How To: Rear Badge Removal [PICS]

In a fit of boredom inspiration, I decided to remove the rear badging from my beloved MINI (To take photos of the process was an afterthought. Sorry for the crappy cellphone quality).

The rear badge we know and love...

Step One: Tape off with Painter's Tape (optional but recommended)...

Dental Floss (The cheap kind. Don't use this.)

Step Two: Floss Gently.


Trivia: Floss goes through fingernails better than double-sided tape...

The process continues...

Badge Removed. But you're not done yet!...

The aftermath... Rear Badge, preserved for future use; and about 3 feet of (cheap) dental floss...

Back to work on the tape... Don't use this! (duh)

Plastic scraper from "goo-gone" kit. Better? (note the question mark)

Step Three: Wet & Scrape, repeat as needed...


Looking good! (but only because you can't see the scratches left behind! Grrrr!)...

Step Four: Cut & Polish... (this did not remove the scratches completely!) :(


Wax on, wax off... (Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax, not shown)

The result:




Estimated time: 15-30 minutes.

Supplies used:

• Blue Painter's Tape
• Dental Floss
• Goo-gone® kit (liquid & scraper)
• Meguiar's Speed Glaze + applicator
• Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax (not shown) + microfiber

Tips I learned: If you have all the correct supplies BEFORE you begin, you can probably crank it out in about 15 minutes.

Things I wish I knew before I started: How the heck do you remove the double-sided tape remnants without leaving scratches?

Lookie What I Got! Meguiars' Auto Detailing Kit

I rarely "impulse buy"- in fact my motto is "When you're constantly window shopping, nothing is an impulse buy!" (mental note- copyright that!). Sure I may have been drinking a couple hours when I saw this killer deal from autodetailingsolutions.com, but decided I had to jump on it! Check it out!

Package #2 DA Polisher NXT Speed Kit:

1 Meguiar's G100 Electric Dual Action Polisher (Lifetime Warranty)*
1 Backing Plate.
2 W8006 Foam Polishing Pad
1 W9006 Foam Finishing Pad
2 Super Plush Microfiber DA Bonnets
1 Meguiar's Clay Bar (Small)
1 M8032 Speed Glaze 32 oz.
1 G12718 NXT Tech Wax 18 oz. (Comes with 1 Applicator Pad)
1 G13224 NXT Speed Detailer 24 oz.
3 16 x 16 Microfiber Towels
1 Duffel Bag

*"Dual-action for professional results in minutes. Combine the right tool with the right technique and you'll achieve a finish of unmatched quality using Meguiar's machine-applied products. The tool you can pick up right here. Made especially for by Porter Cable, this variable-speed, dual-action polisher operates with alternating back-and forth motions that mimic the sensation of hand polishing. This popular user friendly machine is excellent for safely removing stubborn fine scratches and achieving swirl free results!"

Neat huh!! Only, now... I gotta pick up OctaneGuy's DVD on how to use it! I can't wait for winter to be over!

PS: Please don't tell my girlfriend. Oh yeah- I don't have one! :)

Itsy Bitsy...

I was about to wash the MINI this evening when, wouldn't you know it, along comes another stranger wanting to check it out... *sheesh* ...










they never wanna actually help you wash it, do they?