Another A-SPEC question.

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Apr 2, 2006 | 01:59 PM

redrum4me

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Joined: Nov 2005

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Another A-SPEC question.

Has anyone installed the body kit when the temp is below 60??? The temp here is around 53 and I hope this isn't going to hurt the curring of the tape. Thanks

Apr 2, 2006 | 06:29 PM

CAHobbs

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From: East Bay, CA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrum4me

Has anyone installed the body kit when the temp is below 60??? The temp here is around 53 and I hope this isn't going to hurt the curring of the tape. Thanks

redrum4me, When my A-Spec kit was installed, the outside temp was mid 50s. the dealer used low power heat lamps to bring the body up to about 75degrees.

I believe the tape used is a 3M Acrylic double sided foam tape, if is so, this is what 3M recommends:

"Acrylic foam tape is not a "heat-cure system," but rather a "pressure-sensitive" system. Therefore, heat is not required to ensure the tape performs as intended. As stated earlier, adequate pressure is required. However, heating can be beneficial in terms of making the trim component more flexible, which improves wet-out. Heat will also aid in the viscoelastic flow or microscopic wet-out of the adhesive to build adhesion more quickly. It is recommended that part temperature be 60-110° F at time of application".

If the parts are install below recommended temp, the adhesive will not achieve the maximum bond to the bumpers and will lead to easy separation of the tape. If this happens, the tape will require replacing as once the bond is broken, contamination sets in.

If your going to install the kit yourself, try to find a garage where you can warm the temp up to at least 70 and leave the TL in until the bumpers are the same temperature, but don't use anything with an open flame.

Good luck!