The Debadging Blues

[Zuke]

I wanted to remove a few things from my truck, one being the center Ford logo on the tailgate. I quickly came to realize not only is there an adhesive that is taking me far too long to remove, there are 3 holes where the thing goes in!, why must they do this? I will post this on my Ranger Fourm, but is there any plug for these holes, or do I need these filled in and painted?

I will post pictues soon.

[Calais]

Re: The Debadging Blues

I was working on an 1987 Cadillac last night that had a similar problem. Instead of just plastic clips and a little bit of adhesive (like on the '89 Deville and Fleetwood) this Coupe Deville had two rivets that left enormous holes around the lock, which is also a Cadillac emblem. Thankfully we replaced it with an NOS emblem that barely covered the holes (one of which got a bit bent out of place).

My guess is that you would have to fill and paint like you had said. That may be a difficult thing to accomplish... Maybe find an emblem you would like more that would fill those holes?

[Nick Chapman]

Re: The Debadging Blues

I work with a lot of guys that like to debadge their vehicles. Do not plug them. Yes it will last for a while, but you removed your emblem for a reason, the smooth and stealty look.

My advice, throw those emblems back on there. Then shop around for a used tailgate. Take the used tailgate to the bodyshop and have them do it correctly. Then swap the tailgate out and sell your old one. In the end, you're not out much cash, and you won't have those tacky plugs. Plus you can move the tailgate handle to the inside while you're at it, and have the bodyshop shave the outside for an even more stealthy look.

Nick

[cnfowler]

Re: The Debadging Blues

I completely agree with Nick. Whatever you do, don't plug the holes. It will look worse than it already does with the Ford emblem on it.

Colin

[Eddie6th]

Re: The Debadging Blues

As mentioned earlier,better to leave the badge be.

If you really prefer the look without it,then a bodyshop will have to fill and repaint.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: The Debadging Blues

I too agree with Nick.

It would take a lot of work, but it is possible. If you are going to go that route, then you might as well as have it shaved like Nick also suggested. It will not be cheap, and I am not sure if it is not going to be a show truck if it would be worth it or not. Also, once you start, the rest of the truck has to be done or it will look out of place.


Maybe look around the net and see if you can find a Ford chrome emblem from the after market to replace the factory one. It would look unique and with that color of truck, look pretty cool too.

Tim

[Zuke]

Re: The Debadging Blues

I am going to put it back on today, I really don't like that Ford would put these holes there, I don't want to remove anymore only to find out there are more holes. Thanks for the advise, I guess this will be something todo down to road, why must everything cost money?

[Tim Lingor]

Re: The Debadging Blues

It is not just Ford that does that....but I guess they figure most people just leave them on, and being semi-mounted, they will stay on better than simply bonded.

There are methods for welding up holes (slugs on stud setters etc), but the problem is doing it so that it does not warp the metal or create obvious repair marks. Like I said, to do anything correctly will be very expensive.

Tim