Saab Tech Talk (STT)

Workshop for current Saab models => Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) => Topic started by: Guyver1 on 27 January 2013, 12:35:04 PM

Title: Bonnet badge
Post by: Guyver1 on 27 January 2013, 12:35:04 PM
Thanks to this lovely weather we've been having lately, I now have a completely blank bonnet badge

How easy are they to remove, and where is the best place to get one from??
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: BGG on 27 January 2013, 12:56:52 PM
Some Saab dealers selling them on eBay, watch out for the stickers and the fakes though ;)
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Guyver1 on 27 January 2013, 01:38:50 PM
I'd seen a gorgeous black badge that said AERO instead of SAAB, but typically now I need a new badge, Its no longer available  >:(
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: phoenix on 27 January 2013, 07:42:28 PM
Hearsay suggests that such badges are not the best quality and last for even less time than the originals!
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: chris aka zaphod on 27 January 2013, 10:42:09 PM
It has been known that some of the badges that are now blank have found themselves on eBay as special edition badges.
Both mine are now blank, front and rear. Being toying with the idea of repainting them myself, but the clear look has quite grown on me.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: nine-fiver on 28 January 2013, 07:24:52 AM
'Heresay' is Right.

I bothered to import a pair of black Aero badges.
Yes they looked great on my Silver 9-5.

For 6 months.

Go for the factory badge, if you can get it.
Everything else will look rubbish in comparison.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: nigsy on 28 January 2013, 08:19:33 AM
I got mine off Ebay, looks perfect.

Very easy to remove an re-fix new one.

My tip would be - As you need to prise the old one off with a screwdriver - put a piece of newspaper on the bonnet before doing it to avoid scratches.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Max Headroom on 28 January 2013, 09:46:17 AM
Quote from: nigsy on 28 January 2013, 08:19:33 AM
As you need to prise the old one off with a screwdriver - put a piece of newspaper on the bonnet before doing it to avoid scratches.

Or use layers of thickish tape like insulation tape.

Additionally, when fitted, coat with several layers of a wax polish that gives a certain amount of UV protection, allowing a good 40 mins curing time before buffing
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Guyver1 on 28 January 2013, 12:21:23 PM
I think when I remove the damaged badge, I'll give it a shot at airbrushing, I've got the colours, got the top of the line airbrush, just need the steady hands to complete the project  ::)
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Audax on 28 January 2013, 12:41:02 PM
Best way to remove a badge (especially at this time of year) is to do it when the engine is hot so the bonnet is also hot as the glue will have softened making it easier to lift the badge. I'd also suggest using a plastic tool to lift it and using a bit of cardboard to protect the paint. Also clean up the area under the badge properly before attaching the new one and make sure that the new badge has been warmed a little to help the glue stick.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: JB on 28 January 2013, 01:16:24 PM
Try resting a hot water bottle on the badge for a while to warm things up before trying to remove it.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Mr Linear on 28 January 2013, 06:50:59 PM
Heat the badge up with a hair dryer. Makes it much easier.

I believe badges from '06 on were made differently with thicker perspex covering the emblem.

My old '05 badge stripped off, but no problems with our '06 and '08 cars.

Mr L.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: nine-fiver on 29 January 2013, 07:09:21 AM
The alternative badges need to have the slightest bit of curvature to the backing plate, or the double sided tape won't grab properly. Mine was not even the right outer diameter, so it looked a bit lost in the recessed section of the bonnet.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Geoff1951 on 29 January 2013, 06:40:11 PM
Don't use a screwdriver! TOO much risk of slipping and scratching your bonnet.
A combination of heat and something plastic/wooden/very strong and very fine line (fishing line, etc) will do the trick.
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Max Headroom on 31 January 2013, 09:01:28 PM
Whereabouts in the Black country are you?

If you can wait a couple of months until I am back from the Middle East I can get you some excellent stuff we use for bonding vortex generators onto aircraft wings. It's a thick viscous adhesive and works superbly, and will not allow any moisture to get underneath to cause corrosion.  :)
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Guyver1 on 02 February 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 31 January 2013, 09:01:28 PM
Whereabouts in the Black country are you?

If you can wait a couple of months until I am back from the Middle East I can get you some excellent stuff we use for bonding vortex generators onto aircraft wings. It's a thick viscous adhesive and works superbly, and will not allow any moisture to get underneath to cause corrosion.  :)

Nice, thank you very much

I live in a small town called Beirut Coseley
Title: Re: Bonnet badge
Post by: Max Headroom on 02 February 2013, 04:39:14 PM
Heheh - the Beirut of the West Midlands is Kidderminster. I know. I had the dubious pleasure of living there once

If you are still in need of this stuff I will contact you when I'm back