How to safely remove emblems?
 

I am going to be prepping and painting my '72 GMC sometime this summer and want to know how I can remove the emblems on the hood and fenders, it looks near impossible. Are they generally savable? Or is it generally a lost cause?

Thank you.
:gmc2:

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

Most have studs with little 3/8” speed nuts on the back. Usually you can take off the nuts and gently pry the emblem off with a thin screwdriver from the outside. The ones on the fenders are very difficult (if not impossible) to remove with the fenders on the truck.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

They can definitely be saved. They're metal, and as mentioned, they are bolted on. You just need to get to the back side of them to remove them.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

The trouble I have run into is that the stud will often break off when trying to unscrew the speed nut. There's not much you can do about it except go slow and if it resists, work it back and forth (clockwise - counterclockwise a bit at a time, repeat) to loosen up the crud and corrosion and hope it eventually spins off.

I suggest using a 1/4" ratchet & 6-point socket on them. And, for the suborn ones...some dishwashing liquid as a lubricant. WD can be used, but oils may give you fits when it's time to paint. The soap will wash off much easier than oils.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

Ok, it sounds like its gonna be hit or miss. I was also worried about the lubricant sticking around for the paint party....
Thanks ya'll.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

My 72 was pretty rusty when I purchased it and probably never garaged by the looks of it. I was able to get all the emblems off but one of the rectangular "8 350" emblems. That one broke a stud. It was the one that lived by the battery on the front fender. I think you'll do fine, but there's only one way to find out...good luck.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

WD-40 eventually evaporates, doesn't take very long. Use it, without doubt. Go slow as others advise.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

As others have take your time and work the nuts off slowly. 1/4" drive and six point deep socket works best. Clean off the studs the best you can. Work the nut on and off slowly and they will come off. Use soap where required. Got all my emblems off with no major issues. Patience is the key.

Re: How to safely remove emblems?
 

work the nuts off, the same as tapping a hole,
a little forward, and little back, slowly turning the nut off.