GLE43 spoiler fell off

[salis]

Hi guys, my stock GLE43 spoiler fell off a few months ago and I'm now trying to find a way to replace it. The issue is I was able to clean the glue from the car but it's very difficult to remove it from the spoiler. I guess if I put 3M VHB tape without cleaning the old glue from the spoiler it won't hold properly? I was thinking of putting some glue or primer between the spoiler and the 3M VHB tape - would that work?

Separately, what kind of tape have you guys used to reattach a spoiler? I was only able to get a 19mm wide 3M VHB tape but it's double the width I need (photos below). And even the upper and lower surfaces of the spoiler have different widths - the lower one is super narrow, what should I use there?

And the biggest question - I guess any tape should only be on the flat surface and not on the plastic vertical "gills" marked in red? Not sure what the purpose of those plastic gills is but if tape is supposed to go only on the flat surface without touching the gills it will be a super narrow surface..

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 126251]

Presumably not still under warranty?

Are you sure it was factory fitted? It is hard to believe that a factory fitted spoiler would "fall off".

Try IPA to remove the glue.

I used 3M VHB (9mm) to fix mine on.

It (spoiler) was ex the MB seconds shop in Germany and the factory tape had been damaged in a few places so I removed it all. I applied VHB directly to the (very clean) spoiler. Looking at the photos the previous tape was between the “gills” and edge of the spoiler so that it how it should be. Get narrower tape and it should not be too thick.

Not all the 3M VHB is the same, there are different grades / applications so make sure it is suitable for automotive use and read the instructions on how to use it - you need to keep some pressure on for a while etc. There is quite a lot of information somewhere on the 3M sites or one of their distributors sites.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Try Ambersil label remover to get rid of the old glue. I have used it with great results.

 

[DSM10000]

Ask a local Body shop. I am sure that they will have the answers

 

[Doodle]

I use 3M Solvent No.1 or No.2 (yes, that is really what they're called!) depending on the type of adhesive. They're evil stuff though, absolutely do not use in a confined space.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Dremel with a drum sander bit, or a little grinding stone.

Tigerseal to reattach.

 

[Jobsworth]

Dremel with a drum sander bit, or a little grinding stone.

Tigerseal to reattach.

A man after my own heart! If there is ever a need to reattach poo to a blanket, Tiger Seal is your go-to. Don’t get it on your fingers!

 

[salis]

Thanks guys.
What about the reattachment of the spoiler - should the 3M tape go over those vertical "gills"? Even a 9mm tape is quite wide and will go over the gills. Has anyone seen how a factory spoiler looks like, i.e. if the tape is glued on to the gills too?

 

[salis]

Presumably not still under warranty?

Are you sure it was factory fitted? It is hard to believe that a factory fitted spoiler would "fall off".

Try IPA to remove the glue.

I used 3M VHB (9mm) to fix mine on.

It (spoiler) was ex the MB seconds shop in Germany and the factory tape had been damaged in a few places so I removed it all. I applied VHB directly to the (very clean) spoiler. Looking at the photos the previous tape was between the “gills” and edge of the spoiler so that it how it should be. Get narrower tape and it should not be too thick.

Not all the 3M VHB is the same, there are different grades / applications so make sure it is suitable for automotive use and read the instructions on how to use it - you need to keep some pressure on for a while etc. There is quite a lot of information somewhere on the 3M sites or one of their distributors sites.

Many thanks for this!

Do you know if your spoiler had the tape over the horizontal gills, i.e. are these gills made so tape should be glued on top of them?

 

[Deleted member 126251]

Many thanks for this!

Do you know if your spoiler had the tape over the horizontal gills, i.e. are these gills made so tape should be glued on top of them?

It’s been a few years since I did mine so I don’t know. I’d place the tape in the same place the previous tape was. I cannot see those ridges improving adhesion.

 

[salis]

Yeah, I just have no idea if the original tape was placed over the ridges if not, the area covered would have been too narrow, it's just weird placing the tape over the ridges..

 

[Deleted member 126251]

Yeah, I just have no idea if the original tape was placed over the ridges if not, the area covered would have been too narrow, it's just weird placing the tape over the ridges..

As mentioned, the tape holding mine on is only 9mm wide but it was placed wherever it would contact the body work - not only around the edges.

 

[Gnasher141]

The body shops use a Caramel Wheel in a drill to remove decals and double sided tape from painted panels. You can get the for a few quid on EBay or Amazon. Just be careful not to burn the paint.