rear emblem color matching guide

guide summary

This guide explains the process of removing the rear emblem on a Golf, and color matching the background of the badge with the body color of the car. The guide can be followed for a Bora/Jetta, however, the removal procedure for the badge is different as the keyhole is integrated into it, and is not covered in this guide. Please note that instructions 1 to 11 refer to the corresponding, numbered photographs.

This guide was created by nianmuzik and ComgenGTI.

tools needed

  • 3M Adhesive/Tar Remover
  • 3M double sided tape
  • Masking tape
  • Epoxy glue for plastics
  • Dental floss
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Knife or sharp instrument
  • OEM spray paint or touch up paint (with clear coat)
  • Newspaper
  • Soft cloth

instructions

  1. Using the knife or sharp instrument, carefully lift up the rubber part and insert the dental floss as shown in the photo. Place the soft cloth against the car and the knife or sharp instrument to protect the paint. While pulling the badge forward, spray the now exposed double-sided tape with the adhesive remover. Allow the tape to absorb the adhesive remover for about 5 minutes, then repeat.
  2. After soaking the tape in the adhesive remover, the badge should come off easily. Use the dental floss to cut through the tape until you can get a grip on the whole badge, then pull the badge off carefully. Do not use too much force or you will damage your paint.
  3. Pull the remaining tape off by hand, and apply more of the adhesive remover to remove the adhesive residue on the car.
  4. Repeat until the tape residue has been removed completely, and the paint is clean.
  5. The back of the badge is made of two pieces. The chrome "VW" piece is held to the plastic piece by rivets and epoxy glue. With needle-nose pliers and the knife, carefully remove the epoxy glue residue to free the head of the rivet from the plastic piece. Repeat for all 6 rivets until they are clean, then separate the chrome piece from the plastic piece.
  6. Separating both pieces requires a little extra strength, patience and much care. Forcing the separation could result in breaking or damaging either part. Clean the plastic piece with water and soap to remove any accumulated dirt. Use 600-grit sandpaper and some water to wet-sand the plastic piece. This roughens the surface so that the paint will adhere when it is applied. After sanding the plastic part, clean it with water and soap to remove any dust.
  7. Mask off the rubber surround part using masking tape to protect it from paint. Place the plastic piece on the newspaper and spray it with the OEM paint in a well ventilated area. Allow the paint to dry for about 20 minutes, then spray two or more additional coats until the paint is even.
  8. Spray the painted plastic piece with OEM clearcoat and allow approximately one full hour to dry. Spray a second coat of clearcoat and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
  9. Reattach the chrome part with the now color matched plastic piece, use equal force on all sides of the badge to allow all rivets back into place. Use epoxy glue to make sure the rivet heads do not separate from the plastic piece.
  10. Apply double-sided tape on the backside of the badge for remounting onto the car.
  11. Once the badge is stuck back on the car, make sure the rubber part is reforms evenly on all sides before securely fastening the badge to the car.
  12. Enjoy your new color-matched rear VW badge!
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