De/Re Badging

[Matt Harper]

I'm reasonably competent with the oily bits of my car, but bodywork is less familiar for me, so any advice here is gratefully received.

I want to remove these metal fender badges.....



....and replace them with these.....



I believe they are attached using 3M automotive double-sided adhesive tape, or similar. Naturally I want to avoid any damage to the car's paint finish.
Is there a standard technique involved here? I read somewhere that heating the area with a hairdryer softens the adhesive, but I live in a climate where the car is subjected to 100+ degrees daytime temps, so can't see that having much effect.

Any guidance is appreciated.

[adam85]

I've found that concentrating some heat on the badge adhesive (using a hairdryer for a short period of time) and running some fishing line behind the badge will remove the badge. It'll leave some adhesive/residue which can be removed with a bit of elbow grease. Sometimes you can even rub it off with your finger starting from the edges, if not some good warm water and car shampoo should help soften it.

Then it's just a matter of polishing to tidy it up.

ETA: I've used bug and tar remover before if the adhesive it particularly stubborn, but you may not need to.

Edited by adam85 on Friday 2nd October 16:30

[Matt Harper]

Thank you for the speedy reply - the fishing line idea makes a huge amount of sense to me. I appreciate the advice.

[Summit_Detailing]

No need to heat the adhesive up & I'd use dental floss over fishing line.
Any glue residue left on the panel may rub off with your finger if the car is relatively new, some tar and glue remover may be required if the badges have been on the car for a few years.

cheers

Chris

[Matt Harper]

Thank you Chris - very helpful.

[Matt Harper]

All done - thank you, Gentlemen.