Do-it-yourself Badge Mod

[SouLRioT]

Parts Needed:
2 Center Caps part# 3W3Z 1130 AB
1 Bottle Touch-up paint
1 new rear badge
1 dremel
1 clamp
1 knife
1 fishing line
1 razor
1 plier
1 adheasive

Step 1:
First you need to remove the grey clips off of the center caps with the knife. Don't just break the clips off but remove it from the adheasive. Repete twice.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/903tn_DSC00401.JPG

Step 2:
Paint background of center caps with your color touch-up paint. If you paint over an area you didn't want to use your nail to scrape it off.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/903tn_DSC00417.JPG

Step 3:
Remove your front and rear badges. To remove the front badge, you will need to open the hood and remove the plastic cover. Then use the pilers and remove the bolt holding it in place. To remove the rear badge you will need to use fishing line, and like dental floss, use it with both hands and move the line from the outer edge to the center. Use the razor to remove excess adheasive.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/2/903tn_DSC00408.JPGhttp://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/903tn_DSC00414.JPG

Step 4:
Now you are ready to remove the "Flying M". Carefuly clamp down the front badge, you may want to apply tape to protect the edges. At this point use the dremel to grind out the center logo. For the front badge you will need to leave approx. 1/4 inch for the center cap to fit. Repete twice.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/903tn_DSC00421.JPGhttp://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/903tn_DSC00418.JPG

Step 5:
Use the now ground-out front and rear badges and apply the adheasive compound. Then put the center cap into the badge. Repete twice and let sit.

Step 6:
Attach the badges to your MM. Because you used a new rear badge nothing is needed except removing the backing. For the front badge you will want to use the adheasive to keep it there for the life of your car. Now you are a proud owner of a "God's Head Badge Conversion"

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/2/903DSC00444-med.JPG
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/2/903DSC00441-med.JPG

[CRUZTAKER]

I will save this link for all future inquiries. Thanks for posting!:up::bows:

I used to try to explain this op in a PM.:depress:

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/627Front_badge_done-med.jpg

[SouLRioT]

np, i've received many pm's about this too, but never had time to write a good post. Always felt incomplete, untill now.

[Lowell]

Thank you for the info. My buddy Ryan cannot seem to complete the billit badges I want. I may have to settle with this. Nice job, looks good. :beer:

[teamrope]

I just purchased 2 center caps before you posted this. I plan on painting the badges gloss black befor I re-apply them to the car for the "stealth" look. :up:
Thanks for the info, I didn't know I had to purchase a separate rear badge.

mrsteamrope's DTR is going in the shop Monday to get the badgless treatment.:)

[teamrope]

Question...What type of adhesive, the double sided foam tape or something else? :confused:

[SouLRioT]

I used Liquid Nail, but any caulking compound will work.

[duhtroll]

I used black silicone sealant both in attaching the centercap to the badge and the rear badge to the trunk lid. I also did not buy a new badge. Since the old badge had to come off the car anyway I just used the old badge. Worked great.

I also did not buy touch up paint. I bought ceramic paint "for use on pottery, glass, and plastics." This is the kind you're supposed to "bake on" in an oven afterward. I just left it out in the sun on a warm day for a few hours after reapplying the badge to the trunk. The sun off the black paint sealed the paint and the silicone. So this also worked great - and the paint only cost me $3.00 or something like that.

Haven't gotten around to the front badge yet, mainly because I haven't yet really decided how I want it. Leave pieces of the M for stability and paint them black, take the M out completely and fill the gap with silicone, or not and just paint the background all black, or just order another grille and go badgeless. What a great problem to have - all these cool choices.

-A

[teamrope]

Haven't gotten around to the front badge yet, mainly because I haven't yet really decided how I want it. Leave pieces of the M for stability and paint them black, take the M out completely and fill the gap with silicone, or not and just paint the background all black, or just order another grille and go badgeless. What a great problem to have - all these cool choices.-A
I know what you mean...I'm going with the gods head treatment, mrsteamropes going badgless (with the gods head stearingwheel badge). We'll have the best of boath worlds.:D

[reddog69]

Whats a good place to buy the caps without having to sell my car to get them. Thanks, Reddog.

[martyo]

Whats a good place to buy the caps without having to sell my car to get them. Thanks, Reddog.

I found a set on e-bay (they come up from time to time). Also, Ray ("The Dealer" here on the site) has hooked me up with parts at the right price too. You might give him a shout. He responds quickly to PM's.

[MERCMAN]

What can one use to remove the adhesive on the trunk after removing the badge without destroying the clear-coat/paint?

[GordonB]

mercman,
Try using standard mineral spirits (like for oil-based paint). It has a slightly oily feel to it, but should not damage the paint. Can also use Bug & Tar remover.
Note: DO NOT USE Goof-Off. This stuff will dull the finish.
Let us know how you made out.
GordonB

[aa1611]

Thanks for the elaborate description of how to make the badges! They look great!
Do you get the extra wheel caps and badges from your local dealer or is there a better place to buy?

Thanks

[SouLRioT]

I bought mine from my local dealer, but that was befor Ray Sr "theDealer" was a member. I'm not sure what he is getting for them.

[Bradley G]

A special thanks to Soul Riot for his thread on the badge Mod.Thanks Pal ! Your Thread gave me the confidence to Butcher a couple stock ornaments to create a unique look to the MM.The Fish line trick (for rear badge) was genius!I made a couple changes to your method(didn't paint). ect. Great Job!! I'm very pleased with the way they turned out.

[SouLRioT]

Your welcome, Its all about making it your own. Do you have pics of your new badges?

[Bradley G]

Hey SR, how are ya??I am in the stone ages when it comes to computer stuff.I will try and figure this out soon!
Your welcome, Its all about making it your own. Do you have pics of your new badges?