Blacking Out the Runner's Chrome

[Blitzkrieg]

I'll throw out a top tip I learned a long time ago if you are removing adhesive backed 3D emblems.

There is one right way to do it, and 99 wrong ways. ;-)

Right way: Use just a little (and I mean a little heat from a heat gun or hair dryer (if you don't have a gun) and fishing line.

Yep. Fishing line. It won't scratch anything and you can get behind the emblem and gently see-saw back and forth to remove the emblem.

A small amount of heat and adhesive remover will clean everything up and you can pick up 3M heavy duty two sided pressure tape to reapply.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Right on man. I've looked at a lot of pictures and I thought everyone was using dental floss. Makes sense to use fishing line. I just don't want to remove all the letters just to find holes back there.

 

[philsey]

Right on man. I've looked at a lot of pictures and I thought everyone was using dental floss. Makes sense to use fishing line. I just don't want to remove all the letters just to find holes back there.

I don't KNOW for a fact, but I'd bet my lunch money there are dimples there, for locating the logo while it's applied at the factory. There is no reason to think the '15 is any different than previous years.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

That would make sense. I'll spend some time thinking about it. I guess someone has to do it. Then I could post results... uhhhhhh. Worst cast scenario I guess I could just buy the letter and put it back.

 

[nb rob]

I don't KNOW for a fact, but I'd bet my lunch money there are dimples there, for locating the logo while it's applied at the factory. There is no reason to think the '15 is any different than previous years.

Kittyhawk, I've seen on several other threads that there's dimples back there to align the letters.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

You should be okay removing the letter. If you need to reapply it just pick up some 3M two side tape at the auto store. Get it big enough that you can fit the entire emblem on it.

Put the emblem on the tape with the backing still on, outline your letter and then carefully cut out the letter a bit smaller than your trace line (so you don't have the tape showing). Once you do it a couple times its a piece of cake.

Also, use automotive grade adhesive remover for cleanup, not something like Oops or denatured alcohol. Adhesive remover is totally paint/clear coat safe (although it will remove wax). Advance Auto carries it.

I also strongly recommend if you are going to paint the chromed plastic letters you lightly scuff them up and use an adhesion promoter. That will help keep them from chipping down the road:

Duplicolor Adhesion Promoter, Clear, 11 oz. Aerosol CP199: Advance Auto Parts

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Kittyhawk, I've seen on several other threads that there's dimples back there to align the letters.

Good stuff. Thanks man.

Also, use automotive grade adhesive remover for cleanup...

I just ordered some from amazon. Pricey, but convenient. Thanks for the suggestion.

RAPID REMOVER Adhesive Remover for Vinyl Wraps Graphics Decals Stripes 32oz Sprayer

 

[Hook 'Em Horns!]

Ditch the dip!

Heres the link for the 14-15 blackout kit. I believe this is what the SE gulf dealers are using on their 'XP' edition SR5s:

2014 2015 Toyota 4 Runner Emblem Matte Black Out Badge Kit 11 Piece Kit | eBay

Throw the above kit at your new nameplate/emblems and ditch the dip!


Updated link: https://nox-lux.com/product/2014-2015-4-runner-black-out-kit/


\m/

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Righteous! Whoa. Super cool.

 

[Hook 'Em Horns!]

Sorry for loss of links; sent from my iPhone

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Totally cool. I found it by searching the name of it in your post on eBay. Took me right to it.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Heres the link for the 14-15 blackout kit. I believe this is what the SE gulf dealers are using on their "XP" edition SR5s:

2014 2015 Toyota 4 Runner Emblem Matte Black Out Badge Kit 11 Piece Kit | eBay

Cheers!

THANKS Hook Em' Horns!

I just finished adding this. By far the easiest way. A little pricey at $80 (you may have mentioned that), but super awesome and easy to apply. And it looks sooooo much better.

THIS WAS THE EASIEST WAY TO DO IT IMO.

 

[Hook 'Em Horns!]

THANKS Hook Em' Horns!

I just finished adding this. By far the easiest way. A little pricey at $80 (you may have mentioned that), but super awesome and easy to apply. And it looks sooooo much better.

THIS WAS THE EASIEST WAY TO DO IT IMO.

No doubt, and yours looks super sweet!! I am waiting until after I install the new rear hatch handle panel (black) and new lettering/emblem I received before my applying my blackout kit...getting pumped up!

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Good stuff man. Thanks again.

 

[4RunnerAU]

THANKS Hook Em' Horns!



I just finished adding this. By far the easiest way. A little pricey at $80 (you may have mentioned that), but super awesome and easy to apply. And it looks sooooo much better.



THIS WAS THE EASIEST WAY TO DO IT IMO.

That looks really good. could someone who failed art be able to handle this? Bc i have zero hand eye coordination.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Yea man. It was way easier than I expected. If you have two hands you can do and most could probably manage with one, but it was that easy. The new letters fit right over top of the old letters and the 3m sticky is already attached to the new letters. It was as simple as clean the surface with some alcohol and then peel the tape on the new letters and then place it over the old letters (and Toyota symbol).

 

[rustbeltboss]

Yea man. It was way easier than I expected. If you have two hands you can do and most could probably manage with one, but it was that easy. The new letters fit right over top of the old letters and the 3m sticky is already attached to the new letters. It was as simple as clean the surface with some alcohol and then peel the tape on the new letters and then place it over the old letters (and Toyota symbol).

What was your method to remove the old chrome badging? I have done a couple emblem swaps/de-badging before on other vehicles using dental floss and a heat gun. Then with the old emblems removed, use 3M adhesive remover to get everything off. Then alcohol the area clean and apply new emblems.

Thanks

 

[serial0l0]

What was your method to remove the old chrome badging? I have done a couple emblem swaps/de-badging before on other vehicles using dental floss and a heat gun. Then with the old emblems removed, use 3M adhesive remover to get everything off. Then alcohol the area clean and apply new emblems.

Thanks

From what I can tell from the ebay listing and kittyhawk's comments; you don't remove the original badging. This is an overlay. Plastidip is the more economical way by far. The ebay kit looks pretty good though.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

Oh yea dude. The fit right over the existing letters.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

This may help. I tried to give away these pieces on another thread, but no biters so far. Here are the pieces I have left. You can see how they are hollow and fit right over existing letters.