Poor Installation Of Adhesive-Backed Accessories Can Affect Your Dealership And The HONDA Brand (HSN0604-03)

POOR INSTALLATION OF ADHESIVE-BACKED ACCESSORIES CAN AFFECT YOUR DEALERSHIP AND THE HONDA BRAND

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

AFFECTED VEHICLES

General Information

EDITOR'S NOTE:  This article replaces "Side Moldings Coming Loose or Falling Off," posted in June 2004  .

Installing an adhesive-backed accessory takes a little more effort than the old "peel and stick" approach. If you don't  do it right, you won't get a lasting bond and could wind up with complaints of the accessory coming loose, falling off, or not being installed straight. All this can affect your customers' perception of your dealership and the Honda brand. And that can certainly affect your dealership's bottom line.

So, with that in mind, here's how to ensure the best results when installing an adhesive-backed accessory:

1. Make sure the temperature of the accessory, the body surface it attaches to, and the ambient air is at least 60°F  .
2. Thoroughly clean the body surface with a solution of mild detergent and water using a clean shop towel. If the surface is painted, use a clay bar as needed to remove any wax/surface contamination. Wipe the surface dry when you're done.
3. If there are any templates involved, follow the installation instructions exactly as written to ensure correct positioning.
4. Clean the body surface again with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth/towel. Wipe in only one direction so you don't reapply what you've just removed. When you're done, let the body surface thoroughly air dry.
5. Carefully peel off the adhesive backing, being careful not to touch the exposed adhesive. Stick the adhesive to the body surface and press down firmly. If the accessory uses long adhesive strips, such as body side moldings, peel off at least a quarter of the backing from each strip. Then, stick the exposed adhesive to the body surface and press down firmly. Continue peeling off the backing about 6 inches  at a time, pressing down firmly as you go. Keep doing this until you've peeled off all of the backing.
6. You then need to set the adhesive; this forms a lasting bond. If the accessory has a small  adhesive area, just press down firmly with your fingers or your palm. If it has a large  or long  adhesive area, use the One Hard Rubber Roller (T/N MHLE54D)  ; it's a required special tool used for installing accessory body side moldings. Apply firm pressure while rolling, especially at the ends of the adhesive. If you need more of these tools, you can order them from the Honda Tool and Equipment Program.
7. Visually check your work to make sure you correctly installed the accessory. It shouldn't look crooked, have any excessive gaps, or any edges that are peeling up.
8. Let the adhesive completely cure. To ensure complete curing, the vehicle shouldn't be washed for at least 24 hours  . Have the service advisor explain this to your customer.