Tips and Tricks for Installing MEK Magnet Removable Trail Armor can significantly enhance your off-road vehicle's protection and style. To ensure a smooth and successful installation, follow these tips and tricks for your Jeep Wrangler armor, Ford Bronco armor, Toyota Tacoma armor, Toyota 4Runner armor and Jeep Gladiator armor.
Preparation
1. Wash Your Vehicle Thoroughly: Remove any waxes or products containing non-stick, anti-static, rain-repelling, or Teflon chemicals. These substances can affect the armor's ability to bond. Use a mixture of diluted isopropyl alcohol and water for cleaning. Wet a microfiber cloth with the mixture, gently wipe the vehicle's surface, and then use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off the mixture before it dries. For vehicles with ceramic coatings, test the adhesion with a MEK Magnet nano-hold technology logo before installing the full armor.
Handling and Installation
2. Handle Armor with Clean, Dry Hands: Avoid touching the edges or corners with your fingertips to prevent depositing oils that could affect the bond. If you need to reposition the armor multiple times, clean the area you handled before reinstallation.
3. Start with Smaller Panels: Practice with smaller panels first. Align the panel to vehicle features like handles or hinges. Press one small section to the vehicle just enough so it doesn't fall off, and step back to visually confirm its alignment. For larger panels, press one spot on both sides and rub a tiny circle in the middle to initially adhere. Confirm the alignment, then gently pull back one half of the panel evenly and perpendicular to the vehicle. Use a microfiber cloth to smooth the panel from the middle outwards, pushing out any air bubbles. Repeat on the other side, and then go over the edges and corners with a microfiber cloth, applying even pressure.
Repositioning and Adjusting
4. Repositioning a Panel: Lift a corner with a fingernail, avoiding pulling at the edge to prevent separation of the resin from the gel. Use the fingernail to pry up enough of the panel to handle it without touching the gel at the edges or corners. If the armor is excessively handled, clean it with an 8:1 water to lemon juice mixture, or mild soap and water, let it fully air dry before storage or reinstallation.
5. Bonding Process: The off-road jeep armor will fully bond after 24-48 hours. If a corner or section lifts before then, press it back firmly and hold for a few seconds. If it continues to lift, remove the panel and clean it as described in section 4.
Post-Installation Care
6. Check and Secure Edges: After installation, repeatedly check the edges and press them down with a microfiber cloth. Avoid exposing the vehicle to moisture for the first 48 hours after installation.
7. Removing Armor: When removing the armor, do not touch the gel at the corners. Pull evenly, slowly, and perpendicularly away from the vehicle using both hands to avoid stretching or creating a V-fold, which can damage the panel.
Important Tips
- Avoid Micro-Tears: Pulling too sharply or at a strong angle can cause micro-tears, leading to lifting corners. If a corner refuses to stay adhered, peel back a few more inches, clean off fingerprint oils, let it fully air dry, then roll the section tightly in the opposite direction of the curl. Unroll and press into the vehicle.
- Dealing with Persistent Lifting: Even if a corner pulls back, the remaining gel is usually strong enough to keep the panel adhered. Damaged corners can be trimmed, and individual panels can be replaced.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your MEK Magnet Removable Trail Armor is installed correctly and effectively protects your off-road roof rack vehicle. Enjoy your enhanced off-road and overland jeep adventure with confidence!