Topic: Tank Badges - Any tips?

[martini]

I just received new tank badges for my 750k0. I'm going to install them tonight hopefully and I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for removing the old badges without damaging the paint and installing the new ones. I understand these can sometimes be tricky to remove and install?

Any tips greatly appreciated.

[Bob Wessner]

My suggestion would be to use some masking tape above and below the old badges and get it snug to the badge. I used a table knife (not that sharp and now point) inserted under the badge. I think the pins are near the "O' and the "D" and pry it off carefully.

When I put my new ones on, they were straight, as in no contour curve, so if yours are the same, you have to pre-shape them a bit. I also used some double sided trim tape from an auto parts place to hold them on. Just inserting the pins from the new badges into the holes probably will not hold.

[techy5025]

One problem may be the two small inserts that go into the metal piece on the side of the tank to hold the badges in place. In my case they fell apart when I prized out the old badges. As I recall, they are made of a very thin metal that, over the years, rusts and falls apart.

The badges themselves should come out easily if you use two thin flat screwdrivers....one above and one below each end of the badges....swapping ends as they come out in small increments. Prize in line with where the pins are on the back of the badge. As Bob says, use painters tape to protect the paint.

The inserts are still available. I think I got my replacements from the Dutch guys. Four are required for both sides of the tank.

Jim

[martini]

Thank you gentlemen, much appreciated.

Bob - you used a two way tape, in addition to the pins?

[Bob Wessner]

Bob - you used a two way tape, in addition to the pins?

Yes, paid too much for mine to risk having them fall off.

[angeldeville]

two pieces of dental floss from either end, and tug each side gently until the come off.

the little metal wigits can be purchased, new for a couple $$ each.

Please don't be one of the PO's that uses double sided tape.... please....

[Bob Wessner]

Please don't be one of the PO's that uses double sided tape.... please....

Why not?

[angeldeville]

Please don't be one of the PO's that uses double sided tape.... please....

Why not?

If the badges need to be removed again you risk bending them, or damaging the tank, trying to get em off.

The tape retains water, water = rust

for $10 or $12, you can purchase new retainers, and the retainers have worked for 30+ years.

[Bob Wessner]

Please don't be one of the PO's that uses double sided tape.... please....

Why not?

If the badges need to be removed again you risk bending them, or damaging the tank, trying to get em off.

The tape retains water, water = rust

for $10 or $12, you can purchase new retainers, and the retainers have worked for 30+ years.

Good points.

[mcpuffett]

I used some bathroom sealant on the back of my tank badges to hold them on  , cheers mick.

[BobbyR]

If you have some 30lb test fishing line that will cut through most stuff and leave the paint alone. Wrap the line around wood or whatever and use that to pull on rather than cut your fingers. I am sure you already knew that.

[oldfordguy]

I found little metal "push nut" retainers that would work at my local Ace hardware store, for like 30 cents apiece.

[martini]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I installed them last night and I must say it was probably the eaiest thing I've had to do on that bike. They pried off super easy, clips remained in place, pushed the new ones on, they shaped to the tank real easy. Bobs you uncle - whole process took 15 minutes. The new badges look real purty too!