installing front emblem

I am fixin to install the front emblem & just wanted to know if there is anything that I should be especially aware of? Common problems? I'd like to know as much as possible before I go ahead and drill into the car. Thanks y'all!

David, do not install it upside down.

David,

Measure "Twice" before you drill.

If not sure, get a Book on Speedsters and research proper positioning.

I "Layed" mine out with Masking Tape for "Set-up."

The only issue I encountered is the "Nose" of the front body is curved/rounded. The portions that extend into the body will not
align because once the emblem is "Curved" to match the body the insertion pegs will change their insertion points.

Drill the first insertion point into the body and then work outward to either end/side keeping in mind the horizontal positioning you have made with "Making Tape."

The Fiber Glass in the nose of my may was thicker then the length of my insertion pegs attached to the emblem. You will have to deal with
"Mounting."

Good Luck,

Jack

David
I went through this installation, the best advise is not trying to mount it strait. The position on the nose of the car is curved and if you do it will look like a happy face. Slighty curve it so it will look straight. Secondly do a template with the hole pattern on a plastic stencil and present it on the car. Measure, measure & measure before marking the hole positions. I use a little of krazy glue to affix the emblem. (with little it will still come out if you need to take it out) - Good luck - jJ

I've also heard you should not use a ne drill bit? What about the amount of pressure to apply when drilling? Also, any merit to the notion you should begin the hole by drilling backwards so as not to crack the fiberglass? I'm starting to get very nervous about this install!

David, I've drilled the fiberglass in my car before successfully. First make sure you get new drill bits; punch in a starter hole first and drill the hole using a small drill bit; then go to the larger one.

Put masking takpe on the fiberglass first to limit cracking and chipping. Running the drill backwards first is a good idea to get the hole started. DO NOT apply alot of pressure and go very, very slowly or the drill will catch and dig in. Actually, an older drill bit will work better because a new bit will catch, dig in and try to drill faster.

Do a search of this site on mounting because the 'glass is usually thinker than the length of the mounting prongs. I like to get underneath and dremel a dimple so I can use the original mounting method. Others have different methods/preferences.

David,

I'm about to install a couple of Reutter badges, and i'm as nervous about it as you. I want to make sure that i've got it on the right spot.

Since you are mounting on a curved surface. You will be dealing with a tricky placement. I would take a piece of low tack masking tape and apply it to the back of the emblem. Keep in mind that you need it long enough to reach both mounting post. Now carefully take an x-acto blade and trim around the curve of the post.

With a pencil, mark the center of each post on the tape. Now, with the tape on a flat surface, take a straight edge and connect the mark's for a horizon line. Apply the tape to the front of your car. This will give you an idea of the positioning and the location of the holes. You'll want to apply a curve to your emblem before actually attaching it, so the edges won't lift.

When you have it done, head over to the Pleasantville shopping center on Saturday at 7:00 PM to show off your work!

Maybe I'll see you there - Mel

Hey Mel,

Sorry, I didn't check back on this site until Sunday am. Those Holiday weekend festivities kept me tied up! Maybe next time your out cruising you can let me know. Ciao.

As Bruce said ,

I also run a drill bit backwards at a slow speed to cut through the gelcoat (use tape over the area to preventing chipping) and begin to go into the glass then run the bit in the forward direction with minimal pressure..taking your time this will result in a clean hole.