Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• 5/16" drill bit
• 1/16" drill bit
• drill
• soap and water
• tape
• 220 grit sandpaper
• 400 grit sandpaper
• high build primer high build etching primer
• degreaser
• paint
• plastic/metal compatible epoxy
• foam double sided tape

Procedure:

• remove any of the double sided foam tape which can be done by applying a little heat with a heat gun which will soften up the glue and rolled off with your finger
• drill the plastic rivets on the backside using a 5/16"drill bit
• if the hole is filled, use a 1/16" drill bit for a pilot hole
• then separate the emblem
• access mushroomed over plastic can be cleaned with a razor knife if desired
• wash the emblem and the backing plate with soap and water
• tape off the rubber gasket around the plastic backer
• sand down both the chrome emblem and plastic backer with 220 grit sandpaper
• wipe down both items with a degreaser
• remove the tape off the backer and tape it off again to ensure not paint will get on it
• apply high build primer to both the plastic backer and emblem
• high build etching primer can be used on the chrome emblem which helps with adhesion but isn't necessarily needed
• once the primer has hardened, use 400 grit sandpaper to sand both the emblem and backer but be sure the base surface doesn't show through
• once done, wipe the area down again with a degreaser
• which colors you pick are your choice, for the emblem I am using a satin black made by Dupli-Color and a can of single stage acrylic enamel color matched paint for the vehicle
• tape off the rubber on the plastic backer
• apply the paint to the emblem and backer, about two to three coats is needed
• allow it to dry for a couple days before reassembling the emblem
• using an epoxy purchased from a local auto parts store which needed to be compatible with both metal and plastic, this will be used to bond the emblem back together
• mix the epoxy according to the instructions on the package
• apply it to the face of the holes where the rivets were
• push the VW emblem back onto the backer
• flip the emblem over and apply a little more to the backside where the rivets were located
• allow the epoxy to harden according to the manufacturer specifications
• use rubbing alcohol to remove any left over glue residue on the backside of the emblem
• wipe the hatch emblem area down with rubbing alcohol as well
• foam double side tape can be purchased at your local auto parts supplier in various lengths and widths
• apply the foam double sided tape to the back of the emblem
• then apply the emblem to the vehicle