HFP Front Lip - Center Mount - What's your rework solution?

I am tired of cleaning up and putting new 3M adhesive tape to the center of the front lip spoiler I had added to my Si. Just for it to fail again within a week or two. Clearly a better fastener should have been thought of for this connection. I am thinking about drilling a thru hole and using a plastic auto body clip to better secure the center of the lip.

What was your solution?

Thanks!

Are you using the correct type of 3m tape?

Double-sided attachment tape

For example

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MOF0X4/

Not the trim tape

I just went through this crap last week with my HFP lip spoiler. My center portion began to sag. I thought that thing had a physical connection. Nope, just 3M taped to the center. Anyway, I had it fixed under warranty by Honda and they had to replace with a totally new lip. I told the mechanic that tape holding up a lip spoiler was a bonkers design flaw where gravity would take over. Doesn’t matter how strong the tape is, it’ll eventually fall. Told him to add 4 self tapping screws to the center area evenly spaced that was applied from the bottom. It’s now solid. So far so good.
Another solution you could do that I was thinking and may still do as insurance is to apply a low profile flat head Allen key type screw to the middle from the top, securing with a nut from below, and then cover up the screw head with a stick-on HFP badge

jakdotdot said:

Are you using the correct type of 3m tape?

Double-sided attachment tape

For example

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MOF0X4/

Not the trim tape

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Well that is a good question. I assumed the original tape was the correct tape, but I have used some 3M tape I have (my son's tape actually that he has used on various cars for various items) and it is OK for awhile. It is definitely 3M auto body tape, but if there are various grades I do not know what I am using then.

2112 said:

Well that is a good question. I assumed the original tape was the correct tape, but I have used some 3M tape I have (my son's tape actually that he has used on various cars for various items) and it is OK for awhile. It is definitely 3M auto body tape, but if there are various grades I do not know what I am using then.

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There are multiple types, correct. The stuff on the shelf at your local Autozone, etc. is molding tape. molding tape is meant to mount light things like emblems, rain guards, etc.

Attachment tape is meant for heavy sh!t like body kits, spoilers, etc.

I installed the red Honda HFP lip spoiler myself, did you guys follow all the installation instructions and use all the installation pieces that come with the Honda lip spoiler? I had to remove the front bumper, drill holes, apply alcohol and the tape was more like plastic epoxy and had a kind of zip tie installation as well, I’m telling you that front lip isnt going anywhere, it’s been on a year rock solid throughout, the lip and installation parts are designed by Honda not some eBay sweatshop in guangzhou china.

aldo said:

I installed the red Honda HFP lip spoiler myself, did you guys follow all the installation instructions and use all the installation pieces that come with the Honda lip spoiler? I had to remove the front bumper, drill holes, apply alcohol and the tape was more like plastic epoxy and had a kind of zip tie installation as well, I’m telling you that front lip isnt going anywhere, it’s been on a year rock solid throughout, the lip and installation parts are designed by Honda not some eBay sweatshop in guangzhou china.

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Same here. If the installer didn’t use the primer with the 3M tape, it wouldn’t hold near as well.

I found the provided mounting hardware to not be worth the hassle. I just drilled and used locking nuts, washers, and bolts. I did use the included adhesive promoter to prep for the double sided tape though.

I think some time saving shortcuts, self improvisation, etc. may be at the root cause of some of these problems, I could be wrong and will admit in the future if it comes loose, but I’m no professional installer, took my time followed all of Honda’s install instructions and that thing is welded on.

You all can put all the stickiest tape you want till the cows come home, but none of that will hold permanent in that location, no matter what Honda has instructed. Vibration, wind resistance, moisture and gravity will pry it loose over time. It needs multiple bolts not tape

Captaindicki said:

You all can put all the stickiest tape you want till the cows come home, but none of that will hold permanent in that location, no matter what Honda has instructed. Vibration, wind resistance, moisture and gravity will pry it loose over time. It needs multiple bolts not tape

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Mine is holding up very well and expect it to hold up real well in the long run, sorry to hear something went wrong with yours, don’t take it personally but I’m gonna bet on the multi billion dollar car manufacturer on this one.

To clarify, I had Honda install my lip. So if most folks are having good luck then maybe my installer didn't follow directions exactly. I guess my best next move is to have the dealer address it. If the problem returns I will look at added fasteners.

Seems like your lip is still under warranty, so the dealer should address it. And I'm willing to bet there are others with this lip who have this sagging and don't even notice it yet.
But remember this is the same multi billion dollar company who gave us oil dilution engines and wonderfully thin chip prone paint etc. So I wouldn't trust these monkeys with getting it right the second or fifth time around. Have them replace it and add fasteners to bottom the way it was supposed to be done in first place.
Another thing, you'll notice there are total of 4 sturdy bolts on either corner of the lip. If tape was so good they wouldnt have bothered with those bolts

Captaindicki said:

Seems like your lip is still under warranty, so the dealer should address it. And I'm willing to bet there are others with this lip who have this sagging and don't even notice it yet.
But remember this is the same multi billion dollar company who gave us oil dilution engines and wonderfully thin chip prone paint etc. So I wouldn't trust these monkeys with getting it right the second or fifth time around. Have them replace it and add fasteners to bottom the way it was supposed to be done in first place.
Another thing, you'll notice there are total of 4 sturdy bolts on either corner of the lip. If tape was so good they wouldnt have bothered with those bolts

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Just checked mine it’s on there sturdy, need a sawzall to take it off. If you need the oil dilution recall it’s a simple fix, and the paint on mine hasn’t chipped. Get the lip installed correctly and fix your sagging problem.

aldo said:

Just checked mine it’s on there sturdy, need a sawzall to take it off. If you need the oil dilution recall it’s a simple fix, and the paint on mine hasn’t chipped. Get the lip installed correctly and fix your sagging problem.

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Once you pass 40 there’s no fixing a sagging problem