Applying emblem letters

[AdamIPS]

Does anyone have any tips on reapplying the COBALT lettering on the sides? I’m about to remove mine to polish underneath and install all new letters. I’m worried about spacing and getting them straight. Also, wax underneath before reapplying? I wouldn’t think the letters would stick well if this was done.

I was planning to use a strip of tape to hold them together sort of like applying vinyl lettering. Is there a better way?

[rabiddawg]

I did this last summer.

Keep in mind I own a body shop so this isn’t something I’m unfamiliar with and I have all these products on hand.

Clean any adhesive with 3m adhesive remover.

Apply adhesion promoter to the back of the letters (optional) then apply 3m double sided tape.

Polish the boat surface then clean with wax and grease remover. I would not wax prior to applying the letters.

I use masking tape to get my line straight. I use paint mixing sticks or anything else suitable for spacing.

Oem nameplates usually come stuck to a stiff plastic sheet. I have never tried putting them on tape because masking tape is too flexible.

Hope that helps

[Big Block Power]

I I would start with the C first then the O you get the rest. All good from there. You ashtray got the proper advise. Don't wax under the letters though.

[AdamIPS]

I did this last summer.

Keep in mind I own a body shop so this isn’t something I’m unfamiliar with and I have all these products on hand.

Clean any adhesive with 3m adhesive remover.

Apply adhesion promoter to the back of the letters (optional) then apply 3m double sided tape.

Polish the boat surface then clean with wax and grease remover. I would not wax prior to applying the letters.

I use masking tape to get my line straight. I use paint mixing sticks or anything else suitable for spacing.

Oem nameplates usually come stuck to a stiff plastic sheet. I have never tried putting them on tape because masking tape is too flexible.

Hope that helps

Thanks for the ideas! Can you expand on the adhesive promoter? I did a quick google search and assume you’re referring to the wipe or sponge style and not aerosol. Do you apply it to the boat surface, then stick the letter on?

[Red Stripe]

I replaced a couple of mine last summer. I used masking tape to get the spacing correct and the letters level. I used an eraser wheel to remove the glue then cleaned with a wax and grease remover before I applied the new decals.

[rabiddawg]

Yes the adhesive promoter is a sponge in a packet. You wipe the letters with it. I didn’t use it on mine and they are still firmly attached.

And Red stripe is right about the eraser wheel to remove adhesive on the boat. I forgot about that.

You will need razor blades or exacto blades to trim the tape.

[rabiddawg]

For anyone who might be wondering that adhesion promoter really works. I recently used some it was on my fingers and the double sided tape got on my finger I thought it was gonna take the skin off

[AdamIPS]

Any advice for removing the double sided tape on the old letters? I’m going to try and reuse the crest and C within it as they’re still in good shape. I assume regular 3M moulding tape is what is used to re-adhere.

[dustinm]

Any advice for removing the double sided tape on the old letters? I’m going to try and reuse the crest and C within it as they’re still in good shape. I assume regular 3M moulding tape is what is used to re-adhere.

3M adhesive remover works

[rabiddawg]

^ that’s what I use

[Macarokks]

They go on new with a jig. I’ve done it with and without a jig.

Take a piece of cardboard and cut a rectangle that fits around the cobalt logo.
Place the cardboard around the logo.

Take a piece of paper and a #2 pencil. Place the paper on top of the cardboard/logo, hold the pencil flat and color over your letters.

Now, throw that cardboard away. Take the paper and cut out your C O B A L T with an xacto knife.

Then trace that onto a blank piece of cardboard. Cut the letters C O B A L T out of the cardboard with an xacto knife.

Now you have your jig.

Place your new letters in the jig. Apply a strip of blue painter tape across the chrome to hold the letters in the template.

Clean the area to remove the wax layer. Also consider the adhesion promoters as mentioned above.

Remove the backing from the adhesive, line it up, apply the letters back to the boat. Press HARD. Peel your tape back flat against the cardboard so the removal doesn’t create a pulling pressure.

If you’re smart, you won’t throw your jig away like I did. You might need it again.

[DA232]

Greetings, 1996 232 question here. My emblems have seen better days and need to be restored or bought new. Anyone know where to purchase them? In the Fox River IL area. Thank you.

[Big Block Power]

Greetings, 1996 232 question here. My emblems have seen better days and need to be restored or bought new. Anyone know where to purchase them? In the Fox River IL area. Thank you.

Call Gordys by you.

[Krob1114]

Greetings, 1996 232 question here. My emblems have seen better days and need to be restored or bought new. Anyone know where to purchase them? In the Fox River IL area. Thank you.

I know it's been over a year, but if you're still interested and still checking out this site, there were several thread that mention where people bought theirs and how much they paid.

[Titaniumboy]

Here is a detailers argument to delete the emblems forever.