Surface Preparation; Important Notice - Whelen Engineering Company FastTrax FTR3 Installation Manual

Surface Preparation

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!

The FastTrax™ system housing is secured to the vehicle using 3M™ VHB™ double-
sided tape. This tape offers superior bond strength that allows the FastTrax™ to be
exposed to inclement weather with no adhesion loss. However, the key to successful
bonding lies in proper preparation of the mounting surface. The following section will
outline the recommended procedure for mounting surface preparation. Your FastTrax™
system includes the 3M™ recommended preparation solution. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER
SOLUTIONS TO PREPARE THE MOUNTING SURFACE! By following these procedures,
your FastTrax™ installation will produce a successful bond with lasting adhesion. The
outer surface of the vehicle must be at least 65°F before proceding!
1. Without removing the protective backing from the mounting tape, position the FastTrax
housing onto its mounting surface. The housing is properly positioned when it is centered on
the vehicle roof with a 1/8" space between the leading edge of the housing and the
windshield gasket.
2. Any part of the vehicle that
will be in contact with the
adhesive tape PLUS an
additional inch and a half
(1½) wide area on either
side of the tape will have to
be prepared. This area is
called the bonding surface.
Remove the
housing from the vehicle.
3. The bonding surface must
be completely clean and dry.
Using a clean lint-free cloth,
clean the bonding surface
with an automotive wax and grease remover (ex:Prepsol®). Allow to dry thoroughly.
4. Shake the "3M Keel Primer" applicator (included) well before using. Following the instructions
attached to the applicator, apply a thin uniform coating to the bonding surface using the
minimum amount that will fully coat the surface. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly. This is
usually accomplished in 5 minutes at room temperature. Be sure the primed surface remains
free from contaminants.
5. Return the housing to the vehicle and connect the strobe/halogen cables to their respective
lightheads. Remember that the cables must be connected correctly or the system will not
function properly.
6. Locate the ends of the adhesive tape strips
indicated below. Peel approximately an inch
of the protective backing away from the tape.
Now fold the backing so that it sticks out from
under the FastTrax housing.
FastTrax
Page 5 of 9
Area surrounding the
tape to be primed
1.5"
1.5"
The outer surfaces of this product may be cleaned with
mild soap and water. Use of any other chemicals may
void product warranty. Do not use a pressure washer.