Inspired by this post, http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=41201.0 , I ordered a set of the emblems from my local dealer. Parts were readily available and they arrived yesterday.
Pic of emblems I plan on installing
Back side of emblems
Removed front emblem and installed new one which went on with no problems
Closeup of front emblem
Full front pic of front emblem
The rear emblems were a bit more involved. Unfortunately I dont have pics of all the steps in install but the basic gist was as follows.
1) Using heat gun/blow dryer heat up the circular Mazda flying M emblem and peel back carefully.
2) Mazda lettering on left is held on with 3 pins peel back and away it goes.
3) Remove glue residue from emblem areas.
4) Remove 3 inserts where the pins went on the Mazda lettering.
5) Buff area to remove any leftover glue residue and clean for install.
6) I used a strip of tape to mark a level line accross the bottom of the hatch lining up with the bottom of the Axela badge.
7) Remove interior trim panel from hatch door allowing access to the rear of the metal part of the hatch. use tape to tape the holes shut from behind and to give you a surface for the silicone to adhere to.
8) Use clear RTV silicone to seal holes left from the emblems removal.
9) Peel 3m tape backing off Mazda lettering and carefully line up so lettering covers the 3 holes left over from old emblem removal.
10)Take the new smaller Flying M emblem and use a wire cutter/exacto knife/raser blade to cut 1 of the 2 alignment pins from the back of the emblem.See pic for reference. (I cut the left side one off)
11) Use 3M tape on the rear of the flying M emblem. Recommend 2 layers so it will be flush with the badge edge.
12) use heat gun (wear gloves to avoid burning yourself) to heat up the flying M emblem so you can mold it to your cars curve. I used the right side alignment pin, on the back of the emblem that I didnt clip off, in the right side hole in the body to help align the badge. Alternate heating the badge and bending it till it molds itsself to the cars shape.
13)Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
Rear view both emblems.
Closeup of Flying M emblem
Closeup of Mazda emblem.
Now I have to find blackchrome spray for the axela emblem....
Pic of emblems I plan on installing
Back side of emblems
Removed front emblem and installed new one which went on with no problems
Closeup of front emblem
Full front pic of front emblem
The rear emblems were a bit more involved. Unfortunately I dont have pics of all the steps in install but the basic gist was as follows.
1) Using heat gun/blow dryer heat up the circular Mazda flying M emblem and peel back carefully.
2) Mazda lettering on left is held on with 3 pins peel back and away it goes.
3) Remove glue residue from emblem areas.
4) Remove 3 inserts where the pins went on the Mazda lettering.
5) Buff area to remove any leftover glue residue and clean for install.
6) I used a strip of tape to mark a level line accross the bottom of the hatch lining up with the bottom of the Axela badge.
7) Remove interior trim panel from hatch door allowing access to the rear of the metal part of the hatch. use tape to tape the holes shut from behind and to give you a surface for the silicone to adhere to.
8) Use clear RTV silicone to seal holes left from the emblems removal.
9) Peel 3m tape backing off Mazda lettering and carefully line up so lettering covers the 3 holes left over from old emblem removal.
10)Take the new smaller Flying M emblem and use a wire cutter/exacto knife/raser blade to cut 1 of the 2 alignment pins from the back of the emblem.See pic for reference. (I cut the left side one off)
11) Use 3M tape on the rear of the flying M emblem. Recommend 2 layers so it will be flush with the badge edge.
12) use heat gun (wear gloves to avoid burning yourself) to heat up the flying M emblem so you can mold it to your cars curve. I used the right side alignment pin, on the back of the emblem that I didnt clip off, in the right side hole in the body to help align the badge. Alternate heating the badge and bending it till it molds itsself to the cars shape.
13)Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
Rear view both emblems.
Closeup of Flying M emblem
Closeup of Mazda emblem.
Now I have to find blackchrome spray for the axela emblem....
