Cybertruck Stainless Panels are falling off ...Is this a new phenomena?

[BlueLightning]

@Willinak @ShockAuto
I haven't noticed the problems that you guys are talking about.
After hitting a deer I can confirm the glue on the front panel.
I know a body tech and he stated the glue they use on the front panel is 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive, 08115. I think this only popped off because of the force of the impact.

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/accident.30276/post-568691

Guess thats one cost saver they decided to bring over from the 2019 model.

“Is going to be awesome” ‘but keep the glue we used for the prototype.’

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[Aarondiil]

as a temporary fix has anyone tried to use some JB Weld Steel Stick? Its not happening on mine but I may keep some of this in my truck just in case i notice any movement while on the road.

 

[TWRAPS]

My 5 cents...

My experience with these (I call them Roof Lines) is this - earlier VINs had very inconsistent quality. Mine (VIN 2702) for example are a bit flimsy, and I've seen people (who came for a wrap) where they were even worse (again - early VINs, like below 10,000 although I am making that # up - I don't know the exact VIN where it changes).
Then at some point, Tesla changed something and I've seen a lot of CTs delivered in the past several months (VIN after 30,000) where these are ROCK SOLID. I don't see them falling off to be honest unless it was just a manufacturing issue on a specific individual CT (this is of course possible, mistakes happen, manufacturing is tricky). I still see inconsistencies in how they chamfer them and how they are positioned, by several millimeters, but in terms of stability - they are rock solid nowadays and I've wrapped quite a few CTs so my sample size is pretty decent.

 

[hgpilot]

As a potential CT buyer, this is alarming:

My local service center said it mostly happens to people who wrapped and didn't re-install correctly. It's more than simple glue - there are clips that also hold the piece on. Still doesn't seem to be the best design / just reporting what my Tesla service guy told me...

 

[mongo]

My local service center said it mostly happens to people who wrapped and didn't re-install correctly. It's more than simple glue - there are clips that also hold the piece on. Still doesn't seem to be the best design / just reporting what my Tesla service guy told me...

The assembly has clips, but the stainless is only glued on to the carrier.

Improper removal (prying on stainless instead of carrier) could stress the bond.
Thinking on in, so could ice scraping...

 

[BannedByTMC]

My local service center said it mostly happens to people who wrapped and didn't re-install correctly. It's more than simple glue - there are clips that also hold the piece on. Still doesn't seem to be the best design / just reporting what my Tesla service guy told me...

He doesn't know what he's talking about or he's lying. The SS trim is glued to the piece as Mongo said above, no clips between the SS trim and the support piece under it.

 

[cbr1000]

The adhesive used in this application is reportedly 3M™ 08115, it has a peel strength of 30 pounds per inch of width and fractures in the glue (when tested with steel). If it delaminated from the stainless, that could indicate a lack of surface prep.
It is also listed as handling welding operations within 5cm, so it's fairly heat resistant. It can be cured at temps of 200F, wheras PPF has a recommended limit around 176F (80C).

That's my guess, just speculation... maybe there is a small amount of oil remaining on the steel that is preventing proper adhesion? I read a post from an individual that seemed fairly knowledgeable about steel properties. Their assumption is the expansion and contraction of the steel at different temperatures that is causing the bond to break. Seems like the bond would improved significantly if they roughed up the steel prior to applying the adhesive?

 

[mongo]

That's my guess, just speculation... maybe there is a small amount of oil remaining on the steel that is preventing proper adhesion? I read a post from an individual that seemed fairly knowledgeable about steel properties. Their assumption is the expansion and contraction of the steel at different temperatures that is causing the bond to break. Seems like the bond would improved significantly if they roughed up the steel prior to applying the adhesive?

Yeah, technicial data sheet test setup is
Solvent wipe (MEK/Toluene)
Abraded with P80
Solvent wipe (MEK/Toluene)

 

[cbr1000]

This is very disturbing, the technology on adhesives today is extreme, they make adhesives that the only way these stainless parts come off is with the structure it’s glued too.

I will be paying attention to this.

Glad I held off for many reasons, might hold off to 2026 let all of this work itself out. My S is perfectly capable until whenever I decide to move on.

I've waited years to buy. Waiting for the right time - I thought today was the day. I dropped by this side of the forum for a final double check of my decision... glad I did, or maybe not lol. I'm sure they will fix it. Maybe it's already fixed. This is of significance enough for me to pause for a few weeks and see how this works out. At this point I've waited a lifetime - what's a bit longer I guess.

 

[Willinak]

I've waited years to buy. Waiting for the right time - I thought today was the day. I dropped by this side of the forum for a final double check of my decision... glad I did, or maybe not lol. I'm sure they will fix it. Maybe it's already fixed. This is of significance enough for me to pause for a few weeks and see how this works out. At this point I've waited a lifetime - what's a bit longer I guess.

Exactly my case as well. I want to know this is sorted before I place the order.

 

[cbr1000]

Yeah, technicial data sheet test setup is
Solvent wipe (MEK/Toluene)
Abraded with P80
Solvent wipe (MEK/Toluene)

Okay, that makes sense. I assume that's an industry standard process, so it would be routine steps for an automotive assembly.

What do you think? Expansion and contraction of the steel? After I type this question I'm left with a sense that would be a common understanding for assembly too.

Assuming the abrading and solvent wipe are done correctly, does that just leave defective adhesive? Looking at images it appears they used plenty of it.

 

[BannedByTMC]

I'd assume the simplest answer is likely correct, someone forgot to clean the surface before applying the adhesive.

 

[mongo]

Okay, that makes sense. I assume that's an industry standard process, so it would be routine steps for an automotive assembly.

What do you think? Expansion and contraction of the steel? After I type this question I'm left with a sense that would be a common understanding for assembly too.

Assuming the abrading and solvent wipe are done correctly, does that just leave defective adhesive? Looking at images it appears they used plenty of it.

Yeah, if the surface prep is good then it has to be the glue. However, it seems like it was a surface prep issue on the stainless side. The deer impact upthred shows the expected result of the glue cracking and leaving glue on both pieces.

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/accident.30276/post-568691

This is the non-impact failure:

The carrier is steel also so thermal expansion shouldn't be a big issue.

 

[DAE1]

Exactly. That’s why I only get my information straight from the source Elon Musk or reliable news sources like X. They have not mentioned any of this. This thread might have been started up by a Elon Musk hater, who knows but this is the best quality built truck in America which is why there are 2 million Reservations waiting to be filled….

Close. I think you’re off by 2 million though.

 

[cbr1000]

@mongo Thank you for posting the images and sharing your thoughts.

In the bottom half of the image below it appears the adhesive is coming off the carrier side too. I'm guessing that's what the white discoloration is? Appears to be air space because it's not attached to the black plastic?

Hopefully this is a batch issue related to defective adhesive.

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