Choosing a 3M VHB Tape for Topper Rear Window Install

I haven't found answers with my internet search. I have an older Century Truck Topper with a busted rear window. These windows have a frame, but no channel for the window. Well, there is a bottom channel, but no sides or top. Not sure what it's for. But the window is attached to the outside of the frame by extremely sticky tape, then the whole frame/window is attached to the topper by two hinges, with sticky tape and a bolt through each hinge.

I've seen no tutorials on this. There's all kinds of stuff about mounting solar panels to an RV roof, which I've actually done in the past. But this will be hanging nearly vertical. But much lighter than a solar panel.

Because of the bolts on the hinges, and the handles going through the bottom of the frame, I don't think I necessarily need industrial grade tape, like what they're using to attach cargo trailer sides with no rivets or bolts. But something like that wouldn't hurt...

There are a ton of 3M VHB tapes, and it seems like the more industrial/high strength, the more likely they're only for sale in large, multiple rolls for a lot of $$. Like hundreds of dollars. Any advice for me with the typical, several-yard rolls in the $20 range that will give a strong enough bond? Preferably over, not under-doing it.

For reference, this will be an acrylic plastic window sheet being attached to a metal frame. This does seem to impact which tape is appropriate. I ordered

$18 3M 1/2-5-RP32 VHB Tape 0.5 in width x 5 yd length (1 Roll),Gray

this, but am second-guessing whether it's adequate.



If you have ideas, please let me know!

Thanks.

 

Although it was for smaller items than what you describe, I've used 3M molding tape for multiple indoor and outdoor projects and I've been very happy with it.
Comes in several widths..

$6 3M Super Strength Molding Tape, 03609, 1/2 in x 5 ft

Amazon.com: 3M Super Strength Molding Tape, 03609, 1/2 in x 5 ft : Automotive

 

Thank you

 

3M VHB is the business.
Use it

 

Hey thanks. "Problem" is, there are dozens of VHB tapes, of different strength and application. Many not even available to end consumers directly. But even with the ones I can buy, there are probably over a dozen varieties. From tape like 1lowlife posted meant to attach light molding, to tape that holds large heavy panels to the sides of buildings, or is used to construct trailers with no screws, rivets or welding. And everything in-between. Some specifically for metal, some plastic, some "general", some indoor, some outdoor, some with a wide temperature range etc.

That's what I got bogged down with. I'd read 3M spec sheets on different VHB tapes, find the one I wanted, only to find no one sells it direct to consumer, or if they do, it's in bulk.

 

Haven’t had any issues holding anything. Really only have to choose between the foam thickness and tape width for your application
We buy it from granger usually if that helps

 

So that tape is the 5952 tape. Here's a chart. Seems like for my application, either would have been ok. I bought RP32. Which as I look closely...might not be the best. I'm bonding acrylic to steel (pretty sure the window frame is steel, could be aluminum). The 59xx family of tapes seems to adhere to a wider range of materials including steel and aluminum. Hmm...



I just bought some 5952. Seems like the better tape for what I'm doing.