duhtroll
04-09-2004, 11:22 AM
Just thought I would share my experience today.
I did the rear badge mod with the painted center cap, and will be doing the front badge soon. My rear badge was a b***h to get off. I was very patient and careful (or so I thought). It took me about 20 minutes of taping, gradual pressure all around, putting a phone card between the small screwdriver I was using and the metal. This was just for the badge removal.
Got the badge off, completed the mod, and apart from one small gouge in the plastic chrome-style ring that the dremel took with it (one "large" piece came off at once instead of melting away like it was supposed to - but I digress) I really thought it looked good.
Then I caught the light reflection from the side and noticed that I had put 4 very small creases in the metal from the prying process, even though I used tape and the phone card. :mad2: :mad2: :mad2:
When the cursing was over, I started hunting for body shops. Found a guy (who only happens to be in on Fridays) who said he would take a look at it.
One half hour and $35 later the dents are gone, and I am again happy with the appearance of the MM.
He told me anything bigger thana quarter will most often leave some residual traces or ripples, but these (much smaller) came out very nicely and easily. He used a long bar with a kind of roller attachment on the end - slipped it under the plastic on the deck lid, and it took him about 30-60 seconds per dent.
He also took out another small dent that I have had since delivery but did not notice until I got it home.
Just in case this information is helpful to anyone here. No damage to the paint, the dents are gone, and for less than I thought I would have to pay. So search around.
Thanks,
-A
I did the rear badge mod with the painted center cap, and will be doing the front badge soon. My rear badge was a b***h to get off. I was very patient and careful (or so I thought). It took me about 20 minutes of taping, gradual pressure all around, putting a phone card between the small screwdriver I was using and the metal. This was just for the badge removal.
Got the badge off, completed the mod, and apart from one small gouge in the plastic chrome-style ring that the dremel took with it (one "large" piece came off at once instead of melting away like it was supposed to - but I digress) I really thought it looked good.
Then I caught the light reflection from the side and noticed that I had put 4 very small creases in the metal from the prying process, even though I used tape and the phone card. :mad2: :mad2: :mad2:
When the cursing was over, I started hunting for body shops. Found a guy (who only happens to be in on Fridays) who said he would take a look at it.
One half hour and $35 later the dents are gone, and I am again happy with the appearance of the MM.
He told me anything bigger thana quarter will most often leave some residual traces or ripples, but these (much smaller) came out very nicely and easily. He used a long bar with a kind of roller attachment on the end - slipped it under the plastic on the deck lid, and it took him about 30-60 seconds per dent.
He also took out another small dent that I have had since delivery but did not notice until I got it home.
Just in case this information is helpful to anyone here. No damage to the paint, the dents are gone, and for less than I thought I would have to pay. So search around.
Thanks,
-A