I'm sure most of you are aware of this. But I was asked a couple of questions about it and figured I would start a new thread to explain it all.
First, mask 6 - 8" around the emblems. Make sure the tape is tight aginst it. I used painter's masking tape (blue). But then, I am a painter and use this tape A LOT. It sticks well to the paint, but won't leave any adhesive residue behind.
Then just wipe away the black using plenty of acetone. Q-tips are essential to the fine detail. The "superduty" letters are a PITA.
For the overall cleanliness, I used white rags. Colored rags may bleed as the acetone will activate the dyes in them. You have to keep the rag very wet when doing this. Acetone is a very fast drying solvent. So don't expect to dab a little on and do the whole thing. I probably went through 3 or 4 cups of it to do the 2 emblems.
The black comes off pretty easy. The red letters stay. For whatever reason, only the black comes off. I'm sure if you tried hard enough, the red would come off, too. But for me it did not. What you have left is polished metal exactly like the raised letters. No waxing, or lengthy buffing needed.


DO NOT SCRUB!! Do not use any brush. Not even a tooth brush. The acetone will flick everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Little specs of black paint 2 or 3 ft in every direction does not look good on a white truck.

Well, now I HAVE to get pics of it. It looks sharp on the white. I have even gotten compliments on it. People ask "Did it come from the factory that way?" And I just say, nope. Some masking and acetone, and viola.
I ordered a new tailgate emblem that will be acetoned and attached to the barn door on the back of my truck. Then I plan to have a lighted Ford logo below it in the locations they would be if I had the tailgate.

 

>DO NOT SCRUB!! Do not use any brush. Not even a tooth brush.
>The acetone will flick everywhere. And I do mean everywhere.
>Little specs of black paint 2 or 3 ft in every direction
>does not look good on a white truck.


From the tone of your comment,I take it you speak from first hand experience.;-)

 

I tried this on my emblems and all it gave me was a shiny black color. Has anyone else had this problem? I could tell that I was taking off black paint, but I never got down tot he chrome color. Any suggestions? Thanks, John

 

I have done all my badges.....all three 250 badges...and the two v10 badges.....It takes a little effort to get to the chrome....but once you are there it's cake....my suggestion is to try it again....I kno i had trouble with the red XLT letters when i did them the first time....when i did it a second time they came off really easily....b


Just a kid having fun

 

>I could tell that I was taking off black paint, but I never got down
>tot he chrome color. Any suggestions? Thanks, John

John make sure that you are using 100% acetone. No watered down stuff or fingernail polish remover. Keep it wet with acetone. It'll "cut" through soon enough.

_________________

Excellent update, thewhiteford!

I found that I didn't even use Q-tips. Just a real soaking wet rag worked fine.

Some guys have even suggested that you put the acetone into a pail of soapy water. (I do not know the dilution). The soapy water prevents it from evaporating against your truck and negates the use of tape.

Mine are done, so I do not know how well that method works.

________________

Godzilla250v10, you wouldn't happen to have pictures of the acetoned V10 emblems would you?

 

I will have pics posted later tonight or tomorrow night....As we speak my truck is in the tint shop getting 13% on the back three and 22% on the front two windows. I planned on taking the pics as soon as i get it home and somewhat clean. May be this weekend...removing my pinstripe and complete detail so i will have pics of my whole truck...i will keep everybody posted tho..B

Just a kid having fun

 

I did all of mine and I used an old tooth brush, Q~Tips, and cotton *****. The tooth brush is really messy. I taped off around the badges and then taped some paper towels around that. It will take a little elbow grease but with some time and patience they will turn out great.

 

dang CB,
I wasnt going to do this, but your picts have changed my mind. They look great. This is a Saturday morning project coming up.

 

I figured out why it was not working for me......If your truck is made before september, 1998, the emblems are different than the current ones. My 250 was made in Feb, 1998. Oh well:-(

 

All you guys convinced me.I did my emblems today and they look awsome.Half to agree with the elbow grease though.It took some rubbin.

 

Looks sharp cb...gonna have to give it a try

Rob

 

Thanks for all of the comments. Just make sure that your truck is a late 99 or newer and they will look great.