Bought some rear light trim rings from MX5 Parts for my 3.5 and i just cant get them to stick properly. They stick in places but you can see that its not 100%. MX5 Parts gave me some more tape but i still have the problem. I tried removing all the tape and used Halfords body tape, works fine on my number plates but useless on the lights. Ive wiped the lens with some alcohol stuff to make sure theyre cl;ean, thats where the problem lies, the tape sticks to the rings but doesnt seem to like the light lens, one tip ive been given is to get some “plastic promoter” whatever that is, anyone had the problem and found the cure ? Its def. the lights, ive not had the problem with all the other trims.
I’ve had no problem with mine, and I stuck them on in winter. They should stick like hell in this warm weather. I used the wipes that came with them to clean the lenses, stuck first time. Unless the Mk3.5 light units are a different contour and they are not matched to the trims they have sent.
That’s a good point, they appear to be correct, I’ll check it out with the supplier just in case there is a difference. I have found that you don’t always get the wipes with their stuff, so I bought a bottle of the alcohol, makes a change from j d [:-d]
This is really bugging me, I checked with MX5Parts and ive def. got the right trims, ive tried three different types of trim tape and it just will not stay on the lights. In desperation i got out my Tiger Seal, i thought bxxxxr it i wont be beat, up to now Tiger Seal has stuck everything ive used it on. I cleaned the lens with alcohol, dried them, and with them off the car I put the Tiger Seal all around the trim and made sure it was held down with masking tape and left them 24 hours. After 24 hours i removed the tape and installed them back on the car, beautiful, at last my trims are on ! Later in the day I thought ill just take a look, I didnt believe it, the trims were hanging off ! Here is a pic showing how the Tiger Seal had def. made contact but refused to stick to the lens.
Please, Please, can anyone come up with an answer ?
Has your car been subject to a ‘polymer coating’, or something similar? This gives the car a high gloss finish and nothing sticks to it… dirt, bird droppings, insects etc. It’s used mainly in marine applications and aircraft, but recently has been introduced to the automotive market.
This is the only thing I can think of that is preventing your trims from sticking. I’ve had these trims from MX5 Parts and have had no problems at all on my MK3.5.
Im the second owner, theres nothing in the paperwork to show that its been done,and from the way dirt etc. clings I dont think so, thanks for the tip. As a matter of interest if it has a coating of some description how do you remove it, so far i`ve wiped the lights with meths, alcohol and lastly thinners.
This is from the FAQ page for RejeX, one of the products I was referring to. Hope it helps.
Does RejeX need to be removed prior to painting? If so, how do I remove RejeX?
Paint doesn’t adhere well (or at all as the case may be) to RejeX, and as such will need to be removed if you want to repaint, touch-up rock dings, etc. RejeX will also need to be removed prior to applying protective automotive bras (they won’t stick either). The good news is that regular paint prep (sanding or polishing) removes RejeX. I personally use the Finesse-It and Perfect-It polishes by 3M, but any high quality, professional-grade polish (one that contains/leaves no wax residue) should suffice. RejeX was designed specifically to withstand harsh chemicals (like aircraft exhaust, road salts, acids, etc.), so cleaner chemicals – even strong solvents – won’t have much, if any, effect. Pretty much any chemical that’s aggressive enough to strip RejeX will also strip your paint.
Thanks for taking the time to check that out, ive not heard of that one, sounds like a good one to have though, i think ill mask off the area covered by the trim, off the car, and either wet & dry it or maybe use a compound. Beginning to wish i hadnt started this, but having put all the other bling bits on, they wont come off, i have to end it !!!
As I said earlier mine stuck on ok with the tape supplied.
I recently changed my side repeater lenses for clear and I needed to refix the chrome rings back on that surround them. They are proper chrome metal ones so I bought some of the tape from ebay as no local suppliers have any in stock. 6mm width, ideal for you light rings, my chrome metal rings are stuck good and proper with the tape.
Link to tape below
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281331551219?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Thanks Mick, I’ve ordered a roll, give it a go, so far everyone who bought the rings don’t appear to have had a problem but mine just will not stick, as you can see from previous post …
Another thing I would try is to use a hair dryer to heat the adheasive tape up prior to fitting, Something I have always done before applying chrome exterior trim.
Thanks Paul,yes i did try that, in fact i waited for the hottest day last week and tried, im waiting for a roll of tape that the o/p recommended to give that a try, its not just me ive had others try to stick them, im tempted to find another set of lights from a breaker !!!