Installing emblem with laser level?

[rickinAZ]

I'm adding an emblem to the rear of my Jeep and need some tips. All of the laser-level how-tos on YouTube seem to use a tripod-mounted level projecting a line, along with some painter’s tape as a “ledge.” Problem is, our Jeeps aren’t level left-to-right to begin with.

I want to mount the emblem similarly to the EcoDiesel emblem in the attached image. For those with more experience than me, do you pick a presumably level reference point (like the nearby body seam under the tailgate) to calibrate the laser and then gently move the projected line up and to the left to the install location? Or am I better off going low-tech with a ruler and my own eyeballs?

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[yokramer]

How close are you trying to put it to whats there? Could get some fine line tape and mask it off whats there rather than the whole laser level thing.

 

[rickinAZ]

How close are you trying to put it to whats there? Could get some fine line tape and mask it off whats there rather than the whole laser level thing.

Actually I'm starting emblemless on a different Wrangler. I posted the EcoDiesel image as an example of what I was looking for in the same area.

 

[Remorseless]

Actually I'm starting emblemless on a different Wrangler. I posted the EcoDiesel image as an example of what I was looking for in the same area.

I'd just measure up from the body line an equal amount at a few points, put a couple dry erase marker dots down, and line up the emblem on that. Seems way, way easier and keeps things even enough.

 

[redsyphon]

1. Calibrate the eyecrometer
2. Place emblem level
3.

 

[BDinTX]

Maybe you could cut a piece of 2x4 the height you want and set it on the bumper with the emblem on it, then rotate the emblem up onto the body.

 

[IceBerg]

more than likely the jeep isnt level so I would just eyeball it

 

[Aonar]

Like so? Done by eye cause too cheap to do otherwise.

 

[Whaler27]

I'm adding an emblem to the rear of my Jeep and need some tips. All of the laser-level how-tos on YouTube seem to use a tripod-mounted level projecting a line, along with some painter’s tape as a “ledge.” Problem is, our Jeeps aren’t level left-to-right to begin with.

I want to mount the emblem similarly to the EcoDiesel emblem in the attached image. For those with more experience than me, do you pick a presumably level reference point (like the nearby body seam under the tailgate) to calibrate the laser and then gently move the projected line up and to the left to the install location? Or am I better off going low-tech with a ruler and my own eyeballs?

If it looks square relative to the door seam and bumper, it will look good. The relationship to the ground is irrelevant. I‘d do as Remorseless suggests, then dry fit it with a loop of scotch tape to confirm it looks right before using the 3M

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I'd just measure up from the body line an equal amount at a few points, put a couple dry erase marker dots down, and line up the emblem on that. Seems way, way easier and keeps things even enough.

This
It would be a miracle if your Jeep was actually level so putting laser level emblems on a tilted Jeep probably isn't the look you are going for.

 

[Terrymo]

Don’t mock me for my kindergarten crayon artwork here. I would use painters tape shown in blue to prevent scratching. Use a framing square (masterfully shown in silver) with the tailgate gap as your vertical straight line. Draw a horizontal dry erase line using the framing square cleverly illustrated with a yellow line. Measure right to left off the tailgate gap to align it in that direction and add another dry erase line. Again shown in yellow.

 

[Odyssey USA]

I’d just mark the center of the new emblem and the center of where I wanted it above where the emblem would be. Then put a bubble level on the body line at the bottom of the tailgate opening after opening it up, mark the bubble on the level while there, and use that bubble position where I wanted the emblem. That should be good enough I’d think.

 

[rickinAZ]

more than likely the jeep isnt level so I would just eyeball it

If it looks square relative to the door seam and bumper, it will look good. The relationship to the ground is irrelevant. I‘d do as Remorseless suggests, then dry fit it with a loop of scotch tape to confirm it looks right before using the 3M

This
It would be a miracle if your Jeep was actually level so putting laser level emblems on a tilted Jeep probably isn't the look you are going for.

Just to be clear, I agree with all these comments, that's actually the essence of my question: since Jeeps aren't level, what point on the Jeep itself can be used as a reference. I'm still thinking the body seam right below the tailgate. Sounds like this "high-tech" approach is uncharted territory, but I have a new toy and I want to play with it.

 

[There’sOnlyOne]

I have some decal installation experience. Usually in an area like this in the pic you provided it would be eyeballed by the installer. Unless there was a template/drawing/measurements of the application location which seldom there is. It's usually just a black/white drawing/image of vehicle with decal placement and you make it look as close as possible to the rendering.

If it's a small decal just eyeball it. Step back and double check before laying it down. Could also ask a work partner if they think it's level also.

If under the taillight I would use the horizontal body line under light or the light itself to level decal to.

Wouldn't use a vertical line. Just do a level in the spot you want and mark with a color pencil or blue tape. Then use those marks to lineup your decal. Either rest decal above or below line and level it with the line you drew. If it's a decal with a backing and masking on top it'll be easier to align. You'd place decal where u want and do a couple of pencil marks from decal across masking to body. Then remove decal and then backing of decal while holding with masking tape (the part the decal is stuck to) and align your marks on masking with marks on vehicle. Double check with your eyes and then lay down the decal and then remove the masking.

I have only seen assembly lines use templates. Otherwise most installers will just eyeball it. Or like I mentioned if there is a picture with measurements for alignment.

 

[Whaler27]

I think our brains understand “level” in terms of a thing‘s relationship to other obvious lines near it. The two lines you have for reference are the top of the bumper and the tailgate seam. If you place it in a way that reconciles with those lines it will look right. It’s not rocket science, and I don’t think a level will be any use at at.

If you attach it with rolled scotch tape on the back, you can try several placements until it looks right, then mark the spot and mount it permanently.

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