DIY Red Type-R Style Emblem Conversion Using Outdoor Vinyl
Introduction
This budget alternative recreates the look of a red Type-R badge without paying the high price of genuine emblems, which can run well over $100 a set and are a known theft target. Instead of buying new badges, you reface the car's existing Honda emblems by wrapping the visible face in weatherproof colored vinyl, so the metal tabs and mounting points stay original and the badges bolt straight back on. The technique covers both the front and rear emblems; the rear badge is the simpler of the two and is a good place to practice before doing the front, which needs a thin plastic backer to hold its shape. Expect to spend only a few dollars on the vinyl and adhesive remover if you already own basic cutting tools. Adapted from a community writeup by tonyli on Club RSX (https://www.clubrsx.com/threads/diy-cheapest-red-emblem-mod-may-be.864540/), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- Goo Gone or similar adhesive remover
- Sharp scissors
- X-Acto or hobby craft knife
- Utility knife / box cutter
- Scrap cardboard (from packaging)
Parts Required
-
Outdoor-grade vinyl sticker, red carbon-fiber or color of choice, at least 6 in x 4 in
-
3M double-sided mounting tape
-
Thin clear plastic sheet (packaging box or folder cover offcut)
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Colored vinyl fades over time on a car parked outdoors; the original poster reported red vinyl drifting toward pink and planned to switch to spray paint. Expect to redo or repaint the badges after prolonged sun exposure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Remove both emblems from the car
Detach the front and rear badges from the body. Work carefully so the mounting tabs on the back of each emblem stay intact, as they anchor the badge when it goes back on. Set both emblems aside on a clean work surface.
2 Clean the old adhesive residue
Apply Goo Gone to any tape or glue left on the back of the rear emblem and on the body where the badge sat, then wipe until the surfaces are clean and smooth. A residue-free tab makes the new mounting tape bond properly later.
3 Mark the tab holes on the vinyl (rear emblem)
Lay the emblem face-down and press its rear mounting tabs through the vinyl sheet so they pierce two locating holes. These punched holes register the badge to the vinyl and show exactly where the tabs will pass through on reassembly. Begin with the rear emblem, which is the easier shape.
4 Cut the vinyl to the emblem outline
Rest the emblem near the edge of the table so the rear tabs hang clear and are not stressed while you press down. Trace the badge outline with the utility knife to release the colored piece, then refine the edge with scissors until the vinyl sits flush against the emblem face with no overhang.
5 Tape the back and clear the H recess
Apply 3M double-sided tape across the rear of the emblem for remounting. Then use the X-Acto knife to open up the negative space inside the H letterform, removing vinyl and tape from the recesses. Because the tape is aggressive, cut and peel in repeated shallow passes rather than one deep stroke, and tidy stray tape with scissors. To protect the tabs during this trimming, push them through a piece of scrap cardboard and cut against that instead of a bare surface.
6 Prepare a plastic backer for the front emblem
The front badge needs a rigid face, so cut a small piece of thin clear plastic sized to the front emblem. Punch the front emblem's tabs through this plastic piece and trim it with the utility knife so it matches the badge footprint.
7 Wrap the front emblem
Peel a vinyl piece and lay the trimmed plastic backer onto its adhesive side, then fold and wrap the vinyl around the plastic so the colored face is smooth and taut. This gives the front badge a clean, wrinkle-free red surface.
8 Reinstall both emblems
Fit the finished front piece back onto the emblem, pushing the tabs through the vinyl so they can seat in the body. Mount both refaced badges to the car using the fresh 3M tape, aligning the tabs with their holes. Press firmly and hold to let the adhesive grip.
Pro Tips
- 💡 Choose an outdoor/exterior-rated vinyl; standard indoor sticker stock will not survive weather.
- 💡 If you already own the cutting tools, the only cost is the vinyl and adhesive remover, roughly a few dollars total.
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