Anyone use 3m tape for trim instead of clips on a square fender c-10

[chase@ridetech]

I run a small paint and restoration shop on the side and I am putting together a 73 C-10. This truck didn't come with a trim package but now my customer wants to add the side trim. I really don't want to drill the holes for the trim clips because I have most of the parts painted already and I fear that he may change his mind again after its installed. has anyone used a double-sided tape on the aluminum trim? Will it hold?

[hugger6933]

It ought to be fine. Most of the trim on the later trucks was held on by the double faced tape. So I wouldn't have a problem with it. Jim

[Smoothride]

I installed my lower moldings with 3m tape and it has held up for a year with no problems

[chase@ridetech]

Thanks for the replies, I may give it a shot and see how it holds up.

[hugger6933]

The only one that bolts on that I remember is the back corner pieces, and they are made of a different material. Jim

[MARTINSR]

One thing you want to do is make sure the mouldings are clean and use an adhesion promoter like this http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_11r90huyfr_b

If the paint is near fresh, don't use it on that as it will "bite" into it pretty good. Which is fine if it's ONLY where the moulding will be installed but if you drip some on the paint it will mark it.

But use a quality tape, there are different colors and qualities get a pro-grade one like this http://www.tcpglobal.com/MMM-6386.ht...A#.VUoxK_lViko

And also, a dab of window urethane at the ends is a good idea too depending on how big the moulding is. But a tiny dab of urethane will be added insurance.

Brian

[chase@ridetech]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

One thing you want to do is make sure the mouldings are clean and use an adhesion promoter like this http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_11r90huyfr_b

If the paint is near fresh, don't use it on that as it will "bite" into it pretty good. Which is fine if it's ONLY where the moulding will be installed but if you drip some on the paint it will mark it.

But use a quality tape, there are different colors and qualities get a pro-grade one like this http://www.tcpglobal.com/MMM-6386.ht...A#.VUoxK_lViko

And also, a dab of window urethane at the ends is a good idea too depending on how big the moulding is. But a tiny dab of urethane will be added insurance.

Brian

I appreciate the links and the input. It is all fairly fresh paint and the trim is new as well.
Thanks again!

[UKNOWME]

I'd like to know how well this works. We are about to install a complete molding kit on mine and I've wondered the exact same thing. When are you planning to try this?

[MARTINSR]

The hard part is if there is enough surface area on the moulding to put he tape. If it's a metal moulding with the slot for the "T" moulding clips to slide into, that leaves just the little strip of metal along the edge for the tape, that may not be enough.

Then the other issue, this is a biggie, the moulding has to perfectly fit against the body in it's entirety. And that's not easy with a metal (aluminum, stainless, what ever) because the studs or clips are what pulls it into place, twisting it, flexing it to fit.

If it doesn't fit perfectly you may be able to push it into place but it will be fighting to pull off every second of it's life after it's installed. It can very easily pull up away from the panel be damned how good it's taped on. The tape is foam, and it can pull apart with the moulding pulling away from the body.

So the fit of the moulding would be of upmost importance.

Brian

[chase@ridetech]

I think i am going to cut some aluminum to fit in the groove on the back of the trim so i can run tape the entire length. I am going to try to do a test run on a piece this weekend before i do the whole truck.

[Advanced Design]

That will be an interesting test Chase. If you can, please take pic's and let us know how it goes.

[UKNOWME]

Yes, please do!

[Dieselwrencher]

i'm interested to see your outcome as I had the same idea to put trim on my 76. I don't want to drill holes in the new sheet metal if I don't have to.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by chase@ridetech

I think i am going to cut some aluminum to fit in the groove on the back of the trim so i can run tape the entire length. I am going to try to do a test run on a piece this weekend before i do the whole truck.

How did it work?

[chase@ridetech]

Didn't make it to my shop this weekend... Luckily I remembered in time that it was mothers day I have a wedding out of town this coming weekend but hopefully I can come up with some time during the week.

I will post results hopefully sooner than later

[UKNOWME]

Any luck?

[UKNOWME]

We are using only double sided tape and a few extra screws like what came with the kit. Seems to be working great and looks just as good without all the headache.

[UKNOWME]

Finished product

[chase@ridetech]

Looks Great! I haven't been able to get back on my project, but I think I am going to do it the same way.

[UKNOWME]

Thanks

[_Ogre]

if you use double side tape for anything use the primer/adhesion promoter on all your surfaces
it really improves the grip and life span on the tape
most any body kit is held on with 3m grey double sided tape, they all come with adhesion promoter
we ship the packets with any tape on product

[FlameOut]

I bought a complete side moulding kit for my 72 and was surprised to see that it came with double sided tape. I wish I had opened the box before drilling my doors. I haven't installed itthough, so I hope the tape holds up

[buspilot23]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Finished product

Getting ready to do moldings on my '70 SWB. This thread is now over three years old. . . how are your moldings holding up/on to your metal UKNOWME? Still holding good? Thanks in advance!

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by buspilot23

Getting ready to do moldings on my '70 SWB. This thread is now over three years old. . . how are your moldings holding up/on to your metal UKNOWME? Still holding good? Thanks in advance!

Yes still holding good.

[buspilot23]

Thanks for the reply. I'll tape mine with confidence!