458 Best way to install carbon fiber spoiler lip and side skirts? Foam body tape?

I purchased a 2014 Mercedes new and I wanted to add a rear window spoiler that mounts to the glass area. It was supplied with double sided tape and a pretty easy stick and go application. I needed to have it painted and took the piece to my favorite local body shop (who I trust and have all the faith in the world in) so I told the owner what I wanted to do. His first recommendation was to let them paint it and to do the installation as they have special adhesives not really available to the public and he told me that he had seen many spoilers put on by owners only to have them fly off on highways...... I believe he charged me $100 for the job and I also gave him a good bottle of wine to enjoy. Nice to have it put on and never have to worry about it again. (Just a side note but I also like to bring a box or two of donuts for the employees as they really do great work and the owner says they appreciate it).

I hope all goes well for you and that you get many years of enjoyment out of your mods!

Regards,
GG

 

These are aftermarket , right ? Why didnt the seller provide details. If the 458 is anything like the 488 GTB in build the side skirts have screws underneath the car . If you put those carbon bits they might be over the screws ?

Best to look under your 458 first IMO

 

Hi

Not sure what they used but I think they said it was used in mounting windshields (or something like that).
The spoiler was to stick on the glass so it all made sense.
I could stop by there sometime and ask for specifics but it might be a while before this happens. I might call them for a quicker response.
It was good stuff as it never was an issue in the 7 years we owned the car.
Not sure if it is a product available to the public or professionals only but this is something you can look into.

Regards,
Gene Greer

 

You can use 3M automotive tape with an adhesive promoter. Clean with 70% isopropyl alcohol prep with promoter and stick. Be carful as once that promoter and tape touch they really stick

Something like this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-06396-Adhesion-Promoter-Sponge-Applicator-2-5cc-Three-Packets-3-Pack-/352378088537?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0



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I would rather not. The correct way is with automotive double sided tape and a adhesive promoter. If done correctly it will not come off. You will need to use gut to cut through double sided tape to remove it one day.

 

I was never aware of the multi 3M double sided tapes available for multi purposes. Initial I bought the wrong 3M product. Before I proceeded I called my friend who owns a body shop who does high end cars- eg Ferrari, Mclaren, etc. He called his supplier and his selection for my purpose was 3M tape that was one of it's acrylic (2 different adhesive surfaces that gave good bonding on the painted surface (acrylic side) so if removal was necessary it wouldn't rip the body paint off, the other side was the most bonding which attached more firmly. The one I used took 72 hrs for max strength.

 

Take a look at 3M VHB (Very High Bond) double sided tape. You can get it from www.mcmaster.com. I use it for applications with dozens of telescopes and the tape has held for years in outdoor environments from Canada to Chile. The longer it is attached the stronger the bond. The stuff is tenacious if applied to a clean surface and allowed to bond for a few days before being placed in service. There are different types and sizes of VHB tape. I imagine 3M has one that is well suited to your application.

 

Cog: I used 3M Acrylic 06386 Double bonded tape for my project which was on my door seals. 3m has many different types of double bonding. Initially by mistake I was going to use VHB but was discouraged as I would have risked damaging the painted surface of the car. The acrylic has a bonding agent that is strong but comes off with less likelihood of stripping the paint off. So in my install I used the acrylic side to paint surface & the more durable side to the Al. seal. It was fairly easy to remove Ferrari OEM tape from the painted seal side, but had to really work to remove the dura side on the al side. I''m 99% I would have damaged paint had it been the other way around. You can call a paint supplier for direction choice or you can call 3M for direction. I know this acrylic is used for bonding like small spoilers etc acrylic on painted surface, the dura for metal or carbon the stronger side. Again please don't take my word,call the supplier or 3m.

 

I was finally able to speak with my friend and he told me about the product he used on my car. The adhesive he used was a product only available to professionals and uses specific tools to apply it. As it is for glass, using it on a painted surface would be something he wouldn't advise. The damage it would do to the paint would cause you a great deal of grief. As others have said, perhaps the correct double sided tape might be the ticket. I didn't know there were so many different tapes to chose from and the surface prep chemicals would also make sure it stays put. Sounds like you are well on your way to getting this project done and having your car suit your taste.
Best wishes,
Gene Greer