adhesive advice needed

smiley · Dec 2, 2012

I'm going to enclose my tractor Max, using clear vinyl sheeting except for a glass windshield. I already have a full cage and want to glue velcro to the painted metal frame and to the vinyl sheeting. Can also sew the velcro to the vinyl if necessary. The rolls of velcro have what appears to be heavy nylon backer. I've looked at construction grade adhesives such as locktite power grab and outdoor carpet adhesives but not sure what will be best.
With the wealth of knowledge in this group, I'm sure that someone must know the best way to do it.
thanks,
Smiley

SPYDERLK · Dec 2, 2012

Double sided tape is most convenient for attaching to the painted metal. There are rolls of Velcro that have this already applied. Can you return that side.? Find a like product backed with a 3M VHB [VeryHighBond] tape suited to the subject surface ... you could inquire about a vinyl grab product as well. Apply it clean and warm, press it into place well, and give it several days warm and NOT loaded to develop the optimum bond. Easy and good. :thumbsup:
larry

smiley · Dec 2, 2012

I ordered the self adhesive but they shipped the regular. Hard to return to Hong Kong. They said it was mis-priced and shipped more rolls free but it also was non stick. Several days of warm is not an option in Upstate NY in Dec. I also looked at the outdoor carpet adhesives that seem to be a good option. I have tried to take them up and the backer comes off, then you scrape the remainder.
Thanks,
Smiley

ray66v · Dec 2, 2012

I agree, automotive grade, double sided tape will hold anything.

smiley · Dec 2, 2012

In researching this tonight, It looks like temperature is a a major factor with all the adhesives and the double tape may be the only solution. Guess I should have got busy on it earlier in the year.

SPYDERLK · Dec 2, 2012

smiley said:
I ordered the self adhesive but they shipped the regular. Hard to return to Hong Kong. They said it was mis-priced and shipped more rolls free but it also was non stick. Several days of warm is not an option in Upstate NY in Dec. I also looked at the outdoor carpet adhesives that seem to be a good option. I have tried to take them up and the backer comes off, then you scrape the remainder.
Thanks,
Smiley

Youre in a lose lose situation. I suggest you have the credit card charge the supplier back and refund your money. Then deal with 3M. You will have trouble applying any adhesive in the cold for good results. Find a way to get the surface to 70+ before applying at least. No friends with a garage? Partially enclosed space and torpedo heater? Tent the tractor and feed warmed air ...
larry

smiley · Dec 2, 2012

Nobody close by with a 10 ft door. Tent possibly, or maybe I'll go back to the original plan and fasten it to furring strip frames and screw them up.

ray66v · Dec 2, 2012

You definitely need heat, and hand pressure for the adhesive on the tape to stick well.

I often had to apply moldings to frozen vehicles. A heat gun works well for this, and there are cheap Chinese ones now if you don't have one.

An infrared heater is also a good option.

smiley · Dec 3, 2012

We got a break in the weather so going to try it today. Supposed to go to 50 today and stay in the 40's overnight so will tent it this morning with an electric heater inside to warm it up while I go get the glue. After studying it out I think Liquid Nails Polyurethane or Loctite power grab will be about what I need.