Hand Made Badge Replacement

[SpiderJim]

Here is a prototype sample of the trunk badge I just quickly cobbled together off my 81 Fi Spider. The original was all faded and looked very cheap. My 80 badges also look cheap and tinny. So having a lot of experience with model and mold making I have decided to explore making low quantity runs of various badges, wheel inserts, horn buttons and other plastic and rubber bits that are in many cases cheap looking from the OEM. My goal is to achieve a really hi quality classic look similar to a buggatti or ferrari type badging that have a depth of color and feel about them and not the tin punched out look of the original. The sample shown does not have anywhere near the detail or color depth of a final product. I plan on making the logo background in metal pearl with silver and or gold raised 3-D lettering that will be encased in liquid glass with the main wreath in any metallic finish desired from copper, silver to gold.

TO VIEW DIFFERENT COLOR AND DESIGN SCHEMES GO HERE!!!!!............. http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#100170

The first RED example pic is a terrible reproduction but was made for a proof of concept only. And yes I know the letters are crooked and the wreath detail is low etc.


From the red one to the blue one... getting close to what I want in a good looking badge.

[mdrburchette]

That's very interesting, Jim. I know there's a need for the rubber moldings that go around taillamps. I have also had a hard time finding the rubber piece that goes on top the "B" pillar.

[radiopilot]

That looks great, the details would be needing to be enhanced more but you'll get there...

I removed and repainted with enamel paints the badges on both mine and my son's spiders... my son's badges were silver tin/aluminum color and my badges were the brass/copper colored... why the difference?

Anyway after careful painting and drying, I covered the whole thing in clear UV resistant epoxy, I masked the ring of wreath so they weren't covered in epoxy... polished them and now they look like new badges...

Pics later...

Nick

[SpiderJim]

Would love to see pics of restored badges. I just do not like the flat uninteresting look of the original lettering. Yes, the detail is crap but not bad for an hours effort. Once I make the hi resolution molds the detail will be awesome. I will also be able knock out quite a few at a time for low price. I was also thinking of suspending a fiat logo or something like that in a clear resin for a paper weight or similar. I'm currently recovering from an hernia operation so can not do any heavy work on my spiders for a couple of months so this is what I've been up to instead. I must be bored to death "laugh"

[mbouse]

Jim,

any chance you could make some custom badges with alternate color backgrounds? blue is what i am thinking.

[SpiderJim]

Mike... yes to blue. My intent is to get the quality really high and rich looking for around the same price as OEM sells for. Currently have some test subjects hardening as I type. I also intend to do badges to order for a small extra fee. Example maybe the blue metallic background with fine gold sparkles and raised lettering. Maybe the wreath done in clear with a lite tint or again a sparkle enhancement with a solid insert lettering flat or raised based on the customers order. Will have a couple of test subject pics tomorrow.

[SpiderJim]

That's very interesting, Jim. I know there's a need for the rubber moldings that go around taillamps. I have also had a hard time finding the rubber piece that goes on top the "B" pillar.

Post a pic of it. In the future I will also do custom reproductions if I can get the original to work from.

[SpiderJim]

See pics of 3-D cast text on metallic back drop. Again these are just freeform color test castings that are low in quality and detail. Colors are vibrant and reflective. Will begin machining molds for text and wreath today. Yes I know the text characters are not perfectly lined up nor finished as yet. However, I'm perfectly happy with the quality look of the original that the camera cannot pick up. Note the speckle added to the far right test area.

[manoa matt]

That last picture looks great, nice work. When do the Abarth badges come out?

[SpiderJim]

Jim,

any chance you could make some custom badges with alternate color backgrounds? blue is what i am thinking.

Mike Just done a new mold today so tomorrow will cast a blue back drop for you to see. If you have something in mind mail me a pic of it.




How is this one done in blue flake for now. Could do just a flat metal blue also. Have not inserted the liquid glass as yet so looks a bit plain. A few days maybe chrome letters.

[SpiderJim]

That last picture looks great, nice work. When do the Abarth badges come out?

PM me a pic and will let you know. Several around so not sure of the specific one your thinking of.

[SpiderJim]

Would this be a good thing? I was thinking of forming a sheet magnet to cover the back of the badges to do away with the mounting pins that penetrate the body panels. This would allow for quick and simple removal for wash and wax days then dry and polish and just place the badge back again. Saves from getting wax residue in the fine details which are a pain to clean out. Any merit in this?

[Seajunkie]

These look really cool. I somehow missed this thread. I would be afraid of the magnetic ones coming off or someone taking them in a parking lot. I think they would look great as center caps.

[azygoustoyou]

Hi spiderjim,
these look cool. could you make one to fit into the circle of the gas cap?

[SpiderJim]

Hi spiderjim,
these look cool. could you make one to fit into the circle of the gas cap?

Yes, I have made the machined text and logos already along with the other major parts. Good idea that would look really cool and unique! Any other ideas? I'll do that for mine for my spare gas I carry when driving through the desert. Be great showing in the trunk in a concourse. PM me if you want further info or discuss more.