Hood Emblem Repair

[bigel]

Noticed recently that my front boot emblem was a bit loose. I decided to remove it to wash the area underneath and adjacent to the emblem. Upon removing the emblem I soon noticed one of the posts had broken away from the back of the emblem...PO?

Anyway, I've now got to reattach the post and I was looking for advice from the group. Was it likely braised on? I don't have a braising setup at home, but do have soldering capabilities. Figured I get some knowledge b-4 I screwed it up trying to solder.

Thanks!

[Sacto S]

I was worried about damaging the enamel work so I took mine to a local jewelry shop and they used their laser soldering equipment to tack it back on. The job has held up well for several years now and it only cost $20-$30 if I recall correctly.

[bigel]

Originally Posted by Sacto S

I was worried about damaging the enamel work so I took mine to a local jewelry shop and they used their laser soldering equipment to tack it back on. The job has held up well for several years now and it only cost $20-$30 if I recall correctly.

Oooooooo...lasers...thanks for the tip. So it would appear that soldering is the way to go.

Anyone have a different opinion?

[Justin@Athens]

You could just buy a new one. They are available here form our host and really bring alot of youthfulness back to the front of the car. It is attached with speednuts that are not reusable so you are going to need to place an order anyway.

[Canada Kev]

This is the phase in which we put a giant "laser" on the moon...

You could do a lot of soldering for what a new crest would cost. Mind you it would sure look pretty if yours is worn on the outside.
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 901-559-210-20-KIT

[mspirito]

JB Weld

[skinnerd]

Ditto on going to the jeweler's store.
Did just that when one of my pins broke on a brand new emblem.
Think he soldered it back on some way.
Looked good and solid when he gave it back to me.
Not a problem every since then.

Best part was he didn't charge me a cent.
Only asked that I drive the car by his shop so he could see it.
Cool....

[Evans, Marv]

Same kind of thing with one of my emblems, but the post is lost. Amybody know where I can get a replacement ??? I imagine the jeweler would probably silver solder it on.

[bigel]

Originally Posted by mspirito

JB Weld

Ended up going the 2-part epoxy route...giving it a full 24-hour cure and will reinstall today. Thanks to all...

[IROC]

While on the subject of these badges and their installation - does anyone else have the problem of the speed nuts not holding the badge securely when installed? I've installed mine twice with new speed nuts each time and no matter how firmly I try and get it installed, it's still loose.

Is there a trick to this?

[bigel]

Originally Posted by IROC

While on the subject of these badges and their installation - does anyone else have the problem of the speed nuts not holding the badge securely when installed? I've installed mine twice with new speed nuts each time and no matter how firmly I try and get it installed, it's still loose.

Is there a trick to this?

I was afraid of that issue, even though I haven't reinstalled mine yet...I wonder if it's possible to cut a thread into the post and use a more conventional fastener.

[Chuck.H]

I remove mine every time I wax the car - and yes, the posts get damaged quickly from the speednuts. Now I just use a one inch section of vacuum hose pressed onto each of the studs to hold it on.

Hope this helps,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 328k miles

[regency]

About a year ago, I sent my original hood emblem to Allan Heywood Enamels in Australia. He did a complete restoration and fixed the one broken post. It came back perfect.

Here's what he wrote to me in the return package. "Steve, don't use abrasive materials like Brasso or cutting compound on the gold - you'll soon polish it off - just warm soapy water and a toothbrush. And don't use the badge as a hood-closer - that's what cracks the enamel off them - it flattens the badge and cracks the glass".

Sadly, I later heard that Allan Heywood has passed away.

The total cost: About $59. to ship it to Australia. Then, $328. for the restoration and return shipping.

Steve

73 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

[bigel]

Originally Posted by Justin@Athens

You could just buy a new one. They are available here form our host and really bring alot of youthfulness back to the front of the car. It is attached with speednuts that are not reusable so you are going to need to place an order anyway.

Justin, I'd hardly describe my emblem as weathered or even worn (see below), so I just needed to reattache the post.


I successfully '2-part epoxied' the post back on and it appears to be as strong as the original.

[bigel]

Originally Posted by IROC

While on the subject of these badges and their installation - does anyone else have the problem of the speed nuts not holding the badge securely when installed? I've installed mine twice with new speed nuts each time and no matter how firmly I try and get it installed, it's still loose.

Is there a trick to this?

I didn't bother ordering new speed nuts - SN; upon inspection I noticed that the crown of the used nut was deformed from the post passing through...I simply gave the crown a few taps with a hammer and restored the nuts to there original, pre-installation shape.

When installing I found it very difficult to get the SN to engage the emblem post...I actually opted to start them on the posts with the emblem off the car (inverted on a block of wood to prevent scratching/marring the crest). Just after I successfully got the SN to bite into the posts, I backed them off, mounted the crest on the hood, and was then able to fully install the SN.

...and she's secure, that's for sure.

[Hoffman912]

a drop or two of two-part apoxy does the trick

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by regency

And don't use the badge as a hood-closer - that's what cracks the enamel off them - it flattens the badge and cracks the glass".

And that is also what causes the posts to break off! Never use the badge for closing the hood. It puts shearing stress on the posts and they break off.