How to De-badge a Car

In the import business, de-badging has become very popular. De-badging is the process of removing the car manufacturer logo (such as the Honda "H" logo), the car model name badge (such as "Civic") and the trim badge (such as "EX" or "LX"). This effect gives your car a much cleaner and simpler look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint scraper
• Duct tape
• Heat gun (or Hair Dryer)
• Soft towel Cloth
• An adhesive remover (such as Goo Gone)
• Some Car Wax

1. Get the paint scraper and wrap duct tape around the flat metal part of the scraper. Make sure no metal is exposed to ensure you don't accidently scratch or chip the paint on the car but keep the scraper as flat as possible.

2. Try to wedge the scraper underneath the badge and with the Heat Gun (or hair dryer) heat the badge up. The heat will melt the glue holding the badge in place.

3. Continue to wedge the scraper underneath the badge and slowly work your way to peel the badge, being carful not to snap the badge.

4. Once the badge is off, clean off the excessive glue with the adhesive remover and wipe clean with the soft towel cloth.

5. If there is any stubborn glue residue left on the car, try heating the glue up with the heat gun to soften the glue and spray it down again.

6. Once that area of the car is completely clean of any glue residue apply car wax on that spot to remove any oxidation and to seal the paint. And you're all set.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the car badges, they may fetch a few bucks or in case you change your mind and want to add the badges back on for what ever reason.
• Some car badges such as the Honda "H" logo doesn't have any glue holding them in place. They usually have two prongs that plug into two holes in the hull of the car so a scraper will do.
• Be very careful not to chip the paint with the scraper.
• Be very careful not to burn yourself with the heat gun.

[paul-777]

on 8/11/2009 Cool article! Thanks! 5 Stars! ... GOD-BLESS!!

[bluekoi]

on 8/7/2009 Great tips... I especially despise the dealer badges. And they're usually cheap plastic too!

[spongie84]

on 8/1/2009 cool