The new TVR Union Jack Badge thread!
Discussion
As suggested on the original thread, it is probably wise to start a new thread to avoid any confusion.
Like everyone else, I was very keen to get one of these, especially after seeing one on a car at Chatsworth. Perhaps with the possible restart of TVR with overseas manufacture it is even more fitting to emphasize the british heritage of our cars!
I have spoken to a couple of manufacturers I know that should be able to make these.
Initial discussions suggest the final cost based on numbers of people that have expressed an interest would be around £20, and take approx 8/9 weeks to supply (3/4 weeks to design and get sample to approve, then 4-5 weeks to make them all).
I don't want to step on anyones toes if they are closer to sorting these out, but i got the impression that it is looking expensive with the previous supplier and had come to a hault. If there are no objections then i'm happy to continue discussions if people are happy with it costing about £20 max delivered - hopefully less.
Let me know any thoughts!
Like everyone else, I was very keen to get one of these, especially after seeing one on a car at Chatsworth. Perhaps with the possible restart of TVR with overseas manufacture it is even more fitting to emphasize the british heritage of our cars!
I have spoken to a couple of manufacturers I know that should be able to make these.
Initial discussions suggest the final cost based on numbers of people that have expressed an interest would be around £20, and take approx 8/9 weeks to supply (3/4 weeks to design and get sample to approve, then 4-5 weeks to make them all).
I don't want to step on anyones toes if they are closer to sorting these out, but i got the impression that it is looking expensive with the previous supplier and had come to a hault. If there are no objections then i'm happy to continue discussions if people are happy with it costing about £20 max delivered - hopefully less.
Let me know any thoughts!
bigdods said:
Because plenty of people didnt want to pay more than £12 for the badges, I think at £20 the same will apply so it gives everyone the opportunity to have a rethink and gives a true level of interest.
It only takes a few seconds to add yourself back in, no big drama :-)
Very early in discussions and speaking to a few companies and also discussing different material/manufacturing method benefits etc. to try and get the best quality badge - So please take the £20 as a very very rough (hopefully worst case) price. WIth a bit of luck it will be less than this. Thought the last ones were £18 though? Anyway, not sure if there is copper in the metal - that could account for some of the increase in prices! It only takes a few seconds to add yourself back in, no big drama :-)
It is good to have the wiki to guage interest and quantities required, but until final samples are made and final cost announced then no point worrying too much. If for example it came back and the cost was too high and people want to cancel their interest then they can do that then - But if people work on £20 max then it should only be good news! I just didn't want to say it's looking like £10 then end up being £20 and people drop out again!
The one area I may need to explore is whether there are any copyright issues with the use of TVR logo which could come back to bite me or the manufacturer at a later stage! I have noted previous comments that it is not a copy of a TVR supplied badge design and will not be sold as TVR made, but still will take advice on this - One good manufacturer requires some clarification of this so may need to investigate a bit...
If anyone has the skills to make the design or G Code that may reduce the cost down, but not sure it will halve it - It's quite a straight forward design really (although know nothing about how complicated it is to make the G Code.
For now I guess just re-fill names in the wiki and i'll post more details as they come available.
Nigeyboy said:
Can I just check the sizes of the badges pls. I seem to remember the original batch had larger front / rear style badges (I'm assuming these will be the size with lugs). There were also smaller badges that were ideal for under the side indicators. Potentially, there would therefore be:
Front / Rear size badges - both with and without lugs
Side (smaller badges) without lugs
Can anyone clarify this point? thx
I am initially looking into the size for replacing the one on the bonnet Which i think is about 96mm x 34mm (will be the same size as standard Chimaera badge). I can look into side badges too if there is interest.Front / Rear size badges - both with and without lugs
Side (smaller badges) without lugs
Can anyone clarify this point? thx
bigdods said:
Wiki fixed - I've removed the comments about side badges, but there seems to be a fair amount of interest in them - Should we have an extra column to show interest in side badges with a Y/N entry ?
Thoughts ?
May as well get all options in one go to get a good idea of how many of each size and type required to see if there is enough demand to get the options all made up.Thoughts ?
Edited by bigdods on Friday 5th March 22:19
Little Mac said:
I was planning on using the 'lugless' badges below the side indicators as I am quite happy 
with the current badges front & back. Can you advise what size the side badges are likely to be if (when) produced?
I believe the previous batch of side badges were 50mm X 19mm, I would look to get them the same size. Will be minimum order qty required to get them at a reasonable price, probably about 50 (25 sets of 2). Will get the large ones sorted 1st and see how the interest progresses on the side ones. with the current badges front & back. Can you advise what size the side badges are likely to be if (when) produced? Hi,
Been mega busy at work then away on holiday, so sorry for lack of updates in the past couple of weeks. Basically there were a couple of main options to choose from on what level of quality badge manufacturing method to go for, one being nearly double the price of the other one.
I have spoken in depth to a couple of manufacturers and clubs that have had badges made and i personally feel, despite one option being much more expensive, it would be short sighted to go for the cheaper option as the highest quality method should much better withstand the vast temperature range, light exposure and road damage these badges can be exposed to - I'm not convinced that the cheaper method would necessarily cope as well and I don't want anyone being unhappy in a couple of years if they started getting problems. They should last 25 years easily (so i'm told).
As lots of us will probably keep our cars for several years, and the cost of these new badges compared to refurbishing existing ones is significantly less I think it makes sense.
The manufacturer I have decided on was not the cheapest, but has vast experience of making similar badges and I feel was the best option with all the information presented to me.
They are currently finalising the design which I will have to approve before manufacturer. As soon as this is finalised I will confirm cost and payment methods etc. But expect it to cost more like £20-25. If the majority of people want to go for the cheaper option then we can do that (likely cost approx £15), but it has been recommended by people with a lot more experience than me that the highest quality method would be best suited to the application, which I have to agree with.
The interest in side badges is starting to get to the level that makes manufacture viable, so I will confirm costs for that soon too.
I will update soon, feel free to message me any questions and anyone else that is interested, please add your name to the list so I know likely quantities.
Been mega busy at work then away on holiday, so sorry for lack of updates in the past couple of weeks. Basically there were a couple of main options to choose from on what level of quality badge manufacturing method to go for, one being nearly double the price of the other one.
I have spoken in depth to a couple of manufacturers and clubs that have had badges made and i personally feel, despite one option being much more expensive, it would be short sighted to go for the cheaper option as the highest quality method should much better withstand the vast temperature range, light exposure and road damage these badges can be exposed to - I'm not convinced that the cheaper method would necessarily cope as well and I don't want anyone being unhappy in a couple of years if they started getting problems. They should last 25 years easily (so i'm told).
As lots of us will probably keep our cars for several years, and the cost of these new badges compared to refurbishing existing ones is significantly less I think it makes sense.
The manufacturer I have decided on was not the cheapest, but has vast experience of making similar badges and I feel was the best option with all the information presented to me.
They are currently finalising the design which I will have to approve before manufacturer. As soon as this is finalised I will confirm cost and payment methods etc. But expect it to cost more like £20-25. If the majority of people want to go for the cheaper option then we can do that (likely cost approx £15), but it has been recommended by people with a lot more experience than me that the highest quality method would be best suited to the application, which I have to agree with.
The interest in side badges is starting to get to the level that makes manufacture viable, so I will confirm costs for that soon too.
I will update soon, feel free to message me any questions and anyone else that is interested, please add your name to the list so I know likely quantities.
I've added garfy v8s and dutydog onto the list.
Again, been busy at work, but hope to have an update by this weekend to confirm prices. Just finalising the spec with manufacturers and waiting to hear back from manufacturer about something.
Just for clarification, I have based the size, length and spacing of the studs on the original badge that was removed from my Chimaera. I'm not sure what vehicles people are planning on adding the badges to or whether the cars all have the same spacing.
I would have thought that they would use a standard badge that would all be the same, but you never know. Anyone know if the badges all have the same threaded stud spacing?!
Again, been busy at work, but hope to have an update by this weekend to confirm prices. Just finalising the spec with manufacturers and waiting to hear back from manufacturer about something.
Just for clarification, I have based the size, length and spacing of the studs on the original badge that was removed from my Chimaera. I'm not sure what vehicles people are planning on adding the badges to or whether the cars all have the same spacing.
I would have thought that they would use a standard badge that would all be the same, but you never know. Anyone know if the badges all have the same threaded stud spacing?!
tubbystu said:
Timja said:
Just for clarification, I have based the size, length and spacing of the studs on the original badge that was removed from my Chimaera. I'm not sure what vehicles people are planning on adding the badges to or whether the cars all have the same spacing.
I would have thought that they would use a standard badge that would all be the same, but you never know. Anyone know if the badges all have the same threaded stud spacing?!
The spare off my 1991 V8S has 54mm (ish !)centres - I can vernier this properly tomorrow or so if it matters. I would have thought that they would use a standard badge that would all be the same, but you never know. Anyone know if the badges all have the same threaded stud spacing?!
Edited by tubbystu on Tuesday 20th April 21:21
With a bit of luck i'll get final design spec and cost from Manufacturers in next week then can confirm it all on this thread and place the order.
I'm thinking of printing off some little flyers to distribute at Chatsworth just to make sure as many people that are interested get the chance to order one - I'm sure not everyone looks in here or are regular users on PH. Just seemed the perfect place to ask around as so many owners atted this event.
Apologies if i leave a flyer for you and you already know about the group buy, i'll probably try and catch people as they park up if i get there early enough so hope to meet some of you there.
Edited by Timja on Friday 23 April 00:59
Edited by Timja on Friday 23 April 01:00
I was discussing this with someone at Chatsworth - It wasn't until the other day when watching Paxman interview their idiot leader that I saw their logo. I thinks it's only because of the election timing that I really noticed it - never noticed before. It's unfortunate they have used it for a 3 letter name logo.
Having said that, the Union Jack is our national flag and is used in a similar way for loads of products, designer brands and companies and it is used in this sense to emphasise the fact that our cars are british made.
Not sure who used it first out of them and the previous batch of TVR badges, but as mentioned, the union jack flag has been incorporated into so many logos in history, it's hardly a new idea.
If you want a plain standard shaped union jack flag on your TVR, although why you would want that on the front i'm not sure, then such flags are readily available. I think Rover used to fit them on their vehicles at one time and lots of companies sell ones which could go on the back of the car.
Having said that, the Union Jack is our national flag and is used in a similar way for loads of products, designer brands and companies and it is used in this sense to emphasise the fact that our cars are british made.
Not sure who used it first out of them and the previous batch of TVR badges, but as mentioned, the union jack flag has been incorporated into so many logos in history, it's hardly a new idea.
If you want a plain standard shaped union jack flag on your TVR, although why you would want that on the front i'm not sure, then such flags are readily available. I think Rover used to fit them on their vehicles at one time and lots of companies sell ones which could go on the back of the car.
I've added you to the wiki.
It's all taking a little longer than i expected to sort out - I want it to be good quality though and nice and easy so thought it would be good to get things like the adhesive foam backing cut to shape properly and get a foam gasket to go between the badge and the body which may let it sit better against the bodywork on some cars and avoid any possible damage to the paint work etc.
Anyway, I should be able to confirm everything next week regarding spec, design (may be slightly different to the last batch with a slightly narrower outside border as we felt this was closer to the original badge), price, sizes etc. Then will get tooling made and get sample to approve within 10 days then delivery of badges within 3 weeks of that. Have to work out what to do regarding payments and getting addresses to post to etc. Think i might set up an online form which people can complete with all there details to make it easy to manage and send a message with bank details/address etc. Just annoying that you can only send one message at a time with Pistonheads!
Can't wait to get them on the cars for the summer!
It's all taking a little longer than i expected to sort out - I want it to be good quality though and nice and easy so thought it would be good to get things like the adhesive foam backing cut to shape properly and get a foam gasket to go between the badge and the body which may let it sit better against the bodywork on some cars and avoid any possible damage to the paint work etc.
Anyway, I should be able to confirm everything next week regarding spec, design (may be slightly different to the last batch with a slightly narrower outside border as we felt this was closer to the original badge), price, sizes etc. Then will get tooling made and get sample to approve within 10 days then delivery of badges within 3 weeks of that. Have to work out what to do regarding payments and getting addresses to post to etc. Think i might set up an online form which people can complete with all there details to make it easy to manage and send a message with bank details/address etc. Just annoying that you can only send one message at a time with Pistonheads!
Can't wait to get them on the cars for the summer!
See image of badge design attached. The design is almost identical to the previous batch of Union Jack Badges. The colours of the badge will not be as bright as the previous batch as the badges will be made from higher quality Hard Enamel (not imitation/resin based) and the colours are not quite as vivid. The badges will be chrome plated as before. When samples are made I am getting a gilt (gold) sample produced to see what they are like, but I have been advised that the gilt finish would not be as hard wearing when exposed to the elements as the Chrome finish. I was hoping to have Gold as an option but I think this may not be advisable as they do not think they will be as hard wearing as Chrome...
The Side badges and front badges with no lugs will come with 2mm 3M adhesive backed black foam pads.
The front badges with lugs (55mm apart) will come with a 2mm black pva foam gasket which I thought may be useful to have on some bonnets which are slightly curved and on other vehicles it may let the badges sit nicer and avoid any damage to the paintwork under the badge. These will also come with new nuts to secure them on.
I will put photos up as soon as the samples are made, but they should be almost identical to before with some slight colour differences due to difference in materials used.
The Side badges and front badges with no lugs will come with 2mm 3M adhesive backed black foam pads.
The front badges with lugs (55mm apart) will come with a 2mm black pva foam gasket which I thought may be useful to have on some bonnets which are slightly curved and on other vehicles it may let the badges sit nicer and avoid any damage to the paintwork under the badge. These will also come with new nuts to secure them on.
I will put photos up as soon as the samples are made, but they should be almost identical to before with some slight colour differences due to difference in materials used.
I'm getting a gold sample made up, so can see what it's like then will report back. When the order is placed we will have approx 2 weeks to decide on Chrome or Gold as the plating is one of the last processes after all the enameling so they can coat in either Chrome or Gilt. I believe the cost will be the same whatever finish.
It's possible that if the badge is going on a low usage car that is garaged the gold will survive perfectly ok compared with a car that lives outside all year exposed to the elements.
Or, it may be that a laquer can be applied to the badge to protect it from the elements.
Or it may just last OK. They just advised that it is not usually used for a car badge application so they can't be sure about the longevity of the gilt plating, whereas they have years of experience of the Chrome plating with no problems.
It's looking like the badges may arrive just too late for Le Mans on the timescale they have suggested, but at least they will be here for the summer.
Got to have a chat with them later then can hopefully work out final prices over the weekend as i'm not sure of the weight & cost to post out the items (i'd imagine normal post should be ok in a padded mailer) and need them to confirm the cutting die costs, nut costs and gasket costs etc.
It's possible that if the badge is going on a low usage car that is garaged the gold will survive perfectly ok compared with a car that lives outside all year exposed to the elements.
Or, it may be that a laquer can be applied to the badge to protect it from the elements.
Or it may just last OK. They just advised that it is not usually used for a car badge application so they can't be sure about the longevity of the gilt plating, whereas they have years of experience of the Chrome plating with no problems.
It's looking like the badges may arrive just too late for Le Mans on the timescale they have suggested, but at least they will be here for the summer.
Got to have a chat with them later then can hopefully work out final prices over the weekend as i'm not sure of the weight & cost to post out the items (i'd imagine normal post should be ok in a padded mailer) and need them to confirm the cutting die costs, nut costs and gasket costs etc.
PD1 - I've added your name to the list for side badges.
Regarding payments, i'm considering a couple of options of what to do... will try to decide over the weekend what to do. It would be good to avoid paypal fees if possible, but I agree it is probably the easiest way to handle the payments and 3-4% fee doesn't add a massive amount to the cost.
Samples taking longer than expected but i've been told they should be with me by 2nd June. Then bulk order of badges within a couple of weeks of then.
Regarding payments, i'm considering a couple of options of what to do... will try to decide over the weekend what to do. It would be good to avoid paypal fees if possible, but I agree it is probably the easiest way to handle the payments and 3-4% fee doesn't add a massive amount to the cost.
Samples taking longer than expected but i've been told they should be with me by 2nd June. Then bulk order of badges within a couple of weeks of then.
S6 Devil said:
They look great! Any news on the gold option?
The top large one and bottom left one are gold. I think the chrome look better too with the Red white and blue of the flag, but it's personal preference really and depends if it fits in with other gold badges on your car. I will try to take a better photo of the badges so you can see the colour better but it's difficult photographing something so shiny!All they said with the Gold ones was that the gilt finish is softer and would not be as hard wearing in outside weather conditions as the Chrome. He still thought it would last years if looked after but not as long as the Chrome finish. He did suggest that applying a laquer over it would help protect it from the elements.
They are just getting back to me about a couple of things regarding the finish and fitments of the badges then i can confirm cost. but should be (just) within the price range indicated originally.
The small black marks (which you have to be close to see anyway) should not be in the final versions or at least will be tiny as i have said they are not really acceptable. I think as they only made the samples they left them in, It is something that can happen during manufacturing, but on a run these should be minimised and they would remove and bad ones before sending.
Off to Le Mans Thursday AM (will be on Maison Blanche with badge on car hopefully if you are down there come have a look), so doubt i'll update much before i get back other than trying to upload some more photos tomorrow. Perhaps look to place order at end of next week...
Cheers,
Tim
Yes, you are in time to get one - Please add your name to the list here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Union Jack Badges
I've added T350 Al and geordieexpat to the list.
To add laquer to the gold badges will add approx £1 to the badge cost for large ones or pair of small ones.
I will give an update by Wednesday with final prices (just finalising the threaded lugs/fixing/foam adhesive spec) and then i will send messages to everyone on the wiki list with payment details and a link to a site to collect postal address details etc. This may take a few days to complete as I think Pistonheads limits how many private messages you can send in one day and also there is no way of sending a message to multiple people at once, so may be a long winded process!!
Cheers,
Tim
I've added T350 Al and geordieexpat to the list.
To add laquer to the gold badges will add approx £1 to the badge cost for large ones or pair of small ones.
I will give an update by Wednesday with final prices (just finalising the threaded lugs/fixing/foam adhesive spec) and then i will send messages to everyone on the wiki list with payment details and a link to a site to collect postal address details etc. This may take a few days to complete as I think Pistonheads limits how many private messages you can send in one day and also there is no way of sending a message to multiple people at once, so may be a long winded process!!
Cheers,
Tim
Edited by Timja on Monday 21st June 21:53
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