Putting badges on the car

[LizardOfBodom]

Hi
advice please for that seemingly simnple task that I reckon may be properly effed up if not done carefuly. Most questions here are regarding de-badging, mine is the oposite - decided to put original badges where it should be (my car never had them, not sure if stolen or debadged by original owner). What is the proper procedure?
Got new OEM badges from Volvo, so those come with adhesive in the back and transport film in the front?. From logic I reckon I should measure&mark the position first, then remove adhesive, attach it and just after - remove transport external film? Any tips regarding that? Should I heat up the bootlid where adhesive will contact? And how to clean/degrease it with so not to damage paint but to remove dirt properly?
any tips welcome, really dont want to do it twice (bagdes are ridicously and improportionally expensive I have to say ;D)

[AndrasL]

Buy some isopropyl alcohol, use it to clean the area where the badge will be.
Get some duct-tape and use it to outline where you want the badge to be. Install the badge, then remove the protective cover.

To get the precise location, I would measure a car that still has the badges on it.

[StatusRed]

I have a feeling I remember seeing someone once write about some sort of spacing kit for the letters to get them exactly right.. Like bits of plastic stuck between them at exact sizes for the spacing.. something like that.. Maybe available off somewhere like AliExpress?

[XCR]

Don't use Duct-Tape. Use blue low-tack masking tape and a pencil.

[Markos01]

Exactly as AndrasL says, although I think I used masking tape. I added new Volvo badges to my C30 and used good quality pics from the internet to judge the positions, then I carefully taped the position then gently and carefully stuck the badges on. The clear film means the letter spacing is perfect. After lightly pressing on, step back and admire your handy work, then push on firmly, then remove clear tape from the front of the badges. Isopropyl alcohol should ensure a clean surface beforehand, and that’s that! Mine never came close to loosening and I doubt they ever will.

[Welton]

My bottle of IPA is empty....last time I looked for some it was properly £££££££££££

Blame Covid.

I guess a degreaser like Brake Cleaner would work about the same?

With masking tape you could always 'hang' the badge on strips against the bodywork (before removing the sticky backing) until you think it looks right....then mark the position with a 'border' of masking tape so you get a kind of 'letter box' marker to aim the new badge into.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by StatusRed

I have a feeling I remember seeing someone once write about some sort of spacing kit for the letters to get them exactly right.. Like bits of plastic stuck between them at exact sizes for the spacing.. something like that.. Maybe available off somewhere like AliExpress?

That's exactly how they come from volvo , see above.... the face of the letters are stuck to a transparent film . the dimension are usually in VIDA as where they go ..

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by Welton

My bottle of IPA is empty....last time I looked for some it was properly £££££££££££

Blame Covid.

I guess a degreaser like Brake Cleaner would work about the same?

With masking tape you could always 'hang' the badge on strips against the bodywork (before removing the sticky backing) until you think it looks right....then mark the position with a 'border' of masking tape so you get a kind of 'letter box' marker to aim the new badge into.

Brake cleaner might be a bit agressive on paintwork, no?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by StatusRed

Brake cleaner might be a bit agressive on paintwork, no?

Just buy a litre of volvo wash fluid neat that is what volvo use to prepare for badge application its an alcohol substance ... about £3

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Welton

My bottle of IPA is empty....last time I looked for some it was properly £££££££££££

Blame Covid.

I guess a degreaser like Brake Cleaner would work about the same?

With masking tape you could always 'hang' the badge on strips against the bodywork (before removing the sticky backing) until you think it looks right....then mark the position with a 'border' of masking tape so you get a kind of 'letter box' marker to aim the new badge into.

£6 for 2l plus post £11 toral,, "pre gouge" prices
https://www.lubrisolve.com/degreaser...n#/235-size-2l

they do smaller + larger quantities




like you i would Choose to go with 3M 3434 over "gaffa/duct tape" ,
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/3m-3434-masking-tape

but i do have rolls of it from the machine polishing of the 2 V50s


Brake cleaner Maybe a tad harsh on the paint

Clan's option of using Volvo washer fluid (concentrate) is the cheapest