VG Sharkfinn Antenna. Could not make a 100% Seal, gaps in tape

[Sportsguy83]

I bought and installed the VG Sharkfinn. I tried three different times to install it, every single time there were gaps in the tape and I could never made them disappear completely. First two times I followed instructions (clean, dry, measure, tape, test fit, remove tape, press front part for 1 minute, press back for 1 minute, all set and done).

The third time (determined to get it to work) I got on a ladder and put all the weight of my body into the VG Sharkfinn, I could NEVER make the gap disappear. This last time was the best one (in terms of amount of gap). It initially looked completely sealed but gaps would come back 4-5 days later.

I am not badmouthing them AT ALL. They are stand up guys, very friendly, with good customer service and they stood 10000% behind their product. They helped me all along the way and made things right with me at the end. They even shipped me different sharkfins to try. I just couldn't get it right (even put a small dent in the window frame trying to put so much force into the finn).

The Finn is awesome, extremely pretty, but I just could never get it to fit. Maybe I am too picky and wanted 100% seal on the tape, I know some people who have gaps in the tape and don't mind. I was concerned with water getting in there, especially since the gap was in the front.

Just wanted to share my experience with the community, knowledge is power.

[Wes]

Same here, I got the VG fin as well but the seal never seems complete, I had a gap if you look at the reflection of the paint, but I tried to push the fin down and then I tried to press down the foam for a seal, but lets see how it will be in the next few days. Another thing that happened would be the foam not flattening and they end up pinching on each other, hope it won't cause a problem.

How did you remove it and reinstall? Just blowdryer and taking it off? Would the adhesive still work as well? Just curious because I forgot to double check whether the screw was on tightly or not (I'm sure it should be) but just incase it comes off.

[DaJo]

I've order mine but have not got it yet.

I am hoping with the help of a blow dryer/heat gun and maybe installing it in the spring/summer season would help the adhesive stick better providing a better seal.

Someone please try this method and let us know if it works any better.


As for reception of these things; I know it's not a noticeable change in signal but have you guys thought of adding more copper wiring inside there for an even stronger reception?

[Cajun]

Mine didn't even come with instructions!!!!

[DGMBRZ]

My BeatSonic fit pretty well. And I'm OCD!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CircuitJerk]

How are you all cleaning the area?
I always strip any wax or protective sealants before applying body moldings or adhesive.
I use a product called prep-sol and then follow up with pure isopropyl (industrial/electronics grade) beforehand.
For me, best practice would be installing when ambient temps are 70f or above.
Not sure I want to use a focused heat method on a cold panel.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

I bought and installed the VG Sharkfinn. I tried three different times to install it, every single time there were gaps in the tape and I could never made them disappear completely. First two times I followed instructions (clean, dry, measure, tape, test fit, remove tape, press front part for 1 minute, press back for 1 minute, all set and done).

The third time (determined to get it to work) I got on a ladder and put all the weight of my body into the VG Sharkfinn, I could NEVER make the gap disappear. This last time was the best one (in terms of amount of gap). It initially looked completely sealed but gaps would come back 4-5 days later.

I am not badmouthing them AT ALL. They are stand up guys, very friendly, with good customer service and they stood 10000% behind their product. They helped me all along the way and made things right with me at the end. They even shipped me different sharkfins to try. I just couldn't get it right (even put a small dent in the window frame trying to put so much force into the finn).

The Finn is awesome, extremely pretty, but I just could never get it to fit. Maybe I am too picky and wanted 100% seal on the tape, I know some people who have gaps in the tape and don't mind. I was concerned with water getting in there, especially since the gap was in the front.

Just wanted to share my experience with the community, knowledge is power.

Be careful putting your weight on the roof, you could be denting it in slightly.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by DaJo

I've order mine but have not got it yet.

I am hoping with the help of a blow dryer/heat gun and maybe installing it in the spring/summer season would help the adhesive stick better providing a better seal.

Someone please try this method and let us know if it works any better.

I used a heat gun for the third/best install, it would still come off.

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

How are you all cleaning the area?
I always strip any wax or protective sealants before applying body moldings or adhesive.
I use a product called prep-sol and then follow up with pure isopropyl (industrial/electronics grade) beforehand.
For me, best practice would be installing when ambient temps are 70f or above.
Not sure I want to use a focused heat method on a cold panel.

I bought touchup paint from Dr Colorchip, and they offer an area prep solution which essentially cleans and dries the area. That's what I have used. It removes all wax and dries by itself (has some alcohol in it).

Originally Posted by Wes

Same here, I got the VG fin as well but the seal never seems complete, I had a gap if you look at the reflection of the paint, but I tried to push the fin down and then I tried to press down the foam for a seal, but lets see how it will be in the next few days. Another thing that happened would be the foam not flattening and they end up pinching on each other, hope it won't cause a problem.

How did you remove it and reinstall? Just blowdryer and taking it off? Would the adhesive still work as well? Just curious because I forgot to double check whether the screw was on tightly or not (I'm sure it should be) but just incase it comes off.

I saw the gap exactly as you, in the reflection of roof. You will need a new tape if you remove it to reinstall. There is a very good double sided outdoor/weatherproof tape sold by 3M.

I removed it two ways, one just using dental floss from the gap, and working around it. then for the glue still on the roof, used something like goo gone to remove it.

The other way, using a heat gun to make the glue easier to pull and slowly peeling away the excess glue on the roof.

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Be careful putting your weight on the roof, you could be denting it in slightly.

I agree with you 100% I don't recommend it to anyone. I won't do it anymore

[EBMCS03]

I just installed my VG Shark fin antenna right now. and I see what you guys are saying about the small gap in the front but I think its ok. I managed to seal it without a gap.

I did use a heat gun to warm the roof a little and then after i stuck it on i went around and warmed up the tape then pushed it down a little more.

[EBMCS03]

anyone have a pic of the gap so we can compare?

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by EBMCS03

anyone have a pic of the gap so we can compare?

Monitor the fin for the next days. My fin was all goo for about five days, but slowly it was coming out. For me it was like the shape of the fin did not work good with the roof curve. I always felt some force pulling the fin up. \

I have pics of the fin after first removal, showing the gap if you did not position the fin specifically where the BRZ base did not touch any part of it, but I did not take one of the gap.

[EBMCS03]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

Monitor the fin for the next days. My fin was all goo for about five days, but slowly it was coming out. For me it was like the shape of the fin did not work good with the roof curve. I always felt some force pulling the fin up. \

I have pics of the fin after first removal, showing the gap if you did not position the fin specifically where the BRZ base did not touch any part of it, but I did not take one of the gap.

I'll watch it for the next few days and report back if anything comes popping up.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Cajun

Mine didn't even come with instructions!!!!

They have instructions on the VG website, I discovered after I installed it.. LOL

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

How are you all cleaning the area?

Just used isopropyl alcohol after I wiped it down.

Originally Posted by EBMCS03

anyone have a pic of the gap so we can compare?

Here is the gap before


and after I used the hair dryer method..


I hope it stays this way and not lift.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by EBMCS03

I'll watch it for the next few days and report back if anything comes popping up.

Originally Posted by Wes

They have instructions on the VG website, I discovered after I installed it.. LOL



Just used isopropyl alcohol after I wiped it down.



Here is the gap before


I hope it stays this way and not lift.

I hope it does work out, it looks extremely good!