Adhesive to attach a rear dash cam?

Submitted by luckysevensampson t3_1200045 in DIY

I recently installed dual dash cams in my car. The rear camera came with a choice of an adhesive sticker or screws. I used the sticker to attach it to the panel just above the rear window, but it won’t hold. I haven’t tried to stick it on the window, because I’m pretty sure that would mean it would be angled too far downward. I really don’t want to poke holes in the panel to mount it. Is there a good adhesive I can use that will hold it onto a textured panel without damaging the plastic? Thanks in advance.

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q_t_puella t1_jdf1d9n wrote

as long as the pannel isnt covered in any kind of fabric id suggest VHB tape it works for everything

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luckysevensampson OP t1_jdfc7jh wrote

Thank you! I’ve just looked it up. Sounds like exactly what I need, and it’s easy to remove as well. Cheers.

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54fighting t1_jdgda5e wrote

I’m using VHB to attach a new acrylic backboard to a metal frame. I believe VHB was used in the original application. There was nothing easy about removing the old tape and residue.

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luckysevensampson OP t1_jdgld4z wrote

I just read that Goo gone or WD-40 will do it. I guess I’ll find out one day.

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54fighting t1_jdhp4ws wrote

Used both and steel wool and an orbital sander with 40 grit. 3M makes a removal product and has a video (I’m still seeing residue in the video), but that bond seems subatomic.

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11teenthousand t1_jdg8mcj wrote

Alien tape. Kid you not, it works nice. Use it to secure my dash cam to windshield, my three port 12v outlet extension to my center console. It's good stuff. Won't leave residue like 3m crap. That's the worst to get off. Try it out (alien tape). Comes in usually 3 big rolls.

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gregorypatterson1225 t1_jdhml0p wrote

3M VHB tape or clear silicone. VHB can pull paint when removed but silicone wont.

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Valuable-Lessons t1_jdfjojo wrote

I think you should try using a double sided adhesive tape. It's strong enough to hold the camera securely, and you won't need to worry about it coming loose. I had the same issue installing a rear dash cam in my car, and the double sided tape did the trick. Hope that helps!

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luckysevensampson OP t1_jdfy4qs wrote

Thanks! Yes, someone mentioned VHB tape, and I’ve already ordered it. Cheers.

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wkarraker t1_jdfn76f wrote

Look for 3M VHB (very high bond) tape. It’s used to adhere trim pieces to car doors and fenders. Make sure the surface is super clean and warm to the touch before you apply the tape, a cold surface can inhibit the adhesive properties.

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luckysevensampson OP t1_jdfy9bl wrote

Thanks, especially for the temperature tip. Someone else also recommended VHB tape, so I’ve ordered some.

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Usefulnotuseless t1_jdgsyes wrote

If you do use adhesive tape on a textured panel, I would try to smooth out the taped area surface with a sanding disc, very carefully. Assuming this is a permanent setup you can grind off the top texture of the plastic for a better bond.

If you’re using 3M double face tape (3257) you can IPA wipe or pre-prime with primer (check the 3M website).

Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any oil or residue for the best bonding, no matter what you decide to use.

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InEnduringGrowStrong t1_jdh5vwl wrote

If VHB tape doesn't work, E6000 glue is another magical item, but takes 24h to cure.

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Archaris t1_jdfiibl wrote

when you say "attach to the panel above the rear window" you mean... the fabric covered headliner?!

VHB tape is provided with just about every aftermarket electronic I've ever used, it's used for factory mounting too. But NO amount of stickytape is going to work on fabric.

Dash cams are designed to be adjusted so they can install on any window... buying one that can't do that sounds super sketchy. If it's so cheap you can't mount to your window, and it can't adjust to your window slope: how do you expect to be able to use any film captured off of it?

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luckysevensampson OP t1_jdfy17y wrote

No, I mean the plastic panel that covers the access to the wiper motor. I’ve run the cable through the rubber conduit that covers the wires through the hinge of the door and then out from under the cover panel. Yes, the camera is adjustable, but I don’t think it can be tilted enough if it’s attached directly to the window, due to how vertical my rear window is. It may be “good enough”, but I want it to see up a bit higher than it would allow being mounted directly to the window. It did come with a double sided piece of adhesive tape, but the tape is crap quality and doesn’t stick well. The cameras themselves work great.

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NE_Pats_Fan t1_jdi6a97 wrote

I had the same issue. They won’t stick for long on the plastic trim. You need to mount it on the glass or buy more aggressive double sided tape.

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