restoring emblems...ugh!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Heartland
restoring emblems...ugh!
Has anybody ever restored the paint on their emblems or know anybody that restores them?
I finally found the red that matches the paint on the Logo flag (mid-fifties Buick engine block red) but getting the emblem taped and sprayed is a real bee-ich. I just got through cleaning the paint off with laquer thinner for the second time.
I'm not going to spray the checkered flag as the areas are small enough I can flow the black and white paint in position with the tip of a small brush.
Before I go at that Red again Maybe somebody has "been there & done that" and will share their experience or success, or..
Thanks...Alex
I finally found the red that matches the paint on the Logo flag (mid-fifties Buick engine block red) but getting the emblem taped and sprayed is a real bee-ich. I just got through cleaning the paint off with laquer thinner for the second time.
I'm not going to spray the checkered flag as the areas are small enough I can flow the black and white paint in position with the tip of a small brush.
Before I go at that Red again Maybe somebody has "been there & done that" and will share their experience or success, or..
Thanks...Alex
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 2
From: Enraging liberals everywhere. Ocala,FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I infill emblems like the crossed flags on my 1977 using Testor's brand model paints in the small glass bottle using a round toothpick as an applicator. Simply dip and dab. With a bit of practice you'll be able to make them look factory sharp without masking, wiping or scraping. All you need is a steady hand and large amounts of patience.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
I got all new ones on ebay, then i sold all my old ones on ebay and made money on the deal.. no show car here so wasnt to worried..
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
I infill emblems like the crossed flags on my 1977 using Testor's brand model paints in the small glass bottle using a round toothpick as an applicator. Simply dip and dab. With a bit of practice you'll be able to make them look factory sharp without masking, wiping or scraping. All you need is a steady hand and large amounts of patience.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I bought a kit at Wal-mart some time back... contains black, white, red, silver, blue and yellow. There are several kits of varying complexity available... if you want a real smorgasbord of colors look for a hobby store which concentrates on models... planes, trains or automobiles. There are as many specialty finishes out there for hardcore modelers as there are for hardcore car guys!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
If you want a unique look for your car, consider infilling your emblems at least partially with your body color. My car will be deep maroon... it might look cool with the flags done in maroon/white instead of black/white, or the red parts done maroon instead.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Heartland
Thanks everyone for the suggestions and especially C3Dave for using the search engine which I never thought of....duh. Oh well, brings the subject front and center once again.
I was trying to spray the left side logo area because I thought I wouldn't be able to keep the large surface area smooth enough with a toothpick or brush.
You guys have been a big help......
Alex
I was trying to spray the left side logo area because I thought I wouldn't be able to keep the large surface area smooth enough with a toothpick or brush.
You guys have been a big help......
Alex
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
ive had to do both of my emblems twice, but i used a tooth pick both times for all 3 colors.
it seems to last for 2-3 years, and than i have to redo them. of course my car is stored outside.
whenever i do this for a 3rd time, im going to spray some clear over it when its done.
it seems to last for 2-3 years, and than i have to redo them. of course my car is stored outside.
whenever i do this for a 3rd time, im going to spray some clear over it when its done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,388
Likes: 2
From: Eagle River Alaska
I infill emblems like the crossed flags on my 1977 using Testor's brand model paints in the small glass bottle using a round toothpick as an applicator. Simply dip and dab. With a bit of practice you'll be able to make them look factory sharp without masking, wiping or scraping. All you need is a steady hand and large amounts of patience.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 415
From: N J
Did this one from my 68 gas lid. Testors red, black, and white. It looks like red paint on the edge of the flag but its not. I do see 1 little spot of red I missed near the top though. Did it a few years ago, 1 day it might actually make it back on the car. If your chrome edge is still shiny but the paint is faded give it a shot !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,388
Likes: 2
From: Eagle River Alaska
The hardest ones for me were the L-82 emblems because you have to lean over the car for long periods while painting. It just takes patience.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Heartland
I went to Testor's website and ordered the bottles I needed, gloss black, white, red, dk red, and flat black for the base of the L-82 so in about 3 to 6 days I can try it again.
John 65 you did a great job on that emblem....And I can't imagine doing these emblems still attached to the car
I do close work for a living so I have all the lights, headloupes (mag) and all kinds of tiny tools. The only reason I didn't go the Testors route to begin with is I was trying to use a higher quality paint. My car is always garaged so I guess it really doesn't matter, but I think I'll do the clearcoat overcoat as suggested.
My car is a 78 so the nose & gas door emblems are those huge round ones. These emblems are new so they don't need anything except I am considering painting the center portion the dk blue color of my car just to hold down the "flash factor" a bit. Sometimes less is more.
John 65 you did a great job on that emblem
....And I can't imagine doing these emblems still attached to the carI do close work for a living so I have all the lights, headloupes (mag) and all kinds of tiny tools. The only reason I didn't go the Testors route to begin with is I was trying to use a higher quality paint. My car is always garaged so I guess it really doesn't matter, but I think I'll do the clearcoat overcoat as suggested.
My car is a 78 so the nose & gas door emblems are those huge round ones. These emblems are new so they don't need anything except I am considering painting the center portion the dk blue color of my car just to hold down the "flash factor" a bit. Sometimes less is more.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
ive restored mine with a toothpick and spray paint. and look factory fresh after two years still. i can restore yours for you if you want and actually was thinking of starting a business LOL! but really its easy if you use the "flow technique. take and dab the pick or whatever sharp object you want in the paint and touch it to the metal. the paint will flow into the areas leaving the higher silver / chrome features bare. you do one section at a time until the paint is leveled off. leave it to dry and youre done. i couldnt see buying new ones.
Last edited by 1nicecorvette; Jun 23, 2011 at 09:34 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
nice, how much you think to restore all the emblems on my L-82 1978 vette? Just got the car, and I notice the emblems everytime I look at the car.