Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• heat gun or hair dryer
• dental floss or fishing line
• machine polisher (not necessary)
• polishing compound
• wax
• 3 lint free clothes
• microfiber cloth
• wax applicator pad
• brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol
• ruler or string or tape
• fine tip marker which will not damage the paint

Procedure:

• first wash the vehicle to remove any debris or dirt which can contaminate the removal process
• if you are installing a new emblem, mark the area using a ruler, string or tape and a marker which won't stain or damage the paint
• next using a heat gun or hair dryer, warm the area so the glue from the emblem will soften up
• if you do not have access to a heat gun or hair dryer, allowing you vehicle to sit in the sun on a hot day will also have a similar effect
• ensure the area doesn't get too hot which can result in damaging the paint
• using fishing line or dental floss, insert it behind the emblem, slowly cutting away the glue
• once a sufficient amount of glue has been cut away, you maybe able to use your hands to remove the rest of the emblem
• warming the area up again with a heat gun or hair dryer maybe required mid way through cutting the glue or pealing the emblem off the panel
• once removed, warm the area again to soften up any remaining glue which can be rolled off the panel using your finger
• apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner to a clean lint free cloth and wipe any glue residue away on the panel
• depending on how long the emblem was on the vehicle, polishing the surface will be required to removing any ghosting or the outline of fading paint
• please refer to the link above for that tutorial
• if you area installing a new emblem, wipe the area down with rubbing alcohol and a clean lint free cloth to remove any wax on the surface which can cause adhesion problems
• remove the backing tape on the new emblem
• carefully align the emblem, then firmly press it into place
• remove any alignment markings or tape
• wax the area again to ensure any bare paint is protected

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

I am currently modifying my exisiting emblem and would like to reinstall it after. What kind of tape do I need?

You will need a double sided automotive foam adhesive tape which can be purchased at a local automotive parts supplier. It will need to be cut to size, a razor knife is recommended.

My car has no emblem, how can I find the factory location?

Some automotive manufacturers have the exact location listed either online or you will need to contact your local dealer for that information.