How to make a custom "Jetta IV" badge

[supertrick_05]

Well last weekend I went to the local yard to pick through some cars and snagged a few "Jetta III" and "VR6" emblems off some MKIII cars. Last night I was looking at the "Jetta III" badge and thought, I wonder if the VR6 emblem size would match it? So I tried it, and it's almost perfect! The "V" is a slightly bit taller than the "III", but that wasn't a problem.

First step is take the Jetta III badge and chop of the last "II", leaving the first one. I used a band saw, but I'm sure there are other ways. This way was just quick and easy. Also, chop it off to where there is still a little bit of the second "I" on so you can shave it down with a sander. Better to have a little extra than not enough.

Next is to do the same thing with the "VR6" badge, chopping the "V" from the "R6". Again, leave a little extra on it so you can sand it down. The "V" is a tad bit taller than the "I" you'll be gluing it to, so sand a little bit off the bottom of the V to make it the correct size. Or don't if you're not a perfectionist like me.

Now for gluing the 2 pieces together, I used a product called "Plastruct Plastic Weld". It comes in a little glass bottle with a brush attached to the cap.

This stuff WILL weld the 2 pieces together and is a great product. I use it for my scale modeling all the time. It evaporates fairly quickly so try to work at a faster pace. Brush a coat of the glue on the side of the "I", then on the "V", then push them together to make a bond. Push them together on a flat surface like a table top so that they will be straight. After about a minute has past, pick the part up (don't fiddle with it though) and brush some between the gap on the "IV" and you don't have to worry about being messy. This will just seal the gap so it looks like one piece. Do the same on the top, bottom and backside for best holding affect. I'd wait 24 hours before handling and refinishing.

Then after the 24 hours is done, wipe the finished emblem with alcohol and paint as needed. I'm going to paint mine gunmetal with a high-gloss clear coat.

I don't have mine completely done, but the steps are exactly how I am doing mine. Here's a few pictures of what it currently looks like:

The badges with the numerals cut off


The "I" and "V" pushed together for test-fit


Glued together using the Plastic Weld


Close-up


Backside


The only drawback of this project is that the "V" doesn't have a raised colored area like the "Jetta III" does. Doesn't really bother me, but it's something I noticed. Anyways, if you're sick of the ugly chrome block letters of the MKIV Jettas and don't really like the shaved trunk look, here is a nice option that is easy to do. Enjoy!

[turbofan]

sweet looks cool, good find/idea post pics when its all painted one color