Porsche Crest Hood Emblem Restoration Project

[1985RedTarga]

On a previous post I inquired about vendors selling new Porsche hood emblems. I know that our host sells them for about $175. After spending about $15,000 in the past few months getting my new Targa mechanically almost perfect, the funds are drying up. So spending that money on a new crest didn't seem right.

This is no knock on PP by any means. I'm a very loyal customer and the prices are certainly some of the best. In fact, I'm waiting on some new stuff from them as I write. But in the cost/benefit area, I thought I would "restore" the emblem myself. Not only will I save some money, I would have fun doing it myself. I'll keep my fingers crossed it turns out ok.

So my emblem was taken off, cleaned up with mineral spirits, a little steel wool and some dishwashing liquid. I spent about $13 for primer, gold base coat and a clear coat for the last step.

I've never seen it like this before, but my emblem has no red or black on it. Granted, I'm new to the Porsche world, but I wasn't aware they made a two tone gold emblem. The project is on a 1985 Targa. Maybe the PO bought it.

Anyhow, I thought it would be different and kind of fun to document it in case anyone else wants to try it, or offer advice.

So here's the first photos...

[Howard M]

Surely you must know that the original crest was, indeed, red and black. Someone has already removed the cloissoin-applied, fired-on color.

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by Howard M

Surely you must know that the original crest was, indeed, red and black. Someone has already removed the cloissoin-applied, fired-on color.

Some people I just don't understand. But anyhow, we'll see how the restoration goes.

[1985RedTarga]

A little more work just done...

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by 1985RedTarga

Some people I just don't understand. But anyhow, we'll see how the restoration goes.

Why don't you understand Howard? I'm pretty sure he's right...

[Jerome74911S]

I notice small bottles of black and red. . .

[uncle_scott]

Gold turned out nice. I wonder if you could use the bake-on christmas ornament plastic beads to get the emlem to replicate the factory look? I ued to make those all the time as a kid, You just fill up the spots you want to color, and the beads melt down...

At any rate, I am sure the crest will look great.

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by redstrosekNic

Why don't you understand Howard? I'm pretty sure he's right...

That was not meant for Howard. I was saying I didn't understand why the PO did something to the crest.

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by Jerome74911S

I notice small bottles of black and red. . .

Model paint from a craft store.

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by uncle_scott

Gold turned out nice. I wonder if you could use the bake-on christmas ornament plastic beads to get the emlem to replicate the factory look? I ued to make those all the time as a kid, You just fill up the spots you want to color, and the beads melt down...

At any rate, I am sure the crest will look great.

Never thought of that. I'm using model paint. In fact it's drying now. I'm going to have to go back and fill in some gold by hand where the red and black got onto the gold. I used a toothpick to get into some of the really tight places.

I'll post a photo soon before I do go and fill in the spilled in areas and then one of the finished product.

[1985RedTarga]

Here's what it looks like while the red and black are drying. Once dried, I'll go in and "backfill" some of the raised areas with gold that red and black on them. Then clearcoat.

[drcoastline]

Looks pretty dang good if you aks me.

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Looks pretty dang good if you aks me.

+1

Nice job there

[mlfox]

Looks nice.. great job.

Regards,
mlfox

[1985RedTarga]

Here's the finished product. A little wet clear coat, but I'm very happy with the results. $13 in paint vs. $175 for a new. Win for me.

If you get up within a few inches, you can tell it was handpainted. But I really don't think anyone will. It's just more money for another project.

Thanks for all the comments.

Jamie

[Shaun @ Tru6]

great job.

some people indeed!

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

great job.

some people indeed!

Give it a try if you want to freshen it up! Here was my thinking...if I screwed up the red and black, I'd just shoot it all gold and clear coat it. It would still look better than what it did.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

mine is actually perfect for my car, which defines patina. it's not a nice car.

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by 1985RedTarga

That was not meant for Howard. I was saying I didn't understand why the PO did something to the crest.

Sorry, my misunderstanding. Yeah, that is a bit strange that one would strip the color off of a crest. It's looking pretty good. I give you credit for your creativity with this one...

[DaveE]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

mine is actually perfect for my car, which defines patina. it's not a nice car.

Looks pretty damn nice to me!!!