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View Full Version : How To: MS3 Front Emblem Removal (07-09)



dexter
11-01-2012, 10:10 PM
As a preface, I'm can't be responsible for any broken badges, scratched paint, or total frustration while taking off your emblems. You've been warned!

So after deciding to Plati-Dip my front emblem I searched to find out about how to remove it. Most of the tutorials I found included directions like "just pop the clips with a screwdriver" or "pull hard". These instructions seems rather vague. Several other tutorials listed there being 4 clips a the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. Turns out this is also incorrect.

To remove the badge use a small flat head screwdriver to carefully pry the badge from the front while using your fingers to try and press the clips out by pressing them slightly toward the centre of the emblem. After one pops keep working in a circle and pop out the remaining clips. To hopefully help someone from breaking the clips like I did here are some pictures.

This photo shows the 5 clips that actually hold the emblem on. They are located at the 12, 3, 5, 7, and 9 o'clock positions and need to be pressed carefully towards the centre of the emblem to pop the clip without breaking it. You can see in my attempts to remove it I broke both of the larger clips at the 3 and 9 positions. The other three clips are smaller.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo4.jpg

This photo shows the two clips located on the bottom at the 5 and 7 positions.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo9.jpg

All 5 clips (2 broken).
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo3-1.jpg

Grill with the badge removed showing the openings for the clips.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo5.jpg

A small flat head screw driver can help pry to pop the clips and take your time. If you do break some of the clips like I did, a small piece of double sided tape where the broken clips are will help hold it in tight.

Finally before and after:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo2-1.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k263/gbskim/photo10.jpg

Simon99
11-04-2012, 03:35 PM
Thank you very much for these simple yet very informative tips !

dexter
11-04-2012, 09:13 PM
No problem! Hopefully they helped.

Simon99
11-05-2012, 09:26 PM
Just wondering, did you sand yours before painting ?

dexter
11-06-2012, 09:56 PM
I actually used black Plasti-Dip rather than paint. That way I can peel it off if I want. I didn't sand it no, just used rubbing alcohol to clean any oil and finger prints off and sprayed a couple coats.

mathew.poulos
11-06-2012, 10:36 PM
you did an awesome job, very smooth and consistent.

And when it comes to breaking clips. . . . i know your pain