jimmer!

Hey guys.

I have a black/black 04 and would like to debadge what I can (I've already removed the front grill badge).
On the tail, I'd like to paint the "L" logo glossy black and let it go away.

It looks like it's either attached by screws or clips.

Does anyone know how or has removed the trunk liner and painted the logo?

If so, what process did you go through? I'd hate to mare my car!

Looks like the liner attachments are a bear to remove and not break.

Thanks. jimmer

Habious

The emblems are held on with an adhesive. Most folks who have debadged their cars swear by using a hairdryer (to heat up the adhesive) and dental floss, to slowly work between the badge and the car (for some reason, I hear that the mint dental floss works best...not joking).

In lieu of painting them (which I would assume would eventually chip/wear off), you might consider replacing them with the black pearl emblems.

The "Lexus" and "SC430" badges can just be removed but the "L" emblem is on a raised area on the trunklid so, it's noticable when it's missing.

jimmer!

that's good to know. I could have sworn the L badge looked to be attached differently than the other trunk badges.

let me check out L-Tuned Parts.com for the black pearl L emblem.

thanks for the knowledge.

and now to get that mint floss!

jimmer

jimmer!

OOPH.
just checked and the logo kit is $300.

that's hard to cough up, when all I need is the single L badge.

maybe I'll attempt to paint the original, clear coat it and reapply with double sided tape.

anyone have an opinion about the painting and reapplication process?
any recommendations as to a brand of tape that's good?

thanks. jimmer

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

I'm not positive, but I believe the 'L' emblem is also secured with two screws or pegs, and there's 2 holes in the trunklid behind it.... you can probably find your answer if you do a search on de-badging.

I'm sure you could paint yours (also add clearcoat) and it won't need touching up for a while, since it's an area of the car that typically doesn't take much abuse.

The trunk liner tabs are a PITA; a flat-head screw driver works if you carefully pry them up. Carefully because they can break easily.

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

I forgot to add that I debadged without the aid of a hairdryer and it was really quick and easy. I even used unflavored dental floss (It was "Glide", however, which is the really slick stuff and probably helped.)
Just don't try to force it; slide the floss under one end of the badge and pull with even pressure as the floss slowly makes it's way under the badge. Use Goo-Gone or similar to remove the glue residue. It takes a while to get it all off, and you need to wax the area when you're all done. GL.

jimmer!

thanks for the additional info.

I did research all the relevant posts for debadging, but didn't find anything specific to the center trunk L badge. Any idea where to look?

I'm with you, it seems the L badge is secured differently than the other trunks badges.

Did you remove the truck L badge? If so, do you remember needing to go under the trunk liner?

This forum is proving to be a real help.

I'd hate to go at this and mess-up the works (car)!

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

I left my trunk L-badge on... I know aquanuke removed his and had it filled and painted.. you may want to PM him for details if he doesn't see this thread.

You'll find a wealth of info on this forum, plus input from a lot of owners who know their way around their cars better than most Lexus mechanics.

Habious

I'm trying to find something difinitive but, not having much luck. However, I'm about 95% sure that the center "L" badge isn't screwed in from the back but, it does have pegs or "nubs" that are used to align it. They match up with holes in the trunk lid. That's why just about everyone leaves that one in place (or replaces it with a gold or black pearl emblem).

jimmer!

thanks for more info.

this trunk L logo thing seems to be about the only aspect not really fleshed out in the forums.

sounds like I can floss it off, repaint and reattach OK.

good to know about the pegs.

has another else attempted this?

jimmer

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

I'm 100% sure, there are NO screws holding the rear L in.

jimmer!

thanks tommy.

if there's time, I'll check things out this weekend and post when done.

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

as far as the emblem goes just spend time prepping it (sanding) then buy a can of spray paint and a can of clear and get to it, as long as you sand it and take your time removing imperfections and surface oils the final product will look pretty good.

Dan_K

iTrader: (1)

Tommy is correct. There are just two alignment pins on the back.

CAMAracer

iTrader: (1)

What are you guys using to stick the badges back on with? Some sort of 3M double-sided adhesive?