Help with Adhesive Tape

[lutzms]

Don't know if this is the best place for this or not. I was washing my PT Cruiser this weekend, when I noticed that the adhesive tape that holds the wheel well covers and part of the front bumper trim is wearing out/pulling off. I went and got 3m tape from the local parts store, but it is no where near as thin as the stuff on the OEM parts, and doesn't have enough strength to hold the pieces in place. Where can I get this thin tape that is super strong??? I made sure both sufaces were clean and dry, and I put a rubber clamp over the pieces for about 5 hours so everything could setup. Still, it pulled apart. I tossed the package that I had, but the I used was the thinnest stuff you can get at AutoPlus. Any suggestions would be great!

[Diesel1]

WOW, I have never heard of 3M double stick not being strong enough. As long as the area is properly cleaned (Plenty of alcohol wipes), I have never had any issues. I do see how it can be too thick though. Did you use the "exterior" tape (black foam tape with red removable backing)? The white tape with white and green backing is for indoor use.

I have seen thinner (basically almost as thin as scotch tape) at autobody supply places that are specifically used for mouldings etc. This should do it for ya! Be sure the area is well cleaned and all waxes, dressings, dirt, grime etc is removed. Soap and water will not get it clean enough. It also helps to heat the area a bit with a hair dryer or leave it in the sun.

[lutzms]

Ya, the stuff I used was the black tape with the red backing. It wasn't anywhere near strong enough, which suprised me. To clean it I did the following...maybe one of these steps is causing problems:

*Wash with warm water with a little big of dawn mixed in
*Towel dry with microfiber, then let it air dry for about 30 minutes
*Wipe down with alcohol wipe, then let air dry
*Apply tape (avoiding toucing the sticky part or the surface it's going on)
*Let set with clamp in place

I'll check out AutoZone tonight and see if I can find anything different. Hopefully they'll have something that will work for me