Any idea of how to replace adhesive?

[NeonCruiser]

I'm new to the boards, but I am by no means a newbie to radar detectors. I'm also an amateur radio operator, so I know a bit about mobile scanning laws and radio signals.

I just bought an ESD 8200, but I have already had the adhesive (which I have more than a few profane words I'd love to say about it)

Any ideas or suggestions on how to replace the adhesive and where I can find the material? I like the radar detector, even though it isn't as good as the top of the line ones. It'll do for now since I'm a college student.

This radar detector replaces an earlier radar detector I bought in 1998. It was a Radio Shack one. Thankfully, in Iowa.......all radar detectors are legal.

[holein1]

Welcome!

If you looking for adhesive go to the local autoparts store and get 3m double sided adhesive!

If you just want the velcro strips with adhesive go to the local autoparts store they normally carry the square and round ones.

[alias3r]

i just got a radar detecotr but it didn't have the cobra window mount with it, so i had to buy some universal window mount that fits all radar detectors, and the adhesive sucks!!!! lol. i had to hold the radar detector up with my sister's hair ties to keep it from falling down !! lmao!!

[TSi+WRX]

Since this thread has been revived by alias3r.

alias3r, I've never used any of this stuff before, so I can't vouch for it either way, but there are special "windshield rear-view mirror" glues that are available at popular local automotive parts retailers that you can buy, which may better suit your needs.

Again, I honestly don't know how well these glues work - nor how messy (or not) they might be. But I just wanted to throw that one out there.

---

And back-tracking to holein1's post above, that "3m double sided adhesive" he mentioned is known more precisely as "3M Automotive Trim/Mo(u)lding Tape."

Usually found in either the paint/refinishing section or the adhesives section of your local automotive parts retailer, it's typically blister-packed in a "roll," in a black-background package with yellow and white text lettering. The tape is grey in color, and appears about a little less than 1/16th inch thick, in the packaged "roll." It's backed on both sides by a red plastic film, and so in the blister pack, on the display shelf, its outermost band will be red in color.

I love this stuff - it's what most modern auto-makers use to affix exterior badges, molding, and trim to vehicles, and is extremely weather resistant. On/in the of the vehicle, inside or out, it will easily retain its stickiness through sub-zero weather or in blistering direct summer sunlight. The only thing to keep in-mind is that you should thoroughly pre-clean the mounting surface (rubbing alcohol, with a clean lint-free pad, works great; remember to let dry before using the adhesive!), and that it should initially be affixed only at moderate temperatures (typically between 60 to 80 deg. F.).

Removal is actually quite easy (just use some muscle and peel it off), and typically, on interior surfaces, leaves absolutely no trace of adhesives (if you painted interior trim pieces yourself, though, be aware that unless you've properly preped and primed, you're more than likely going to take off that top layer of paint; for OEM painted surfaces, though, in my experience, it's completely safe, even for extended use). For exterior painted surfaces, a little heat, plus the use of dental floss, may be required to facilitate removal - and you may need to clean the surface of residual adhesive using a solvent and/or paint-safe plastic scraper.

[alias3r]

im definitely not using some glue on my lexus

[TSi+WRX]

^ Wait, I missed something - the "universal window mount," exactly what does that mean? suction cups on one side (to-window), and then an adhesive to the RD?

:?: Confused. Please clarify.

Thanks!

[alias3r]

ya its hard to explain so i'll do the best i can (its not that good and i dont recommend buying one, but i needed somethign and couldn't find someone i knew with an old cobra one)

The universal part means it's supposed to fit any RD almost. It has one side with suction cups that goes to the windows. Connected to that is a flat surface where u can attach the adhesive velcrow to the window mount. Then u attach the other adhesive velcrow to the RD and it's supposed to stick to the window mount. Unfortunately the adhesive sucks and is already falling off the velcrow, so i had to use my sister's hair ties around the RD and the window mount to keep it up lol!!!! That pice of sh** cost me $11!! what a rip

[TSi+WRX]

Ah! I understand now!



In that case, yes, look towards the "3M Automotive Trim/Mo(u)lding" tape that I described above, to help you affix the universal mount to your detector.

I run two different types of OBD-II data "interfaces" on my Legacy, one for everyday monitoring, and another proprietary "software keyed" OBD-II -to- USB dongle that I use with my datalogger and reflashing software.

In order to secure the latter to the underside of the interior kick-panel for when it's not in-use, I use the 3M tape as a backing to store-bought "industrial-strength" Velcro, and that allows for a bond that will not let go.