3M VHb Tape and Exterior Wax

[D Davis]

Quick question, Shouldn't you remove any exterior wax from the fiberglass before applying the 3M vhb tape to exterior surface of trailer? If so what do you remove the wax with? I used the High Traffic Glossy Floor polish by Zinser on the Trailer. Not exciting topic but any response is appreciated.
Thanks

[Thomas G.]

I used an ammonia solution before I put on some decals and they stuck well. Perhaps the Zinser label has stripping recommendations.

[Darwin Maring]

I use rubbing alcohol.

[Laura & Rick]

This may be an overkill as the already given suggestion will work. But you can use a auto body wax & grease remover, such as PPG's Acryli-Clean, DX-330

[honda03842]

Our Scamp has Red Max on it and I did not remove the Red Max before installing our roof top solar panels. In two myears of travel there have not been any issues. I did wash the surface before applying the panels.

In retrospect removing the wax should cause no harm and should improve the bond.

[mary and bob]

Diane; what are you sticking on? My opinion I would remove the wax and I already have an automotive wax remover like Rick recommends.

[Francesca Knowles]

I'd be more concerned about how to remove the VHB tape down the road. My trailer had some contact paper stuck here and there on the fiberglass inside, and a few "stick-on" hooks. I STILL haven't gotten the residues of those off the fiberglass, and believe you me I've tried many different kinds of "glue removers" supposedly designed for the purpose!

I can't imagine how stout that "very high bond" stuff must be.

How does one go about removing that from fiberglass without pulling a layer of gelcoat off with it?

Francesca

[Thomas G.]

Fortunately the removal technique has been documented by 3M.

http://solutions.3m.com/3MContentRet...bute=ImageFile

[D Davis]

WOW you guys, Thanks to all of you! Such great comments! I am mainly going to install a solar Panel and a new longer Awning rail...so I think now cleaning the surface with a little of one of your suggested removers, beacuse the tape will have to carry weight. Especially the awning rail. Still not exactly sure how to use the tape for the solar panel but will find out am sure. Thank you all again

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by D Davis

...... Still not exactly sure how to use the tape for the solar panel but will find out am sure. Thank you all again

I like Ron's install idea. He used U shaped channel on its side. One side is taped to the FG, one side bolts to the solar panel frame. You could also use L shaped angle taped to the FG, then make attaching brackets to the panel from short pieces of L shaped material.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post356593

[D Davis]

I want to get the new windows in first, then the removal of the old solar panel. I bounce back and forth with my reading of these threads. I do remember Ron's solar install and yours Tom. I think Ron only used an L bracket taped to the top of the trailer but screwed it to the L with a short L bracket on the ends. Both great installs.
I hope I get that far... am anxious to get things done and hoping for Spring to come so we can get into the woods!

[Donna D.]

Diane, please let us know what you come up with for your solution.

As far as the VHb tape and wax, I kinda look at it like painting. It's all about prep. If spending 30 minutes more in prep makes the finished product last longer, etc... why not do it!

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

I'd be more concerned about how to remove the VHB tape down the road.

Francesca

At what point along the road would you like it to release?

baglo

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

At what point along the road would you like it to release?

baglo

That's a whole 'nother thing, Glenn!

I'm a "mechanical fastener"-type worrywart that wouldn't rely on any glue to hold something as heavy as an awning on the outside of a trailer/vehicle I'm draggin' down the road.

Francesca

[Glenn Baglo]

Point taken.

baglo

[Glenn Baglo]

There is nothing as powerful as flowing water and flowing air.

I shed a tear when I passed a tent trailer pulled over along the highway, with canvas and fibreglass trailing it. Apparently they hadn't latched the roof and the wind got under it, lifting it at about 60 mph.

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by D Davis

WOW you guys, Thanks to all of you! Such great comments! I am mainly going to install a solar Panel and a new longer Awning rail...so I think now cleaning the surface with a little of one of your suggested removers, because the tape will have to carry weight. Especially the awning rail. Still not exactly sure how to use the tape for the solar panel but will find out am sure. Thank you all again

I would surely not use the tape for an awning rail! I'm sure many of you know this but Rease at Escape Trailers does not use the tape anymore. He had one taped solar panel blow off and uses adhesive now. The adhesive he uses is not sold in small quantities. Since I am installing a second solar panel I plan to use GE5200 to glue mine on. That adhesive bonds to the gel-coat chemically so you only get one chance. I'll just check 10 times before doing it!

[D Davis]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Diane, please let us know what you come up with for your solution.

As far as the VHb tape and wax, I kinda look at it like painting. It's all about prep. If spending 30 minutes more in prep makes the finished product last longer, etc... why not do it!

I totally agree Donna! We shall see as the work has been put off still another weekend... Will let you guys know what I finally did when I do it. refer to my post in the "Chat Forum" today. HA!

[Francesca Knowles]

The thing about gluing things on the outside is that the bond depends on a layer of gelcoat, while mechanical fasteners use the fiberglass structure of the trailer. I just can't bring myself to trust that what amounts to a coat of "paint" will hold up.

Call me "too old to unlearn Murphy's Law"!

Francesca

[D Davis]

Francesca, lot to think about...am respectful, taking all responses in. Thanks for sharing your concerns. I want to put a longer awning on the trailer, the one that's there now was put on with screws and rivots. the holes do not match up to the new rail so just thinking about how to do it. I don't want a lot of new holes everywhere.
I may just cut two short pieces and add to the ends of the existing one.