How To Fit An Emblem To Your Car: Pins, Self-Cutting Nuts & Adhesive

When you reach the stage of your car restoration where you’re finally up the detailing, you’ll be looking to attach an emblem to your car. Your current emblem may have fallen off, or you may have restored your old emblem and are preparing to reattach it.

In this post, you’ll learn how to attach different types of emblems to your car. We’ll first go over emblems that have pins and self-cutting nuts, then we’ll look at how to attach adhesive emblems.

How To Fit Emblems With Pins or Self-Cutting Nuts:

When setting emblems that have pins and self cutting nuts, for the first time, be gentle and pre-fasten the speed nut to the diecast posts on the bench. Don’t over-tighten or tighten diecast with a rattle gun or you will snap the pins. Use a bit of oil or white grease on the pins to start it off with.

Avoid doing it up the first time straight onto a panel, twisting and over-heating the stem. This usually results in a misaligned emblem.

If you don't have the right size speed nut and want a variety pack, we have a few different useful kits listed under "Speed Nut". Just type that into the SEARCH box of any page to see them.

Fitting an emblem with pins or self-cutting nuts on a car can be a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure a secure fit and to avoid damaging the vehicle.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the installation:

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. Emblem with pins or self-cutting nuts

2. Drill and appropriate drill bits (if applicable)

3. Screwdriver

4. Wrench or socket set

5. Rubber seal or gasket (optional, for added protection)

6. Cleaning supplies (alcohol wipes, cloth)

7. Measuring tape or ruler

8. Pencil or marker for marking

9. Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose the Right Location:

• Decide where you want to place the emblem on your car. Common locations include the front grille, rear trunk, or sides.

• Make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt, wax, and grease.

2. Prepare the Surface:

• Clean the area thoroughly using alcohol wipes or a suitable cleaner. This will ensure better adhesion and, in the case of self-cutting nut installations, provide a cleaner surface to work on.

3. Mark the Position:

• Use a measuring tape to find the center of the desired area if necessary.

• Use a pencil or marker to lightly outline where the pins or mounting holes will go.

4. Drill Holes (if necessary):

• If your emblem has pins that require drilling, mark the locations for the holes based on the emblem’s pin layout.

• Choose a drill bit that matches the size of the pins or the self-cutting nuts.

• Wear safety goggles and drill the holes carefully. Be cautious not to damage any underlying components.

5. Install the Emblem:

• For emblems with pins, insert the pins through the holes you drilled.

• If using self-cutting nuts, position the emblem in place and screw the nuts onto the pins. Tighten them securely, ensuring that the emblem is snug against the surface.

6. Check Alignment:

• Before fully tightening, step back and check that the emblem is aligned correctly. Make any final adjustments as necessary.

7. Secure the Emblem:

• Once you are happy with the position, tighten the nuts or screws fully to secure the emblem in place.

• Avoid over-tightening as it may crack the emblem or damage the vehicle's surface.

8. Optional Sealing:

• If desired, apply a rubber seal or gasket behind the emblem to help prevent water intrusion and to provide additional cushioning.

9. Final Cleanup:

• Wipe down the area around the emblem to remove any dust or debris from the installation process.

10. Allow Time to Set:

• If you used any type of adhesive or sealant, allow it to cure based on manufacturer recommendations before washing the car.

Safety Tips:

• Always wear safety goggles when drilling.

• Ensure there are no electrical wires or sensitive components behind the area where you will be drilling.

By following these steps, you should be able to fit an emblem securely and effectively on your car. If you're unsure or not comfortable with the process, seeking assistance from a professional. 

How To Reattach An Emblem: Adhesive / Stick On Variety

Not all emblems screw into your car, many are fastened with double-sided tape and overtime, loses its hold on your car. If your emblem has fallen off and you’re replacing it, or you’re fixing an existing emblem, this video I found online easily explains how to attach or reattach a car badge that has fallen off.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Emblem

• Cleaning supplies (alcohol wipes, cloth)

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Painters tape

• Gloves

• If reapplying an existing emblem: double-sided tape, razor.

Follow these steps to reattach your car emblem:

• Remove Debris: 

• Clean the area thoroughly before attempting to add any emblem to your vehicle. If there is any sticky residue left on your car from where the emblem was previously, you’ll need some adhesive remover to clean it off. 

• Do not use any metal tools to remove it, it will scratch the paint. If it’s not coming off, try using a hair dryer to melt the adhesive and wipe it off.

• If you’re reattaching your current emblem, you will need to remove the adhesive from the back of the emblem also. You can use the above method or carefully use a razor blade to remove it. Then clean it down with adhesive remover to ensure all residue is gone.

• If you’re using an existing emblem that hasn’t got any tape on it, you’ll need some heavy duty double-sided table to attach to the back of the emblem. Make sure when attaching new tape, it’s not visible from the other side. It’s best to cut small strips of double-sided tape and use a razor to cut off any excess.

• Test Placement:

• To test where you want your emblem, use painters tape to hold the emblem in place and mark where you want it to go. You may find using a measuring tape and small leveller useful to ensure it’s straight and centred. Use painters tape to mark directly underneath where your emblem will go so you can line up your emblem.

• Remove Backing:

• When you are happy with the placement, you’ll need to remove the backing adhesive from the new emblem and wipe some alcohol or adhesive promoter on the place you are about to put the emblem.

• Attach Emblem:

• Position and press your emblem into the desired location. Do not use any soap, cleaning spray or go through a car wash for 48 hours after the emblem has been fitted as it needs to set.

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DISCLAIMER: This is a general guide only. Please read our site disclaimer before attempting to act on any of our advice.