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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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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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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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_jdfy17y wrote

Replying to Archaris (#2,327,658)

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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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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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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gregorypatterson1225 t1_jdhml0p wrote

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

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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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