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In Reply to: Trunk Storage Unit coming loose. . . posted by Walt Allen on August 13, 2000 at 15:18:16:
There are several factors that may affect proper adhesion of the Z3 Trunk Organizer. When properly installed, it is nearly impossible to remove the Organizer without damaging or destroying the product. 3M states, when properly installed, the foam carrier between the two strips of adhesive will tear before the adhesive fails.
1. In most cases, adhesive failure is the result of insufficient surface preparation. The painted surface of the trunk lid must be thoroughly cleaned with the enclosed alcohol wipes and allowed to dry. In addition, all Organizers with a manufacture date of 9/99 and forward have a 3M adhesive promoter wipe included in the installation kit. This promoter prepares the painted surface for the 3M tape. This promoter also needs to be wiped on and allowed to dry.
2. The tape used to secure the Organizer is a pressure sensitive acrylic foam tape made by 3M. Pressure sensitive means, the harder you press on it, the better the adhesion. 3M uses a term called “wet out” to describe complete surface to surface contact with no air bubbles. If you saw the tape between two sheets of glass you would understand why they call it “wet out”. When installing the Organizer, place your hands inside the pockets and press firmly to adhere the tape as well as firmly pressing around the perimeter.
3. Installation temperature and humidity may also be a factor in adhesion. 3M recommends installation temperatures of between 70 Degrees F and 100 Degrees F (surface temperature) and relative humidity of 50% or less.
4. The backing on the organizer is thermoformed ABS plastic to match the contours of the trunk lid. Proper location and seating of the Organizer inside the trunk lid is critical to installation. If the alignment is off, not all of the adhesive will come into contact with the sheet metal, reducing the surface area of the adhesive. This also may play a role in failures.
5. If your Organizer has repeatedly come unattached, it is likely the adhesive has become contaminated with dust, dirt and moisture. If this is the case, we recommend either removing and replacing the tape or applying new tape on top of the old (the additional thickness will not be a problem). Additional tape and promoter kits are available from Saratoga Technologies directly at no charge. 1-888-593-1130 Reference BMW part number.
Saratoga Technologies, Inc. along with BMW Engineering and 3M Corporation have thoroughly tested the Organizer in a wide variety of conditions and have taken corrective action on all experienced failures. The above information is what we have learned regarding proper installation.
Bradley D. Eudy
Product Development Manager
Saratoga Technologies, Inc
Beudy@saratogatech.com
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