Dash Cam 3M Adhesive Pad Alternative

Sloucher

Sloucher

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MG4 Trophy LR
Can anyone suggest an alternative to the 3M self adhesive pads used to attach dashcam brackets to the windscreen?

Every dashcam I've had always succumbs to the same problem every summer, in that the adhesive of the pad fails when it gets hot in the sun. Leaving aside permanent adhesives like epoxy resin or cyanoacrylate, and suction cups (also no good in the sun), can anyone suggest an alternative they've used successfully?
 
I've had lots of problems with gadgets not staying stuck, but not so muchh recently. The pads supplied with a number of Apeman dashcams and now a couple of Viofo have just worked.
However, with the last fix I tried the transparent sheets supplied with a Viofo, and they've worked well, too. Should be much easier to remove, as well.
 
Alb said:
If you clean the glass properly it will be a permanent fix.
Click to expand...
I'm afraid not, not this time. I cleaned the glass thoroughly using pure alcohol. The sun heats the adhesive to the point it softens and can't retain the weight of the camera.

@Amun , it seems the adhesive pads provided with the Viofo cameras are also 3M pads.

Looks like I'll just have to keep a supply of 3M pads in the glove compartment!
 
Sloucher said:
Can anyone suggest an alternative to the 3M self adhesive pads used to attach dashcam brackets to the windscreen?

Every dashcam I've had always succumbs to the same problem every summer, in that the adhesive of the pad fails when it gets hot in the sun. Leaving aside permanent adhesives like epoxy resin or cyanoacrylate, and suction cups (also no good in the sun), can anyone suggest an alternative they've used successfully?
Click to expand...
Had same problem with 3M pads in heat. Always scrupulously clan screen prior to use.

Now using these and no problems so far in very hot, sunny conditions.?

CANOPUS 3M Double Sided Pads... Amazon product ASIN B08C782M3V
 
The 3M VHB pad that came with my Nextbase kept it firmly stuck to the screen on my previous car even through last years oven like temperatures.
 
Ian Key said:
The 3M VHB pad that came with my Nextbase kept it firmly stuck to the screen on my previous car even through last years oven like temperatures.
Click to expand...
As did mine last year, but I think that's because I cut a piece of reflective foil to the same shape as the adhesive pad and carefully stuck it on the outside of the windscreen in line with the mount. I didn't want to do that on the MG because it looked a bit unsightly though.

Also, my previous car had a grey interior and didn't get anywhere near as hot inside as the MG with it's black interior.

In the meantime, I had forgotten that in the NextBase box that my camera came in was a spare removeable mount with adhesive pad, pre-installed. I've ordered some of the pads recommended above by @Grandadgeorgec, above as backup though!
 
Sloucher said:
As did mine last year, but I think that's because I cut a piece of reflective foil to the same shape as the adhesive pad and carefully stuck it on the outside of the windscreen in line with the mount. I didn't want to do that on the MG because it looked a bit unsightly though.

Also, my previous car had a grey interior and didn't get anywhere near as hot inside as the MG with it's black interior.

In the meantime, I had forgotten that in the NextBase box that my camera came in was a spare removeable mount with adhesive pad, pre-installed. I've ordered some of the pads recommended above by @Grandadgeorgec, above as backup though!
Click to expand...
You can get a suction mount for Nextbase dash camera depending on model from Halfords
 
It won’t be a problem if the glass and mount are cleaned properly, genuine 3M VHB pads are used and the surface of the glass, pad or mount is not touched when fitting.
 
BananaDuck said:
It won’t be a problem if the glass and mount are cleaned properly, genuine 3M VHB pads are used and the surface of the glass, pad or mount is not touched when fitting.
Click to expand...
Hate to disagree, but the windscreen  was cleaned thoroughly (so far as I could see, using proprietary cleaner and alcohol) and the 3M pad was pre-installed on the mount. It was fitted on the windscreen by the NextBase installer.
The problem arises, I'm sure, when the internal temperature is high and the sun shines directly onto the windscreen. The glue softens, and the camera (522g) is a heavy bit of kit!
 
I’ve never had any issues with dash cams from cheap Viofo to top range BlackVue staying put for many years even in black cars sat in full Sun all year round and I always fit them myself.

What NextBase camera is that, as 522g seems rather heavy?
I can’t find any weight info for the NextBase range on line but even the biggest/latest BlackVue DR970X LTE is only 161g
 
Sloucher said:
Can anyone suggest an alternative to the 3M self adhesive pads used to attach dashcam brackets to the windscreen?

Every dashcam I've had always succumbs to the same problem every summer, in that the adhesive of the pad fails when it gets hot in the sun. Leaving aside permanent adhesives like epoxy resin or cyanoacrylate, and suction cups (also no good in the sun), can anyone suggest an alternative they've used successfully?
Click to expand...
Same problem. Nextbase can't feel with Scottish summer. I have to remove the camera when I park.
 
I bought a green double sided tape from screwfix for my previous dashcam in my hybrid car many years ago. It is still working really well today. It never need to be replaced again. This is what left.
IMG_20230624_160248_edit_1108817411984974.jpg

I could not found it in my purchase history as it was many years ago. Google searched found this similar item.
www.toolstation.com

Extra Strong Foam Mounting Tape

Make your life easier with Ultratape's extra strong foam tape. It's a practical adhesive solution that you can rely on to mount mirrors, signs and car number plates. Keep a roll handy for plenty of other general uses too.This mounting tape is suitable for indoor projects around the house as well...
www.toolstation.com www.toolstation.com
 
Sloucher said:
Hate to disagree, but the windscreen  was cleaned thoroughly (so far as I could see, using proprietary cleaner and alcohol) and the 3M pad was pre-installed on the mount. It was fitted on the windscreen by the NextBase installer.
The problem arises, I'm sure, when the internal temperature is high and the sun shines directly onto the windscreen. The glue softens, and the camera (522g) is a heavy bit of kit!
Click to expand...
If you mean the NextBase 522GW, then I’ve discovered that it only weighs 127g, so a lightweight compared to a BlackVue dashcam range which I have. These have always been a real challenge to remove after 3-4 years.
I would wager a significant sum that the issue is with the NextBase installer (could this be Halfords by any chance?) and not the 3M pad.
 
No, it wasn't Halfords, it was a specialist installer employed by NextBase. The pad was fine for 6 months, but as soon as it started to get hot and sunny, the pad just gave up.
I've installed the spare mount now (myself), using plenty of acetone then alcohol. Let's see how long this one lasts!!
 
I just use the suction cup for my phone holder and for my dashcam. Dashcam has fallen a couple of times but is quite a small cup. Had trouble removing the phone holder even when I released it when moving from old car to this and 18 months later it is still in place
 
Avoided using the sticky pad for ages as the suction pad, generally, worked fine.
For some reason now though it's refusing to stay on, suspect the heat has warped it enough that it's not getting enough suction so sticky pad it is.
Curvature of the window means there's a very teeny part in the middle of the pad that is showing a "bubble" but can live with that.
 
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