Introduction: Volkswagen Golf MKIV Hatch Emblem Disassembly & Painting

By 4DIYers
About: Car enthusiast YouTuber creating helpful tutorial videos on both repairs and customizations. Be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button!

Video tutorial on how to disassemble and paint your Volkswagen MK4 Golf hatch emblem. With this tutorial you can customize/personalize the emblem on your car. Paint colors will vary depending on your personal preference. You can get the backing plate color matches to your vehicle by determining it's paint code and having a local paint or auto parts supplier mix up the correct color. I have used acrylic enamel for this as it doesn't need clear coat.

Tools/Supplies Needed:

  • 5/16" drill bit
  • 1/16" drill bit
  • drill
  • soap and water
  • tape
  • 220 grit sandpaper
  • 400 grit sandpaper
  • high build primer high build etching primer
  • degreaser
  • paint
  • plastic/metal compatible epoxy
  • foam double sided tape

Step 1: Disassembly

Remove any of the double sided foam tape which can be done by applying a little heat with a heat gun which will soften up the glue and rolled off with your finger. Drill the plastic rivets on the backside using a 5/16”drill bit. If the hole is filled, use a 1/16" drill bit for a pilot hole. Then separate the emblem and access mushroomed over plastic can be cleaned with a razor knife if desired. Wash the emblem and the backing plate with soap and water.

Step 2: Prep

Tape off the rubber gasket around the plastic backer and sand down both the chrome emblem and plastic backer with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe down both items with a degreaser. and remove the tape off the backer and tape it off again to ensure not paint will get on it.

Step 3: Applying Primer

Apply high build primer to both the plastic backer and emblem. High build etching primer can be used on the chrome emblem which helps with adhesion but isn't necessarily needed. Once the primer has hardened, use 400 grit sandpaper to sand both the emblem and backer but be sure the base surface doesn't show through. Finally wipe the area down again with a degreaser.

Step 4: Applying Paint

Which colors you pick are your choice, for the emblem I am using a satin black made by Dupli-Color and a can of single stage acrylic enamel color matched paint for the vehicle. Tape off the rubber on the plastic backer and apply the paint to the emblem and backer, about two to three coats is needed. Allow it to dry for a couple days before reassembling the emblem.

Step 5: Assembly

Using an epoxy purchased from a local auto parts store which needed to be compatible with both metal and plastic, this will be used to bond the emblem back together. Mix the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. Apply it to the face of the holes where the rivets were and push the VW emblem back onto the backer. Flip the emblem over and apply a little more to the backside where the rivets were located. Allow the epoxy to harden according to the manufacturer specifications.

Step 6: Installation on Vehicle

Use rubbing alcohol to remove any left over glue residue on the backside of the emblem. Wipe the hatch emblem area down with rubbing alcohol as well and foam double side tape can be purchased at your local auto parts supplier in various lengths and widths. Apply the foam double sided tape to the back of the emblem. Then apply the emblem to the vehicle. The silver backer versions are from an emblem I replaced on a past Volkswagen I owned.

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