Fang Decal

Hi!

I recently purchased a fang decal. it did not come with any adhesive or glue. What's the best way to ensure that it sticks to my truck and doesn't come off when it rains or when I run it through a car wash? Should I get a special 3M tape or should I buy a specific glue?

 

Is this what you're talking about?? Photos of said decal would help. And, if it's a decal, doesn't it come with it's own adhesive?

 

Hey OP,
I got fang decals as well.
But they were decals with adhesive, isn't that kinda the definition of a decal, like a sticker.
If it's not sticky, I feel like it would stick to windows but not a plastic bumper cover. I would try to return, instead of trying to stick 3M on it.
Goodluck

 

Oh, and welcome here!

 

I got them for Christmas and they just came in a box with no adhesive.

 

Interesting, perhaps it says in the fine print that they're not sticky.
Surely you could do your own adhesive of your choice.
I probably wouldn't, but those look good. I understand there's prolly multiple reasons you want to just make them work, right

 

Yes, if I can make them work, I'd rather do that.

 

What's the backside look like?

 

The back is just a piece of flat plastic

 

If you're planning on putting this on, and leaving them on forever just put a few dabs of Gorilla Glue on the back and stick them on your 4Runner. Done.

 

I do plan on leaving them on forever. I know there are many types of Gorilla Glue, does it matter which one?

 

were any instructions in the box‍♂️

 

No, but it's pretty self explanatory? I'm just surprised it didn't come with adhesive.

 

Yeah, use the one with the Gorilla logo on the tube.

 

This may help.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-glues-for-rubber/

 

3M VHB is what you seek

 

Mine came W/Peel off to reveal double face tape. Just get a roll of double face tape & cut to fit.

 

i would carefully inspect that plastic backing you refer to as it might actually peel off. I have had some decals that were very difficult to see how to get the stuff covering the adhesive off. Had to get a magnifying glass and tweezers to see where I could pull on the covering.

 

I would think there would have to be a backing that peels off.

 

VHB or any double sided tape could work, as long as the mastic (the actual sticky part) layer is more than 0.010” thick. Sorry to say, those ‘decals’ are not the best 3D printed models…the smooth ‘backsides’ have deep enough imperfections that any tape will be sticking to an almost sponge-like surface texture…and will fail over time.

FYI, tapes like VHB were developed more for for use on smooth (like paint, finished metal/plastic/glass), well prepared (clean) surfaces…3M also sells a primer/tape combo that when used as directed has a bondline strength that rivals just about any epoxy adhesive out there…it crazy what they developed in this product line.

Personally, I would lightly sand the backside of those parts, clean/wipe with isopropyl and give them a shot of clear enamel to provide a smooth finish for tape to adhere to.

Or stick them on with a ‘flexible’ epoxy, Stay away from 5-minute, 10-15 minute types as those types are not flexible enough to withstand temperature induced problems with adhesion.

What has worked for me in the past is a product called Flex Glue for things I’ve put together that are exposed to the sun and elements. It’s a rubberized adhesive that dispenses like caulk (it’s fairly thick/viscous) spreads like margarine and makes a mess if you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing (envision a toddler with hands in a jar of peanut butter). The only downside is it’s a slow curing adhesive, like more than a day in wintertime temperatures.

 

3M 1357 Hi-Performance Adhesive contact!!

 

Thank you everyone for all of the advice!

 

Send some pics when you get them installed. I have the basic vinyl "fang" decals, but have been interested in these 3d printed ones that match the material of the foglight bezel.

 

I def will!

 

I had basic vinyl on my 2018 Liked them. Put them on my 2023 but got a slight wave in the end on Pax side. Bought 3D except I couldn't get all the vinyl off & 3 D's are smaller Only did Pax side. When it warms up I'm taking the 3D off & reinstalling the vinyl.