This is the fifth time the rear flares have popped loose. The 3M tape just won't stick to the paint - I've prepped with MEK, mineral spirits, acetone, and alcohol. I've tried with and without shims, loosely and lightly mounted screws, and I've double checked the markings to make sure I have them on the correct sides - no joy. The flares stay put for about a month, then the top curve starts to pop off. Curiously enough, no problem with the front flares. I'm hesitant to use the 3M adhesive prep on the paint, since I went with ATS to avoid marring the paint to begin with. Anybody have any helpful hints?

 

I had a little problem w/ the 3M tape sticking in that indent in the body line on the rears but other than that mine have done fine so far. They have only been on for about a month though. My biggest problem is that I did use the adhesive prep and went a little too wide with it and now it won't come off.......

 

Dodgezilla -
That's the reason i want to avoid using the prep on the paint - that prep seems to chemically soften plastic to promote bonding to the tape - which means damage to the clear coat!
Have you tried polishing compound or light wet sanding to remedy yours? That may the only way to smooth out your finish.

 

The only thing I tried was some paint thinner and it helped a little but it's still there. It's pretty hard to prep just the small line where the tape is supposed to stick, that's for sure....

 

If the ATS are like the Warn flares, the instructions say the 3M adhesive is NOT meant to pull the flares into place only hold it in place. In other words if the flares are not flush before installing the screws, they will eventually pull out because the adhesive isn't strong enough to hold them long term. I'll have to remount a couple of my Warn flares also due to this.

 

I have ATS flares on my truck, and so far after about 2 months on the truck they are fine. I did use 3M adhesive prep on the paint. Before you take off the flare to re-do it, put tape as close as you can to the edge of the flare before you take it off. Use that as a guide to apply the adhesive promoter so you don't go past the edge of the flare.

 

Mine have been peeled loose at the top sence shortly after I pu them on. I have been going to redo them but now it is blizarding out so I guess they will be fine till spring.

 

I've had no problems with mine. We install these regularly at my shop, without any problems. When i installed mine they were pretty tight before i even removed the red liner. Make sure that they are positioned correctly before removing the tape. Just my .02