Painting Classic Chevy Truck Emblems: A Step-By-Step Guide

Classic Industries offers a wide selection of exterior emblems for the 1957 Chevrolet Truck, including front, fender, grill, hood, quarter panel, and rear emblems. Before painting the emblems, it is important to prepare the surface by masking off the emblem and covering the surrounding area to protect it from paint. Very fine sanding can also be done to help the paint adhere better to the smooth surface. Once the surface is prepared, you can choose from a variety of paint colours and techniques, such as spraying, to achieve the desired look for your 1957 Chevrolet Truck emblems and lettering.

Emblem preparation: mask off the emblem, cover with paper, and sand for paint adhesion

Emblem preparation is a crucial step in the painting process, especially when dealing with a classic truck like the 1957 Chev. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the emblem for a high-quality finish:

Masking Off the Emblem: Start by carefully masking off the emblem using painter's tape. This step is important to ensure that only the desired areas are painted, and the emblem's edges are protected. Take your time with this step to avoid paint bleeding onto unwanted areas.

Covering with Paper: The next step is to cover the surrounding areas of the emblem with paper. This is similar to the process of masking, but it provides an extra layer of protection. Use a brown paper that can easily be taped down to cover the frontend of the truck, including the grille and any surrounding chrome accents. This may take extra time, but it ensures a cleaner paint job.

Sanding for Paint Adhesion: Before painting, it's essential to create a surface that the paint can properly adhere to. Using very fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the emblem. This process creates a slightly rough texture, allowing the paint to "bite" onto the smooth surface. Be careful not to over-sand, as you only want to create a very light key for the paint.

After completing these steps, you'll have an emblem that is ready for painting. Remember, taking your time with the preparation process will pay off when it comes to the final finish. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear the appropriate protective gear, including respirators and safety goggles.

With the emblem masked off, covered, and sanded, you can now move on to the painting stage, choosing the right paint and application technique for your desired outcome.

Emblem painting: spray paint the emblem your desired colour

Emblem painting can be a simple process, but it is important to take your time to ensure a quality finish. The first step is to prepare the emblem for painting. This can be done by masking off the emblem and covering the surrounding area with brown paper. This will protect the areas you don't want to be painted.

Next, you will need to sand the emblem. This step is important as it helps the paint adhere to the surface. Use a very fine sandpaper for this step to create a smooth surface for the paint to stick to. Once you have finished sanding, it is time to choose your paint. Select a spray paint in your desired colour that is suitable for use on metal surfaces.

Before you start painting, it is a good idea to do a test spray on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for the spray pattern and coverage of the paint. Once you are ready to begin, hold the can about 10 inches away from the surface and start spraying with slow, even strokes. It is usually best to apply several light coats of paint rather than one heavy coat, as this will help to avoid drips and ensure a smooth finish.

After you have applied the final coat of paint, allow the emblem to dry thoroughly. This may take several hours, depending on the type of paint you have used. Once it is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape and brown paper. Now you can admire your handiwork!

Emblem reattachment: use double-sided sticky tape or closed-cell foam tape

Emblem reattachment is a crucial step in restoring the iconic look of a 1957 Chevy truck. When it comes to securing emblems, double-sided sticky tape and closed-cell foam tape are two popular options. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve a secure and aesthetically pleasing result:

Preparation is Key: Before reattaching the emblems, it's essential to ensure that the surface is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or residue. Use a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol to clean the area, creating a pristine base for the tape.

Double-Sided Sticky Tape: Double-sided tape is a reliable option for emblem reattachment. Look for automotive-grade double-sided tape, such as the 3M brand, which offers thin emblem tape that securely bonds emblems to automotive surfaces. This tape is designed to provide a strong and long-lasting hold. When using double-sided tape, ensure the surface is dry and follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal adhesion.

Closed-Cell Foam Tape: Closed-cell foam tape is another excellent choice for emblem reattachment. This type of tape is made from a durable foam material that provides a secure bond. Closed-cell foam tape is known for its ability to seal and fill gaps, ensuring a snug fit for your emblems. It is often available in automotive supply stores and can provide a discreet yet robust attachment method.

Precision Application: When using either type of tape, precision is key. Carefully measure and cut the tape to fit the size and shape of your emblems. Ensure the tape is firmly pressed onto the emblem and the vehicle surface, creating a strong bond. Take your time during this process to achieve a seamless finish.

Maintenance and Care: To ensure the longevity of your emblem reattachment, it's important to maintain your truck's finish. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or polishes near the emblems, as they may damage the tape's adhesion. Regularly inspect the emblems to ensure they remain securely attached, and if any tape is exposed, carefully trim it for a neat appearance.

By following these steps and choosing the right adhesive tape, you can confidently reattach the emblems on your 1957 Chevy truck, enhancing its classic style and ensuring the emblems remain securely in place for the long haul.

Emblem kits: purchase reproduction emblem kits for Chevrolet trucks

If you're looking to restore a classic Chevrolet truck, emblem kits can help you achieve an authentic look. Classic Industries offers a wide selection of reproduction emblem kits for Chevrolet trucks, enabling you to maintain originality while replacing cracked or missing emblems. These kits are designed to replicate the original emblems in terms of both fitment and appearance.

For example, you can purchase reproduction "Cheyenne" emblems for the 1973-79 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, which mount to the quarter panel. These emblems are manufactured from quality die-cast metal, chrome-plated, and painted with the correct coloured accents. Similarly, reproduction "Cheyenne 30" emblem sets are available for the 1981-86 Chevrolet C30/K30 and 1987-88 R30/V30 pickup models. These emblems are also injection-molded plastic, chrome-plated, and painted with the correct accents.

Classic Industries also offers reproduction grill Bow Tie emblems for various Chevrolet truck models from 1971 to 1994. These emblems feature polished chrome plating with a blue, yellow, or gold centre and black accents, replicating the original design. For the 1968 Chevelle and El Camino Super Sport models, a reproduction of the original "SS 396" front grill emblem is available, manufactured from zinc die-cast metal.

In addition to the exterior emblems, Chevrolet Truck Emblem Kits include fender, front, hood, quarter panel, and rear emblems. For instance, you can find a four-piece fender emblem set for the 1956 Chevy Truck "Chevrolet 3100", which replaces the original GM part numbers. Summit Racing is another source for Chevrolet emblems, offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Emblem removal: carefully remove the emblem before painting for an easier job

Before you begin, check if there are locating holes in the metal, so you don't remove badges only to find holes or indentations. Emblems or badges can be attached in a few ways. Most are held in place by a strong adhesive, but some are secured from the inside via a hole in the body of the vehicle.

To remove an emblem from a car body safely, you'll need to loosen and cut through some of the adhesive. Start by pouring hot water over it to soften the glue. Alternatively, try spraying the emblem with an adhesive remover or warming it with a hair dryer, which will make it easier to remove. Once you’ve weakened the adhesive, slide a plastic wedge or a credit card between the body of the car and the emblem and try to pry it off from multiple angles. You can also use dental floss or fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive attaching the emblem to your car.

After removing the emblem, peel off any excess adhesive. Then, use a product like Goo Gone on a rag to remove any remaining adhesive. You will have to polish out and remove any ghosting. Wash and wax the paint once the emblem has been removed to protect the newly exposed paint from the elements. Apply wax in a circular motion, ensuring you cover any part of the paint that the adhesive remover was sprayed onto or may have dripped on.

Frequently asked questions