was ever needed. If it is needed, they recommend general adhesive remover that they sell, along with fishing line to get under the tape.

I am not an expert, I am just relaying information that i received to hopefully help others that are confused, like I was about this process after reading all the different threads. This is what I'll be following when I install mine!!

[RW Carbon]

Thank you for sharing That is great information.

[dtn]

Good to know.

[Dippydo]

I believe I posted most of that in the blog under the 88 spoiler...LOL...

The adhesive accelerator is a must on the ABS part. For those that do not have it supplied I recommend wiping the plastic with Acetone and then alcohol. This is basically to remove the releasing agents used in plastic injection molding. I would still wipe down the plastic spoiler with Acetone and or alcohol before applying the accelerator. I would also wipe the paint with a 50/50 alcohol mix to remove wax.

I washed my car 10 minutes after putting the spoiler on. Its still stuck as tight as can be. LOL...

To make it easier to line up, put it in position where you want it and use masking tape to hold it down. Then slice the masking take leaving part on the car and part on the spoiler. That is your mating point.

[Don N.]

Good info. I've used adhesive promoter in the past with the 3M double sided tape just on my own accord, without knowing 3M suggested it too, haha. I can see if you used adhesive promoter and stuck it on paint, you may even peel the paint off during removal. That adhesive promoter is pretty strong stuff.

[335i_4D]

Had the dealer install it with the rest of the M Aero kit.
After a week, had a corner that didn't stick well, so went back.

They've removed the spoiler, cleaned everything up, then reinstalled it with better 3M tape.

Now soo much better, does sit well.

And the best part, didn't cost a thing.