I attempted to replace my broken Custom Cab emblem over the weekend and it was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole with the new clips that came with the emblem. What is the best method for installing this? Should I try to get the clips onto the emblem and then use a rubber mallet to pop it in or should I somehow get the clips in the holes and then push in the emblem posts?

 

Are the old clips out of the door panel?
If not; I recommend drilling them out (Use a bit 1/16 larger the size of the clips hole & not the panel hole size) to get them out.
Then install the new clips into the door panel; and then press evenly the new emblem into the panel. don't beat or try to bang on the panel area is my recommendation.
That's my way of doing them.

 

The old clips came out with the broken emblem. The new clips are somewhat closed on the ends so I need to figure out how to open up the ends so the posts of the emblem will go through the end of the clips. Also, the new clip diameter is such that they don't want to go into the existing holes.

 

I am fixing to go down this same road however I will installing a set on my doors with no pre-existing holes. Drilling holes on a nice door makes me a bit nervous!

Here's a possible workaround for your situation....maybe after removing the access panel from the bottom of the door, you could possibly reach the back of the studs with a couple of speed nuts to hold it in-place. This may not work but wanted offer it up.

 

The clips are installed first and then the emblem goes on after.

the clips work just like a plastic wall insert used in drywall... when you run a screw in it, it spreads apart in the wall, same thing happens when you put on the custom cab script.

 

I think I got some cheapones and the pins didnt line up at all. I scrapped the inserts and used heavy duty weather striping adheasive.

 

If the retainers are similar to the ones I got for my '65 fender emblems, you insert the retainer into the hole, then GENTLY open up the retainer with a small screwdriver. Then apply a little 3 in 1 oil to the retainer and the post of the emblem, then push on emblem. Consider extra fine sandpaper to remove any corrosion on the emblem posts before inserting.

 

I feel that rather than modifying holes or making new ones it's best to treat then plug the holes to prevent rust and stick on new emblems with heavy duty double sided tape. It's easy for one and for two it prevents future rust problems. I've never done it myself (I'm not that far into restoration and my emblems were on the truck when I got it) but I know that it's the preferred choice for most restorers/ body people that I've spoken to.

 

the barrel clips are the identical ones used on the fender badges...different size of course...
If theres paint buildup in the holes...lighten the buildup...I would keep something coating these edges...rust bleeding under the nameplate after washing and stuff...looks ugly...and hard to rub out without removing the nameplate...
The clips go in first...one way to compromise is to start the clips on the nameplate a lil bit then start the clips in the door holes...I would use a block of wood to carefully press them onto the door.


- cs65