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

[CircuitJerk]

Okay, I see what's going on now. Looks like the adhesive strip is a little sketchy. Upon closer inspection I have a nice little dent in the adhesive strip where the foam is compressed. It's as if the sheet of adhesive was bent and creased right there.
Could have been something resting on it during the shipping process to our vendor too.
I tried applying some heat in an effort to see if it would come back.
A whole lotta nope...

[Wes]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

Okay, I see what's going on now. Looks like the adhesive strip is a little sketchy. Upon closer inspection I have a nice little dent in the adhesive strip where the foam is compressed. It's as if the sheet of adhesive was bent and creased right there.
Could have been something resting on it during the shipping process to our vendor too.
I tried applying some heat in an effort to see if it would come back.
A whole lotta nope...

Yeah with the backing still on, I don't think it will do much, if anything maybe after you peel the backing, peel from the ridges then apply some heat with a blowdryer then, still a chance it may expand. But a difference is made with a hairdryer when applying.

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by Wes

Yeah with the backing still on, I don't think it will do much, if anything maybe after you peel the backing, peel from the ridges then apply some heat with a blowdryer then, still a chance it may expand. But a difference is made with a hairdryer when applying.

Thanks,
I did peel the backing. I will hit it again during the install.
I'm even thinking of cutting a whole new one. I can always order some or visit my local vinyl shop.
I want to trim it back so its flush or slightly tucked, but I know I'll probably butcher it. LOL

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

Thanks,
I did peel the backing. I will hit it again during the install.
I'm even thinking of cutting a whole new one. I can always order some or visit my local vinyl shop.
I want to trim it back so its flush or slightly tucked, but I know I'll probably butcher it. LOL

If I can give you advice, go to your local vinyl shop and get a thicker double sided foam tape (as long as they sell quality, weatherproof and all of that). I think that will help a lot in giving the fin room to bend back or forward without pulling the tape out.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

Thanks,
I did peel the backing. I will hit it again during the install.
I'm even thinking of cutting a whole new one. I can always order some or visit my local vinyl shop.
I want to trim it back so its flush or slightly tucked, but I know I'll probably butcher it. LOL

Yeah I was thinking of doing that if it the seal fails on me. Sorry if off topic, but this would probably help, where would I go to get more of this to mounting foam tape? I'm sure some other people might be thinking about this method if theirs won't seal.

[DaJo]

I'm thinking of maybe getting some automotive grade 3M double-sided tape and X-acto knife a custom fit for it. First, we'll see how it looks like when it arrives...

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

If I can give you advice, go to your local vinyl shop and get a thicker double sided foam tape (as long as they sell quality, weatherproof and all of that). I think that will help a lot in giving the fin room to bend back or forward without pulling the tape out.

Not sure If I would want to go any thicker but that could be a consideration. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Wes

Yeah I was thinking of doing that if it the seal fails on me. Sorry if off topic, but this would probably help, where would I go to get more of this to mounting foam tape? I'm sure some other people might be thinking about this method if theirs won't seal.

It might be a bit more of a challenge and cost prohibitive to order online than I thought. My searchfu is weak
I think I found the stuff VG uses. http://bit.ly/UglvYo

We'd need a sheet big enough to cover the entire bottom in one piece.
Most of I've seen so far comes in small narrow rolls.
It may be better just going to the local vinyl shop or auto body supply shop.
If I got time I may take a ride to see if either are open tomorrow.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

It might be a bit more of a challenge and cost prohibitive to order online than I thought. My searchfu is weak
I think I found the stuff VG uses. http://bit.ly/UglvYo

Great find!

[DaJo]

How thick of the stuff do you guys think we need?

Anyone tried calling 3M to get a price quote?

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by DaJo

How thick of the stuff do you guys think we need?

Anyone tried calling 3M to get a price quote?

I think I would go 45 mil.

But I think the best thing at this point is trying the supplied tape and then if it doesn't work, go and buy a thicker one.

Edit: Like I said in my first post, VG was extremely supportive throughout the whole process with me. After my first install failed, I contacted them and they supplied two different gaskets for me to try.

If you have any issues and contact them I can assure you they will be more than willing to help.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

VG was extremely supportive throughout the whole process with me. After my first install failed, I contacted them and they supplied two different gaskets for me to try.

If you have any issues and contact them I can assure you they will be more than willing to help.

I'm glad that VG has good service, the original gasket supplied lifted again in the front even with the hairdryer method, I guess my next step would be to contact them if it doesn't end up going well.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by Wes

I'm glad that VG has good service, the original gasket supplied lifted again in the front even with the hairdryer method, I guess my next step would be to contact them if it doesn't end up going well.

I feel your pain.

[Cajun]

Seems to me that if everyone is having the same issue, VG new about it before they sent them out. Kinda shady.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by Cajun

Seems to me that if everyone is having the same issue, VG new about it before they sent them out. Kinda shady.

I think the problem is a lot of people just live with the gap, and don't report it. I for a fact know some people who have gaps in their fins (VG or Beat Sonic) and they accept it and live with them.

I personally think that if I'm paying for something, one of its most important features (in this case sealing 100% to not allow water to puddle in your roof) needs to work flawlessly.