Badges, we don't...

[IronWarjack]

So while I'm only on my first "owned" jeep, and my wife has only owned hers for 3 years, all the badges we've seen have been metal, 3M. My wife, making the same assumption ordered me a badge that arrived today. It is "high quality uv resistant, automotive plastic" with what appears to be 3M tape but much thinner than the metal ones we have or have seen.

I'm grateful for it, and love it, but.... anyone have experience with these? Without being subtle, should we stick to the metal ones and perhaps put this up elsewhere?

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[Mocopo]

Got a pic? What kind of badge we talking about here?

 

[IronWarjack]

Got a pic? What kind of badge we talking about here?

Until I picked it up, I'd not have know it was plastic by the looks.

 

[Aonar]

On your JP, no one else will either!

 

[ArcadeTracks]

If you like it, use it!

I have decals on mine. They're vinyl, not even pretending to be metal.

 

[IronWarjack]

OK. I have vinyl hood, door and name decals on order, and did a lot of research (and asking) about those before I ordered. I just wasn't sure if anyone had known concerns or "be aware" about plastic badges.

I know less than nothing about the bonding of 3M tape, other than what I was told, so I'm cautious.... perhaps unnecessarily.

 

[Ratbert]

Most of the badges discussed here are Badge of Honor badges that you get through Jeep's app after checking in at the trailhead. Definitely of a different quality (and perceived value) than what you have.

 

[ArcadeTracks]

OK. I have vinyl hood, door and name decals on order, and did a lot of research (and asking) about those before I ordered. I just wasn't sure if anyone had known concerns or "be aware" about plastic badges.

I know less than nothing about the bonding of 3M tape, other than what I was told, so I'm cautious.... perhaps unnecessarily.

3M tape is not all created equal for sure! I have had some "3M" labelled adhesive that didn't last a day!
These are the steps I use for all of my double sided adhesive "mods," and they have (usually) worked quite well:

- Clean clean clean the surface. Dust, (scrub if needed,) use a liquid cleaner, then dry with a microfiber.
- Heat the adhesive. A hot, sunny day might be good enough. I usually hold them against a vent with the heater on full blast. (Use your sleeve or that cloth from the previous step, because it gets HOT)
- Apply pressure. I overdo this one, and usually go for at least two minutes. For a badge, your hand should be good enough to cover the whole thing evenly. For bigger things (like a cable cover) I'll find something big enough to hold against the whole thing at once. Turn on a song you like and hold the newly adhered object through the whole thing.
- Leave it alone. Try not to touch or wash or otherwise mess with the new thing for 24 hours or so.

As for removing them, I haven't had as much experience, but heat is supposed to help with that, too. And some rubbing with a clay bar to remove any glue remnants.

I think the plastic badge should hold up decently. I've seen lots of novelty ones on Jeeps, and I'm sure some of those were plastic. I haven't noticed any warping or even chipping. (But I haven't inspected them closely.)

I have a few gifted badges + a "dash plaque" from an event. I'm still deciding what I'll do with mine

 

[IronWarjack]

Most of the badges discussed here are Badge of Honor badges that you get through Jeep's app after checking in at the trailhead. Definitely of a different quality (and perceived value) than what you have.

Ya, I am aware of those and not there yet. Trust me, I want to be and will be to some extent, but not yet.

 

[Sand Flea]

Looks like the same company that made mine.
I removed the factory "Trail Rated" badge and replaced it with "Beach Rated".

Mine has been on for close to 5 years now.
Prep well and it will stay forever.

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